Germany is a popular place for people from other countries to live because it has a good quality of life, a strong economy, and a lot of interesting culture. There are different kinds of schools in Germany, like public schools that anyone can go to, private schools that you usually have to pay for, and international schools.
Germany is a popular destination for expats who want to enjoy a high quality of life, a strong economy, and a rich culture. However, moving to a new country can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding the right school for your children. Fortunately, Germany offers a variety of education options for expat families, from state-run schools to private and international schools. In this article, we will explore some of the pros and cons of each type of school, and provide some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.
State Schools in Germany
State schools in Germany are free to attend and provide a high standard of education. They follow the national curriculum, which varies slightly depending on the federal state. The school year usually runs from August or September to June or July, with breaks in between.
The main advantage of state schools is that they allow your children to learn German and integrate into the local culture. They also have small class sizes and well-qualified teachers. However, there are some drawbacks to consider as well. For instance, state schools only teach in German, which can be difficult for children who are not fluent in the language. Moreover, state schools have a rigid system that tracks students into different types of secondary schools based on their academic performance and teacher recommendations. This can limit their future options and flexibility.
If you want to enroll your child in a state school, you will need to apply through the local education authority ( Schulamt) or the school itself. You will also need to provide some documents, such as:
Your child’s birth certificate
Your child’s passport or ID card
Your child’s vaccination records
Proof of residence in Germany
Proof of health insurance in Germany
Transfer certificate from the last school (if the child was attending a school in the previous country)
Private Schools in Germany
Private schools in Germany are mostly funded by tuition fees and donations. They offer an alternative to state schools, with more flexibility and diversity in their curriculum and teaching methods. There are different types of private schools in Germany, such as:
Denominational or religious schools: These are schools that follow a specific faith or denomination, such as Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or Islamic schools. They usually teach religion as a subject and may have stricter rules on dress code and behavior.
Waldorf schools: These are schools that follow the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, which emphasizes creativity, imagination, and holistic development. They offer a wide range of subjects, from arts and crafts to languages and sciences.
Montessori schools: These are schools that follow the educational approach of Maria Montessori, which focuses on individualized learning, self-directed activities, and hands-on materials. They encourage children to explore their interests and potentials at their own pace.
The main benefit of private schools is that they offer more personalized attention and support for your children. They also have smaller class sizes and better facilities than state schools. However, there are some disadvantages as well. For example, private schools can be very expensive, ranging from 200 to 2,000 euros per month depending on the school and grade level.
Additionally, private schools may not be recognized by the German authorities or other countries, which can affect your child’s transferability and qualifications.
If you want to enroll your child in a private school, you will need to contact the school directly and follow their admission process. You will also need to provide some documents, such as:
Your child’s birth certificate
Your child’s passport or ID card
Your child’s vaccination records
Proof of residence in Germany
Proof of health insurance in Germany
Proof of income or financial support
Transfer certificate from the last school (if the child was attending a school in the previous country)
Here is a list of some of the best private schools and their location and curriculum in Germany:
Gymnasium Stift Neuzelle: This school is located in Neuzell, a small town in the state of Brandenburg. It offers a bilingual education in German and English, with the option to take the Abitur or the IB diploma. The school has a strong focus on music, arts, sports, and social responsibility. It also provides boarding facilities for students from grades 5 to 12.
Institut Schloß Wittgenstein: This school is located in Bad Laasphe, a spa town in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It offers a German curriculum with the Abitur as the final exam, as well as an international program with the IB diploma. The school has a multicultural and multilingual environment, with students from over 30 countries. It also offers boarding facilities for students from grades 5 to 12.
Max-Rill-Schule Schloss Reichersbeuern: This school is located in Reichersbeuern, a village in the state of Bavaria. It offers a German curriculum with the Abitur as the final exam, as well as an international program with the IB diploma. The school has a holistic approach to education, with an emphasis on individual development, creativity, and social skills. It also offers boarding facilities for students from grades 5 to 12.
Zinzendorfschulen Königsfeld: This school is located in Königsfeld, a town in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It offers a German curriculum with the Abitur as the final exam, as well as an international program with the IB diploma. The school is based on the principles of the Moravian Church, which promote tolerance, peace, and community. It also offers boarding facilities for students from grades 5 to 12.
Gymnasium Lindenberg: This school is located in Lindenberg, a town in the state of Bavaria. It offers a German curriculum with the Abitur as the final exam, as well as an international program with the IB diploma. The school has a special focus on natural sciences, mathematics, and languages. It also offers boarding facilities for students from grades 5 to 12.
International Schools in Germany
International schools in Germany are mostly attended by expat children who want to continue their education in their native language or follow an international curriculum. There are many international schools in Germany that cater to different nationalities and languages, such as:
American international schools: These are schools that follow the American curriculum and offer the American High School Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. They usually teach in English and prepare students for college admission in the US or other countries.
British international schools: These are schools that follow the British curriculum and offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-levels. They usually teach in English and prepare students for university entry in the UK or other countries.
Other national international schools: These are schools that follow the curriculum of a specific country other than Germany, such as France, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, etc. They usually teach in the language of that country and prepare students for further education in that country or elsewhere.
Religious international schools: These are schools that follow an international curriculum but also incorporate religious teachings and values into their education. They usually teach in English or another language and cater to students of a specific faith or denomination.
Method international schools: These are schools that follow an international curriculum but also adopt a specific educational method or philosophy, such as Waldorf, Montessori, or IB. They usually teach in English or another language and cater to students of different backgrounds and abilities.
The main advantage of international schools is that they offer a familiar and comfortable environment for your children. They also have a more multicultural and diverse student body than state or private schools. Furthermore, international schools have a more flexible and transferable curriculum than state or private schools, which can help your children adapt to different education systems and cultures. However, there are some drawbacks as well. For instance, international schools can be very costly, ranging from 500 to 5,000 euros per month depending on the school and grade level. Moreover, international schools may not help your children learn German or integrate into the local society. They may also have long waiting lists and strict admission criteria.
If you want to enroll your child in an international school, you will need to contact the school directly and follow their admission process. You will also need to provide some documents, such as:
Your child’s birth certificate
Your child’s passport or ID card
Your child’s vaccination records
Proof of residence in Germany
Proof of health insurance in Germany
Proof of income or financial support
Your child’s academic transcripts and test scores
Your child’s language proficiency certificates
Transfer certificate from the last school (if the child was attending a school in the previous country)
If you are looking for the best international schools in Germany, here are some of the top choices that offer excellent education and facilities.
Munich International School: This school is located in Starnberg, near Munich, and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It offers education for students from 4 to 18 years old, and has a diverse and multicultural community. The average annual fees for grades 1 to 8 are €15,400, and for grades 9 to 12 are €19,700.
Berlin Brandenburg International School: This school is located in Kleinmachnow, near Berlin, and follows the IB curriculum as well. It offers education for students from 3 to 19 years old, and has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). The average annual fees for grades 1 to 8 are €16,500, and for grades 9 to 12 are €20,500.
Bavarian International School: This school has two campuses, one in Munich-Schwabing and one in Haimhausen. It also follows the IB curriculum and offers education for students from 3 to 19 years old. It has a mission to inspire global citizens and future changemakers. The average annual fees for grades 1 to 8 are €16,340, and for grades 9 to 12 are €22,090.
St. George’s, The British International School: This school has three campuses, one in Munich, one in Düsseldorf Rhein-Ruhr, and one in Cologne. It follows the British curriculum and offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-levels. It offers education for students from 3 to 18 years old, and has a British ethos and culture. The average annual fees for grades 1 to 8 are €14,000, and for grades 9 to 12 are €17,000.
Frankfurt International School: This school is located in Oberursel, near Frankfurt, and follows the IB curriculum as well. It offers education for students from 3 to 18 years old, and has a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. The average annual fees for grades 1 to 8 are €18,000, and for grades 9 to 12 are €22,000.
These are just some of the best international schools in Germany. There are many more options to choose from depending on your preferences and needs
Conclusion
Choosing the best school for your children in Germany can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider, such as your budget, your child’s age, language, interests, and goals. Therefore, it is important to do your research and visit different schools before making a decision.
You can also consult with other expat parents or education consultants who can share their experiences and advice with you. Ultimately, the best school for your children is the one that meets their needs and expectations, and helps them grow and thrive in their new home country.
