For the first time to elementary school: this is how it work
Will your child soon to be 2 year? Then the time has come to see which elementary school best fits. You register your child around the third birthday. Children may attend school from the age of four.
When your child is about 2 ½ years old, you will receive a letter from the municipality about the application procedure that almost all elementary school in Zoetermeer use: 'Zo naar de basisschool'. This gives your child and other children equal opportunities to be placed at the first preferred school.
On this website you will read:
- What the application process means
- what application periods there are
- How the available places at the schools are distributed
- and how to register your child.
Watch the video
Frequently Asked Questions
1I have filled out the application form.
When will I be notified?
After sending the application form you will automatically receive a confirmation by e-mail.
Within six weeks after the application period closes, you will receive notification from the school where your child will be placed.
You will receive a confirmation from the elementary school you applied to first.
You will also be asked to check your details and confirm your application.
2When does a school lottery take place and how does it work?
After the priority rules are applied, a school lottery takes place.
For the children who are drawn, we will see if they can be placed at the second (and if necessary) third school.
During the draw (a parent or staff member serving on the school's participation council) is present.
3What are the priority rules?
If there are more applications than available places, the school applies priority rules.
This means that children are given priority if: - they have a sibling, half-brother or half-sister, or step-brother or step-sister at the same school; - they attend a daycare in the same building.
Examples are nursery, preschool or play language center.