Our curriculum covers the needs of Dutch expatriate students (who are enrolled in the American School System) with supplemental Dutch language instruction, keeping them current on Dutch language requirements as taught at schools in the Netherlands. This ensures that these students can more easily return into the Dutch school system upon repatriation back to the Netherlands.    

In addition, we have a large group of students from families who are permanent residents of the greater San Francisco Bay area and who want their children to learn Dutch as a second language, as well as, enhance their overall knowledge of the Dutch culture.

Our teachers are accredited native Dutch speakers with work experience in the Netherlands. We use methods and materials imported from the Netherlands such as  “the Reading Key” (de Leessleutel) and “Language Active” (Taal Actief).

During the lessons we focus on developing and improving Dutch vocabulary, speech, reading ability and writing skills (spelling & grammar). Our teachers combine class-room language instruction with learning games, Dutch music & songs, drama (roleplay), arts & crafts and cooking (ranging from making Dutch delicacies from scratch to putting together an entire "Rijsttafel"): all in an effort to more closely experience Dutch language and culture.

DSSV strives to cater to the individual developmental needs of each student. We test our students on a regular basis to track their progress. Accordingly, the teachers can adjust the curriculum based on the outcome of the tests. 

Dutch School Silicon Valley also organizes cultural events. They range from: a “Sinterklaas Feest” and a “Koninginnedag Feest” to smaller events such as, ice-skating and Dutch movie nights. 

The school maintains an extensive library offering a broad range of materials to help students improve their reading and comprehension skills at the beginner, intermediate and advanced level.  Students are able to sign-out Books, Comics, Computer-games, CDs, Videos and DVD’s.

Classes are conducted Monday through Thursday and on Saturday. Each group meets once a week for a two and a half-hour classroom instruction. Weekday classes in Palo Alto and San Jose start at 3:45 PM until 6:15 PM.  In San Francisco : 3.30 PM to 6 PM.  In Berkeley: 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Saturday classes in Palo Alto start at 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM; and from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.

We make every effort to group the students according to their age, their grade level and their knowledge of the Dutch language.