International Schools in Germany

There are compelling reasons why you might choose to send your children to one of Germany's many fine international schools.

Many English-speaking expatriates are educating their children at Germany's international schools, and an education at such a school has numerous advantages.

There is, of course, instruction in the native language. And, since the student body is usually quite international, they expose the young people to a variety of cultures. They also do a better job than most German schools of introducing the students to computers, and the program of sports and extracurricular activities is more like what they are accustomed to at home.

Physical plants and facilities are usually quite modern, clean and comfortable, with new equipment more conducive to learning. And the curricula among international schools is uniform, allowing ease of transfer. They usually are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) and offer the International Baccalaureate as well as the American high school diploma and, sometimes, the German Abitur.

The costs may be high, approximating what a US college education commands: as much as €16,000 per high school student per year. Preschool and elementary school grades cost 30 to 50 percent less. Additional costs include transportation, lunches, class trips and various special activities.

Here is a selection of some of the schools.

Bavarian International School

The Bavarian International School (www.bis-school.com) was established in 1990 to offer a full day English language education to children from the international community in the north of Munich.

Set in a green and peaceful park-like environment, the historic mansion known as Schloss Haimhausen has been renovated and adapted into Upper School classrooms and offices. Adjacent modern, purpose-built facilities house Middle and Lower School classrooms, science rooms, a library, a sport hall, and a 510 seat Performing Arts Centre with excellent acoustic, lighting and sound facilities.

The Lower School (Pre-Reception to Grade 5), is authorized to teach the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Maximum class size in Lower School has been set at 20 in Pre-Reception, 22 in Reception, and 24 in grades 1 to 5. Maximum class size for both the Middle School (grades 6-8) and the Upper School (grades 9-12) is 24 students.

BIS has been authorized to administer the IB Diploma Programme since 1995. The school strongly encourages and supports all Upper School students who possess the necessary aptitude and motivation to complete the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12.

One of the things that parents value most about BIS is its friendly, small school feeling, and strong sense of community. In 2006, the school had an enrolment of 650 students representing 42 nationalities, with 40 students in the graduating class. Gradual growth to a maximum enrolment of 800 students will become possible with the completion of a new classroom complex scheduled for December, 2006.

International School of Bremen

The International School of Bremen was founded in 1998 with three pupils. It now has more than 130 students from Grades Pre- K through to 12. It is located in the quiet residential Schwachhausen district, close to the city center. Bremen is a well established city with all modern amenities and a medieval center. It is considered the science center of Germany and hosts two universities.

The mission of the school is to serve the educational needs of families who are internationally mobile or are internationally minded.

Students in the elementary section follow the International Primary Curriculum. Secondary students prepare first for getting the IGCSE at 16 and then study for the International Baccalaureate in Grades 11 and 12. Class size is small and the school prides itself on a calm caring approach to learning.

The school is recognized as an Ersatzschule and is a full member of the Council of International Schools and ECIS. Its website is at: www.isbremen.de/.

International School of Düsseldorf

The International School of Düsseldorf continues to grow, reflecting a finding of the German Government that the Rhein-Ruhr area, centering on Düsseldorf, shows the fastest increase in English-speaking expatriates. Its 34,500 square meter campus is situated near the Rhine in the suburb of Kaiserswerth.

The school enrolls 950 students from 43 nations, and a faculty of 111 from nine counties provides instruction from nursery (age 3) to grades 12/13. Eighty percent of the faculty have degrees beyond the BA. Facilities include three libraries, six science labs, three music rooms, three art rooms, four computer rooms, a 400-seat theater and three cafeterias. The new elementary school building is custom designed and reflects the holistic approach adopted by the school.

Sports and other extra-curricular activities are important too. There are two off-campus athletic fields including a clubhouse. ISD competes internationally within the North European Council of International Schools. In 1995, ISD founded a Sportverein (Sport Association), which has some 25 teams and competes at local level.

ISD has adopted the International Baccalaureate philosophy and curriculum and in addition to being accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization also has the accreditations of the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools andColleges. It also has the vaunted Nordrhein-Westfalen Ministry of Education seal of approval.

German is a requirement, starting in Kindergarten, but instruction is in English. Other languages taught are French, Spanish, Japanese and a large number of mother tongues. A parent association and large team of volunteers enrich ISD's educational efforts and support the new families on their arrival. For full details visit www.isdedu.de .

Frankfurt International School

The Frankfurt International School, founded in 1961, is far and away the largest international school in Germany, with a student population of approx. 1,770 from more than 52 countries. The school also employs 286 faculty and staff from 28 countries, and all teachers have at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.

The school is organized into four school divisions: the Primary Division, the Elementary Division, and the Upper School in Oberursel, and the International School Wiesbaden (ISW) which operates as a branch of FIS at a separate campus in Wiesbaden. The main (Waldlust) campus in Oberursel, about 15 kilometers from downtown Frankfurt, houses the Elementary School starting with grade 2, and the Upper School. The Primary Division, with classes from age three through grade 1, is located on the main campus, in the Hohemark section, separated by woods but merely a five minute walk within the campus to the elementary and upper division.

A new Science, Design and Technology and Performing Arts Centerwill open in the school year 2006-2007. Programs for children aged 3 to 11 (through grade 6) are offered at the ISW campus. FIS is recognized as an allgemeinbildende Ergänzungsschule. The website can be found at www.fis.edu.

Internationale Schule Frankfurt-Rhein-Main

The ISF Internationale Schule Frankfurt-Rhein-Main was jointly founded by the City of Frankfurt, the State of Hesse, the Chamber of Commerce, and several multinational corporations in 1995. ISF provides a high-quality, college-preparatory education, with approximately 1000 students ranging from ages 3 to 19 and Kindergarten through Grades 12 or 13 from 50 different countries.

Managed by SABIS®, an education management organization with over 120 years of experience, ISF is a full-day, private, international school located near the beautiful residential areas of the Taunus hills and is equidistant from Frankfurt and Wiesbaden.

SABIS® teaching and study methods provide targeted and individualized support for each student. Instruction is in English with an emphasis on math and world languages. German, at both native and non-native speaker levels, is taken by every student with French or Spanish starting for students in grade 7.

ISF offers these diploma options to its students: the ISF High School Diploma (12th grade), the ISF High School Diploma with Advanced Placement exams (12th grade), the U.K. AS/A -Level (13th grade), and the International Baccalaureate (12th grade). Students in grades 10 and 11 also are prepared for and sit British IGCSE exams.

An Extended Day Program is offered before school starting at 8:00 a.m. and after school until 6.00 p.m. with a wide range of student activities including sports, arts and crafts, performing arts, community outreach, languages and academics. Third party, door-to-door or point-to-point school transportation services are possible.

ISF Internationale Schule Frankfurt-Rhein-Main is an accredited member of NCA (North Central Association of Colleges and Schools), CITA (Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation). Additionally, ISF is a regular member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), and the Association of German International Schools (AGIS).

For more information about ISF, visit the school's website atwww.isf-net.de.

Munich International School

In 1966 Munich International School (MIS) opened its doors to one hundred and forty students from eight nations. Forty-two years later, 1300 students from around fifty nations and cultures collaborate and learn every day. Teachers from some seventeen nations are part of this broad international experience, coming from countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Kenya, Nigeria, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the United States.

Since moving to the 26 acre site near Lake Starnberg in 1968, MIS has continually expanded. In addition to 'Schloß Buchhof', a 130 year old castle, today's campus combines traditional Bavarian-style buildings with strikingly modern facilities housing spacious classrooms, computer and science laboratories, two libraries, art and music rooms, a cafeteria, three gymnasiums and a 450 seat performing arts center. Outdoor facilities include tennis courts, sports fields, playgrounds, gardens and a nature walk.

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, MIS was one of the first schools authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme. From Early Childhood to Grade 5 transdisciplinary themes guide the development of skills and learning. Intercultural Awareness, Communication and Holistic Learning are the key concepts of the Middle Years Programme in Grades 6 to 10. These foundations are essential to international education and seek to promote students who are aware of themselves and those around them, students who can communicate effectively and who do not seek knowledge for its own sake but rather to become inquiring and lifelong learners. In the final two years, the IB Diploma Programme, students are prepared for higher education. Two guidance counselors encourage career planning to make students aware of the education and skills necessary to pursue lifetime goals. MIS IB Diploma graduates attend some of the finest colleges and universities around the world.

In the belief that students will best benefit from the experience of living in Germany if they are able to communicate effectively and participate in local culture events, MIS offers German language instruction to all students. In order to take advantage of the experience of living in Germany and Europe, there is a wide range of field trips at all school levels. Sports activities such as soccer, skiing, volleyball, basketball, track and field, tennis, cross-country and softball play an important role. MIS competes in several international school competitions and participates in local leagues. Students may also select from a variety of activities in the fine arts, ranging from painting, drawing and ceramics to handicrafts, drama, and dance. There are several School choirs, bands as well as an orchestra. Students participate in the International School Theatre Festival, the Speech and Debate Team, Math Competition as well as other exciting international school tournaments.

Community Service is an extremely vital part of the programme at MIS and is a way in which students from all over the world can work in and with the local community and thereby gain and grow on a personal level through the giving and helping of others. For many years MIS' students, staff members and parents actively participate in fundraising activities for projects in Tanzania, Unicef and other organizations.

Being an international and multicultural community, MIS seeks to develop in young people an active and lasting commitment to international cooperation. The strong MIS community of students, teachers and parents work together closely to fulfill these goals and its mission as an IB World School.

For further information check the school website at www.mis-munich.de.

ISR/Neuss

Internationale Schule am Rhein in Neuss (ISR/Neuss), Germany's newest international school, was established in 2003. Sixty-nine students were on hand at the opening, and an enrollment of 250 is anticipated by 2006.

Neuss, on the left Rhine bank across from DŸsseldorf, was a logical location. Many international firms are represented in the area, with Siemens, 3M and Toshiba right in Neuss. IRS Neuss is a Sabis® system school, like the ISF Frankfurt Rhein Main. It was initiated by the County of Neuss, the City of Neuss, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Central Rhine Region and the international business community.

Its initial physical plant is contained in a modern vocational training center in the Hammfeld district, close to Autobahn 57. It plans to move in Summer 2007 into new facilities to be built on the Konrad-Adenauer-Ring. For now the school has its own separate entrance and grounds.

Grades K-8 are presently being offered (AY 05/06), with grades to be added in sequence year by year until a full high school program is attained. Given adequate demand the schedule will be accelerated. Of particular importance are the extended morning and afternoon supervised activities program from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. available for children whose parents are employed.

For further information check the website at www.internationale-schule.de.

International School of Stuttgart

The International School of Stuttgart was founded in 1985. The school is a private, non-profit institution offering education to students between the ages of three and 18 years. The ISS student body is truly multicultural, with over 500 students from around 30 different nations. The faculty is similarly diversified, with qualified professionals representing 15 nationalities.

The School occupies two modern buildings, an Upper School and a Lower School, and also has a gymnasium, two libraries, a cafeteria and outdoor sports facilities.

ISS has a satellite campus in nearby Sindelfingen, opened in response to a continually increasing demand for places. It catered at first to Kindergarten and first grade students, and plans are to expand the satellite campus by one grade per year.

In the High School, ISS offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, and three-year implementations are now underway for the Baccalaureate Primary Years and Middle Years Programs.

A varied program of extra-curricular activities includes track and field, soccer, swimming, African dance, basketball and crafts, while the after school music program includes individual instrumental lessons in piano, violin, flute, drums, guitar, saxophone and clarinet. A school sports club offers students the opportunity to play soccer and basketball competitively in the local Stuttgart leagues. For further information visit www.international-school-stuttgart.de.

Dr. Obermayr's Europa-Schule

Dr. Obermayr's Europa-Schule is one of the largest and multifacetted private schools in the Rhein-Main region. There's a pre-school, two kindergartens, a Montessori primary school, two mid-level secondary schools, a bilingual and vocational Gymnasium, an upper school with Gymasium functions, seven schools for advanced vocational instruction, a language school, as well as all manner of formal educational opportunities for professional development.

The basic philosophy of the school is to provide a scenario whereby the raising and educating of youth from the level of pre-elementary education clear up to university level are throughly entwined within the spirit of European integration.

The keystone to the concept is the early development of multilingual comfort and fluency in German and English in kindergarten and primary school. English-speaking children are placed in a German-speaking environment. Each child is provided intensive instruction in his mother tongue and his second language. The school is open until 5 p.m. so the entire day can be devoted to the learning experience.

In the secondary school level, the schedule is broken up between instructional periods and working on one's own on specific subjects both during the morning and afternoon hours up to 3 p.m. There is a midday break as well.

From Grade 7, French and Spanish are also offered on a voluntary basis. Sister schools in Egypt and England further expand language learning opportunities in summer schools and language camps.

Since September 2005, the Europa-Schule also has had a campus in Taunusstein housing its English-language intensive Realschule. It also operates on the "rotating" instruction hours system and is a full-day school offering instruction, care and supervision.

Academic achievement and attaining total fluency in at least two languages while developing curricular knowledge, and enhancing attained knowledge and skills are of paramount importance. For further information check the website at www.europa-schule.de.

International School Villa Amalienhof

The International School Villa Amalienhof is located in tranquil, spacious parkland to the west of Berlin. The historic, former manor house lies in the midst of a sprawling enclosed campus and is the hub of a modern, well-equipped centre for learning. With its 40,000 square metres of grounds, the school offers not only ample space for numerous sports activities such as basketball and football, but also room for innovative open air classes and peaceful, reflective study. During break times the campus offers a host of opportunities for outdoor play and discovery. Also popular with the children is the local pool where the children attend swimming lessons.

The International School Villa Amalienhof is located within the Berlin city limits, yet offers the peace and quiet of a country estate.

One of the most important decisions parents will ever have to make concerns their children's education. In addition to the professional and academic quality of the International School Villa Amalienhof, it offers a secure and protected environment where children can grow and learn.

Every child has a unique personality, and the educational programme at ISVA caters to that need. In order to reach each child, and fully develop their potential, the classes are intentionally small. This promotes an atmosphere of open communication, enabling a more effective learning process.

The boys and girls from the age of 3 to 18 are taught in modern well-equipped classrooms. Two libraries, a science laboratory and an IT suite come as standard at the International School Villa Amalienhof. The English National Curriculum is geared to fulfilling the academic requirements of international university study while helping the individual develop into a mature, responsible person.

On the child's way to becoming a responsibly minded and motivated world citizen, the school actively promotes close and continuous contact between pupils, parents and teachers

For more information, please call and arrange a personal Interview, or visit their website www.is-va.com.

Phorms Schools in Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich & Hamburg

Global education combined with local culture

The former German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer once pointed out that although we live under the same sky we do not all have the same horizon.

The first place we learn to broaden our horizons is at school. Phorms School have opened in several German cities in order to give children new horizons so that they are properly equipped to live successfully in today's 'globalised' world.

After PHORMS School Berlin Mitte had successfully been established in August 2006, additional schools in Frankfurt, Munich, and Cologne opened in 2007 with Hamburg scheduled to open in 2008. Phorms Schools use modern teaching methods within a bilingual environment.

The values-based PHORMS philosophy is one that is oriented to the needs of both parents and pupils. It is founded upon a synthesis of "Form" and "Metamorphosis": PHORMS will provide on the one hand, clear and reliable structures, plainly defined learning-milestones and a fixed and solid body of material to be understood and internalized; and on the hand the most modern teaching methods based on motivation and joy in learning. Our aim is to provide a first-class education based on the best pedagogical methods both traditional and modern, and thereby also to develop new and innovative solutions to educational problems. PHORMS makes use of the best from many tried and tested pedagogical models, and do so with the support and advice of experienced international educationalists.

The bilingual English/German education gives the advantages, amongst others, of more creative and flexible thinking, greater problem-solving and analytical skills and increased curricular achievement.

PHORMS is aiming to educate children to become independent thinkers and contributing members of society: We will help to develop students into personalities full of (self)-confidence and respect for other people - people who will be able to take responsibility for their own lives.

Our goal is to create an atmosphere of positive motivation, so that a generally optimistic attitude and the personal talents of each individual child can blossom and develop.

PHORMS Schools follows the German curriculum (Rahmenlehrplan) and the Cambridge International Curriculum. Thus, students are free to obtain both, the German Abitur and the IB.

More information on this exciting project can be found under www.phorms.de

St. George's International School

St. George's International School has been an integral part of the international community in Nordrhein-Westfalen since 1985 when it was founded by an English family in Cologne. Since then, St. George's has founded further schools in Duisburg (2002) and Aachen (starting August 2007). With over 1000 pupils in its three schools, St. George's success lies in it aim to offer children happy school years.

St. George's provides a full school day for pupils aged 3 to 18 and incorporates all school years including Nursery School and Reception Classes, Early Years, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School until A-Level or IB diploma. Both diplomas are accepted world-wide for university entrance.

Individual support and attention are placed on pupils in regard to their native school system thereby enabling them to return smoothly to their native country's system if necessary. 45 % of St. George's student body is comprised of German pupils and the rest comes from 35 different nations; hence integration is not only theory but is practised on a daily basis. A school uniform further enhances integration and solidarity between pupils. All children are introduced and immersed in traditions, holidays and history of the local German culture.

It is St. George's aim to achieve the highest possible academic standard by means of small classes (maximum 20 pupils per class), a dedicated and enthusiastic staff and a positive atmosphere throughout the school. The student-teacher ratio of 7.5 to 1 allows for individual attention to be placed on each pupil's specific need, for stronger and weaker pupils alike. Non English speakers are given extra support through the ESL department. The first foreign language taught is German which is divided into German for native speakers and German for non-native speakers; the second foreign language taught is French. After school clubs are offered on a regular basis.

www.stgeorgesschoolcologne.de
www.stgeorgesschoolduisburg.de
www.stgeorgesschoolaachen.de

Schule Schloss Salem

Schule Schloss Salem is Germany's best-known boarding school. In 1920, it was founded by Kurt Hahn, who later also founded Outward Bound and the United World Colleges.

Salem comprises four beautiful campuses, all within twenty minutes drive of one another on the northern arm of Lake Constance, near Germany's borders with Switzerland and Austria at the edge of the Alps. The School consists of three divisions on separate campuses for pupils of different ages. These are Hohenfels Castle (Lower School, approximately 90 pupils aged 10-12), Salem Castle (Middle School, approximately 290 pupils aged 13-17), and Salem International College (Spetzgart Castle and the Haerlen Campus, Upper School, approximately 320 students aged 16-19).

The academic program in years 5-9 is delivered in German. Intensive instruction in German as a foreign language is available for international pupils. Even pupils arriving at the school with no German are fluent within one school year. For international pupils already fluent in English there is an accelerated English program leading to the attainment of the British GCSE qualification.

From year 10 onward, Salem is fully bilingual and offers a dual curriculum. Students may either continue in the German system or enter the International Baccalaureate system (Pre-IB & IB), in which the language of instruction is English. Approximately one third of the students in the upper years are in the IB system. A significant proportion are from an international background.

At Salem, involvement in extra-curricular activities and the life of the boarding community are emphasized as much as academic achievement. All students in the upper years must engage in at least one afternoon a week of community service. All students must also participate in a regular program of sports and/or outdoor pursuits. Participation in theatre, music and visual arts extra-curricular programs, while not mandatory, is strongly encouraged.

Approximately one-third of pupils receive financial aid, the award of which is based on both need and merit. Students are well prepared for tertiary studies, with almost all graduates eventually attending the most selective German and international universities. Homepage: www.SalemCollege.de

Other international Schools

Other international schools in Germany include the Berlin Brandenburg International School, Berlin British School, Berlin International School, Black Forest Academy, Bonn International School, Independent Bonn International School, Dresden International School, Franconian International School, Hamburg International School, International School Hannover Region, Heidelberg International School, Leipzig International School, Thuringia International School Weimar and John F. Kennedy School - Berlin.

There are two other websites that can be visited for information on international schools in Germany: The European Council on International Schools at www.ecis.org and The Association of German International Schools at www.agis-schools.org