School for Dutch

The School for Dutch has taught Dutch in Amsterdam for over three decades, now based in De Pijp neighborhood. Director Wessel van der Heijden brings a theater background to the teaching methodology, which emphasizes speaking and rhythm over textbook memorization. The school calls its approach "Dutch the natural way," focusing on getting students to actually talk from the first lesson rather than drilling grammar rules in isolation. Courses progress through three main levels: Survival (A1-A2), Small Talk (A2), and Conversation (B1). Each course runs as a series of 10 lessons at 1.5 hours each, meeting once weekly. The curriculum embeds vocabulary and grammar within dialogues and interviews, with students working in pairs and threes to maximize speaking time. An online practice system helps reinforce grammar concepts between lessons. The school also offers private lessons for individuals and couples, plus in-company training for Amsterdam-area businesses.