Ghent is one of the largest cities in Belgium where a child can receive a decent education. The city’s school system offers a variety of educational institutions, state schools and international institutions that cater to expat families. The choice of school in Ghent often depends on language preferences and educational programs, as education is provided here in Flemish (Dutch) and other languages. Parents take into account both the academic program and the atmosphere of the school to ensure the best possible development for their child.
Types of schools in Ghent
The Ghent school system is divided into several categories. Parents can choose between state schools, private institutions and international schools for children from immigrant families. Schools may offer both traditional programs and alternative approaches to learning, such as Montessori or Waldorf .
Types of schools in Ghent:
- Public schools ( Lager onderwijs ). State-funded, they provide quality education in Flemish.
- Private schools: Often have lower student-teacher ratios, specialized programs.
- International schools. Designed for children of expats, where education is conducted in English, taking into account international standards.
- Religious schools. Catholic schools that focus on religious education and traditional educational values.
- Waldorf and other educational institutions that use non-standard approaches to teaching and developing children.
Ghent offers a wide range of educational options to suit your child’s needs and interests. Public schools are widely available, and for expat families, international schools are a good option, offering programs in English and other languages.
Tuition fees and subsidy processing
In Ghent public schools, education is free for children, but small fees may be charged for extra services such as school excursions or materials. Private and international schools may have higher fees. In Ghent international schools, fees range from 10,000 to 30,000 euros per year, depending on the level of education and extra services.
Subsidies may be available to low-income families through the Kind & Gezin system . They help cover the cost of extra tuition or activities. There are also tax breaks for families who pay for private schools.
Analysis of the educational institution
Choosing a school in Ghent is an important step for every family, and it requires careful consideration. Depending on the child’s needs and the educational goals of the parents, the choice of an educational institution can vary significantly. Given the wide range of schools available, from state schools to international and private schools, it is important to explore all available options to find the best match.
Criteria:
- Consider the language environment. Choose a school that offers instruction in a language that is convenient for your family (e.g. Flemish or English).
- Explore educational methods. Explore programs and teaching methods, which may be traditional or alternative (such as Montessori).
- Consider class size. Schools with smaller class sizes can often provide more individual attention to each child.
- Consider location. The convenience of the school’s location relative to your home or work is an important factor.
- Visit the school. Visiting the school and meeting the teachers will help you better appreciate the atmosphere and approach to teaching.
The choice of a school in Ghent should be based on the criteria that are important to your child and family. It is important to consider not only academic indicators, but also how comfortably your child will adapt to the new environment. For this, it is recommended to start choosing and registering as early as possible to have enough time to make an informed decision.
The procedure for registering a child in school
The process of enrolling a child in school in Ghent can seem daunting, especially for families who have just moved to the city. However, with a clear understanding of the steps and requirements, the process becomes more understandable. It is important to remember that in Belgium, the registration system is centralized for most public schools, which helps to distribute students to schools based on various criteria, such as where they live or whether they have siblings in school. Early planning and meeting application deadlines are key to successfully enrolling a child in school.
The enrollment process for school in Ghent involves several steps.
- Consider the school. Decide which school you want to enroll your child in.
- Registration via the city system. For public schools, registration via the Meld portal is required. je aan . Ghent city website – https://meldjeaan.gent.be.
- Submitting an application. Once you have selected a school, submit your application online. You can apply to multiple schools to increase your chances of being accepted.
- Waiting for a decision: Once applications are submitted, the system will determine which school your child will be admitted to based on location and other factors.
- Meeting with the administration. After enrollment, the school will contact you to discuss all necessary documents and conduct an interview.
The process of enrolling a child in a school in Ghent requires attention to detail and compliance with all official procedures. It is important not to miss the application deadlines and register through official platforms. Selecting several schools and applying to them will increase the chances of successful enrollment. After submitting an application, follow up on the next steps and communicate with school representatives to ensure that your child gets a place in the educational institution that best suits their needs and abilities.
Ghent School Rankings
Ghent’s school system offers a variety of schools that regularly receive high marks from both parents and independent rating agencies. The city has both public and private schools, as well as international institutions, allowing families to choose a school based on their educational preferences and the needs of their children. The choice of school largely depends on factors such as the language environment, the teaching approach and academic results.
Popular Schools in Ghent Ranking:
- International School Ghent (ISG). A leading international school renowned for its high quality education and multicultural environment. Address: De Pintelaan 258, 9000 Ghent .
- Freinetschool De Harp . It is focused on individual learning and collaboration between students. Address: Tarbotstraat 61, 9000 Ghent .
- Go! Freinetschool He Trappenhuis . Offers an alternative teaching method with an emphasis on the creative development of children. Address: Baudelokaai 8, 9000 Ghent .
Rating of kindergartens in Ghent, how to register a child Belgian city of Ghent: more interesting facts, history and infrastructure British School in Brussels: history of creation, curricula, tuition fees
Ghent school rankings are based on such indicators as the quality of teaching, parent satisfaction, exam results, and conditions for children’s development. Before choosing a school, it is recommended to read parent reviews and visit several educational institutions in person. An important factor is also the availability of subsidies and additional educational programs, which can play a decisive role in the choice.