In celebration of Month of the Military Child, military policemen assigned to U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, talked to children about what it is like to be a military policeman during a special visit to the Child Development Center in Brussels, April 17, 2019. Army Staff Sgt. Sean Marshall, a military policeman, talks to the children about how a police officer protects the community and keeps people safe. (U.S. Army photo by Jessica Ryan)

Gearing up for a new school year

By USAG Benelux Public Affairs

USAG BENELUX - BRUNSSUM, Netherlands – Summer break is coming to a close and families in the Benelux community are turning their focus to back-to-school planning. For most U.S. children in the Benelux community, the first day of school is just around the corner. Preparing for that first day can seem daunting, especially as a newcomer, but it doesn’t have to be.

Resources abound for registering your child, coordinating their bus stop, gathering school supplies, and setting up meal accounts. Front offices are open and welcome parents to ask questions. School Liaison Officers (SLO) in each community are also ready to help as needed.

We've gathered information for schools in the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux footprint to aid in a smooth start.

The information listed below is evolving and may not be fully comprehensive. For additional details, please contact your SLO or the front office at each school.

AFNORTH International School

Starting Dates

  • American Elementary School – August 15
  • American Middle/High School – August 15
  • American Pre-Kindergarten – August 22

School Orientation/Events

  • American Elementary School
    • Orientation - August 10 at 11 a.m. at the AFNorth Cafeteria
    • Sneak Peak (parents and students can view their classroom) - August 12 at 3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
  • American Middle/High School
    • Orientation - August 10 at 10 a.m. at the AFNorth Cafeteria
  • PTA Back to School Bash - August 12 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the JFC Sports Complex
  • Youth Center Back to School Bash - August 26 from 5:30 - 9 p.m. at JFC Brunssum BLDG. H-602*
    (*Must be registered with Child and Youth Services. Call +31 45-534-0267)

Bus/Transportation

[TIP: Upon your arrival, check with bus office before selecting a home to ensure it has an approved bus stop route. Call the bus office and give them the address to ensure it is on the list.]

School Lunch

Hot lunch provided with various international selections as well as vegetarian. Learn more about lunch menus, registration guidelines and how to add funds to the card.

  • American Elementary School – 3.55 Euro per meal
    • Pre-K and Kindergarten classes eat in their classrooms
    • Grades 1-5 eat in the school cafeteria
  • American Middle/High School – 4.05 Euro per meal
    • All grades eat in the school cafeteria

School-specific Supply Lists

School Contact Information

Brussels American School

Starting Date

  • Brussels American School – August 22
  • Kindergarten – August 23

School Orientation/Events

  • New Family Orientation – August 18 at 2 p.m. in the multi-purpose room
  • Welcome Back Orientation – August 19 at 9 a.m. in the multi-purpose room

School Contact Information

Dülmen School Information

For families in the Dülmen area, please contact the Non-DoD Schools Program in Germany

SHAPE International School

Combined School Calendar* (bottom right side of page)
*school-specific calendars also available

Starting Dates

  • American Elementary School – August 16
  • American Middle School – August 16
  • American High School – August 16
  • American Kindergarten and PDSC (special needs pre-school) - August 23

School Orientation/Events

  • American Elementary School
    • Orientation (1st – 5th Grade) - August 10 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the school cafeteria
    • Orientation (1st – 5th Grade) - August 11 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria
    • “Sneak-A-Peek" (all grades) - August 15 from 3 – 4 p.m.
      • Meet teachers, find classrooms, drop off supplies, etc.
  • American Middle School
    • PTSO School Store Open – August 8-12 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
    • Sneak Peak – August 15 from 2:30-3:30 p.m., Bldg. 750A. Parking at Carrefour
  • American High School
    • Orientation – August 12 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the main lobby

Bus/Transportation

[TIP: Upon your arrival, check with bus office before selecting a home to ensure it has an approved bus stop route. Call the bus office and give them the address to ensure it is on the list.]

  • Bus Registration
    • Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. in Bldg. 717 (located between SHAPE Elementary School and the British School) using the side entrance.
    • Phone: +32 (0) 65 44 40 13
    • Registration requirements (Active Duty sponsor)
      • Sponsor's SHAPE ID
      • Student's passport or birth certificate
      • Address for pick up/drop off
    • Registration requirements (Civilian sponsor):
      • Sponsor's Certificate of Assignment
      • Sponsor's SHAPE ID
      • Student's passport or birth certificate
      • Address for pick up/drop off
  • General Bus Guidance
  • SHAPE-specific Information

School-specific Supply Lists

Contact Information