A2 is usually a workable starting point for everyday contact with a Flemish school: short emails, appointments, and simple conversations at the gate. It is not a guarantee for longer meetings about learning support or behaviour, where B1 gives you more room. The harder problem is finding a course that actually teaches school language, because most general NT2 courses do not focus on it.
What school Dutch at A2 actually covers
At A2 you can read a short note from the teacher, write a brief message about an absence, understand the main point of a simple phone call, and ask basic questions in a parent meeting. You will struggle with written reports, formal letters from the school board, and meetings where several people speak quickly.
If your goal is inburgering, note that the standard route under the 2021 Civic Integration Act is B1, with exams in reading, listening, writing and speaking plus KNM. A municipality can allow A2 after substantial effort, and older obligations used A2. For naturalisation the language requirement is A2 in 2026, with a move to B1 planned but no confirmed start date. Check the official source for your own case.
Where to get routed to a course
Most adults in Flanders do not enrol directly. They go through an intake that places them in an NT2 course at the right level.
Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering is the Flemish agency for integration and civic integration, with around 70 locations across Flanders. It routes adults to NT2 courses and inburgering trajectories. It fits parents who want one intake and a clear next step. It is less useful if you already know your level and want a specific school-communication course, since routing is general.
Atlas Antwerpen (Agentschap) does the same job for Antwerp specifically, independently of the Flemish agency. If you live in Antwerp, this is often the shortest route to a course place. If you live elsewhere in Flanders, it is not for you.
Huis van het Nederlands Brussel handles intake and routing for adults in Brussels, matching learners to a CVO or integration course. Parents in Brussels who commute or whose child attends school there should start here. It does not cover Flanders outside Brussels.
Courses and tests that are not aimed at parents
Some options in our listings are general or exam-focused. They are worth knowing about, but none is built around parent-school communication.
VDAB Taaltest Nederlands is a standardised placement and proficiency test for job seekers and workers. It can tell you your level before you choose a course, which is useful if you are unsure whether you are at A2 or B1. It is a test, not a course, and it is aimed at work rather than school contact.
CNaVT PTHS is a B1 profile certificate for Dutch required for Flemish higher secondary education pathways. It matters if you are enrolling in a Dutch-language secondary programme yourself, not for talking to your child's teacher.
CNaVT PTHO is the B2 profile certificate for admission to Flemish higher education. Again, it is for your own study plans, not for parent communication.
ITNA is an interuniversity test at B2 and C1 used for Flemish university admission and exemptions. It is only relevant if you plan to study at a Flemish university.
University of Michigan - Dutch Language is a minor in Dutch Language and Culture in Ann Arbor, from beginner to advanced, including Flemish culture. It is a full academic programme abroad and not a practical option for a parent living in Flanders.
Comparing the realistic options
| Option | Type | Levels | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering | Government | A0 to B2 | Online and in person | Parents anywhere in Flanders who want one intake and a route to a course |
| Atlas Antwerpen (Agentschap) | Government | A0 to B1 | Online and in person | Parents living in Antwerp |
| Huis van het Nederlands Brussel | Government | A0 to C1 | Online and in person | Parents in Brussels |
| VDAB Taaltest Nederlands | Exam | A1 to B2 | Online and in person | Checking your level before choosing a course |
| CNaVT PTHS | Exam | B1 | Online and in person | Your own secondary education enrolment |
Fit scores in our listings run from 80/100 to 84/100 for these options. They are editorial judgements about how well each option matches a general learner, not a measure of teaching quality.
How to get school language into your course
Routing services place you in a general course. The school-specific part is something you usually have to ask for.
Ask the provider directly whether the course includes themes such as parents and school, reading school letters, or parent meetings. Ask whether you can bring real school documents to class. Many teachers will work with your own material if you raise it early.
If you are between A2 and B1, say so at intake. A course pitched slightly above your level, with school vocabulary added, is often more useful than a comfortable A2 course that never touches school topics. For exam preparation later, see NT2 prep. For background on inburgering, see inburgering.
If you prefer one-to-one work on school language, a tutor can focus entirely on your school's letters and meeting formats. Browse Dutch tutors. Verified Pro on this site means a tutor with 3,000+ lessons and a 4.9+ rating on their platform.
Practical next steps
Start with the routing service for your region, take the intake, and ask for a course that includes school communication. If you are unsure of your level, take the VDAB test first. Check prices and schedules with each provider, since we do not list them. For other cities, see cities, and for the full map, see directory. The path finder can help you narrow the choice.
How we know this: the options come from The Dutch Directory listings checked on 2026-10-24, and fit scores are editorial, not user ratings.