Are you relocating to Berlin, the vibrant capital city of Germany? Are you concerned about your child’s education? Don’t be.
Berlin has so much to offer your children culturally. From the many museums and art galleries to the world-famous Berlin Opera and the Philharmonic Orchestra. Stroll the iconic Unter den Linden as you head towards the Brandenburg Gate, steeped in history and now a significant symbol of peace and unity. On a lighter note, head to KurfĂŒrstendamm for some shopping and fun.
Many expats are attracted to Berlin for work and the opportunity to explore its culture, art, and history. As a US expat, you won’t be alone. Your children’s education certainly won’t be lacking. Read on for a rundown on some of the best schools in Berlin for US expats.
Firstly, you need to consider your children’s age. Will they be attending Primary, Middle, or Secondary school. What is your preference for languages? Do you want the curriculum to be totally in English, or do you prefer a bilingual curriculum? Maybe you prefer that your children fully immerse themselves by attending a local state school? Do you have any special requirements?
Fortunately, Berlin can offer the US ex-pat a range of schools catering to all your requirements. You can choose from an International School, a State-run public school, or an independent private school.
Most international schools in Berlin follow the National German Curriculum as well as International Baccalaureate curriculum known as the IB curriculum. If your job means moving every couple of years, the IB curriculum ensures consistency and continuity as it is standard in international schools globally.
Facts to know about school life in Germany
- The school year runs from the beginning of August to the end of July.
- Public education is free.
- Children of expats are entitled to free public education but, all classes are in German.
- German schools have six weeks’ holidays during summer. They have a further two weeks at Christmas and a shorter break for Easter and Autumn.
- School uniforms are not mandatory in Germany.
- The school days begin early at around 7.30 and may finish between midday and 1.30 pm.
- School attendance is compulsory from the age of six years old.
- German schools have three levels: Primary school (Grundschule) and Secondary school (WeiterfĂŒhrende Schulen).
- There are four different types of secondary school, depending on your childâs requirements. Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, and Gesamtschule. Students at the Gymnasium are preparing for university entrance exams.
Finding the right school for your child is an essential factor in ensuring a happy transition to a new city in a new country. Below are some of the most highly regarded schools in Berlin.
John F Kennedy School Berlin
This school may appeal to US expats as it is the only bi-lingual, bi-cultural tuition-free school for both German and American students in Berlin. The standard German college preparatory certificate, the Abitur, is taught here. They also teach the US high school diploma.
Students from the age of six to eighteen are welcome at the John F Kennedy School, which received its name after the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 as a mark of respect.
Elementary School goes from the Entrance class to Grade six, and High School goes from Grade seven to Grade twelve. There is a variety of extracurricular activities to keep the students active and entertained. There are debating clubs, environmental clubs, drama lessons, music, self-defense, scouting, and many sports.
If you would like to learn more about this school, you can visit its website here.
Berlin International School
This private international school provides tuition in English to students from six to eighteen years old. The International Baccalaureate curriculum is taught as well as the German curriculum. Grades One to Five attend Primary School, and Grades Six to Twelve attend the Secondary School. Over seventy nationalities are represented in the student body, meaning your child will be mixing with a diverse selection of friends.
There is an extensive arts program available for students. Music and visual art, as well as dance and drama, are offered as extracurricular activities. Technology is a feature of all classes, and students utilize all the latest applications.
Students at Berlin International School also can take part in the German International Schools Sports competitions in a variety of sports.
If you would like more information on this school, you can visit its website here.
Charles Dickens Primary School
Named after the famous British author, this primary school is open to both native English-speaking students and German students. The classes are in German and English. Children at this school are aged six to twelve years old. There is a well-stocked library with both English and German books, as well as well-equipped computer rooms and a large green play area for the students. If your child is of primary school age, you may consider this school as there are no fees. For more information on this school about its program and admissions, you can visit its website here.
The Nelson Mandela School
This is another state-funded international school that offers bilingual tuition to students aged from six to eighteen years old. Teaching is from Grade One to Grade Thirteen. In the final year, students graduate with either the bilingual Abitur or the International Baccalaureate IB.
Named after the honorable Nelson Mandela, this school aims to uphold his values such as tolerance, openness, inter-nationality, critical thinking, democracy, and social responsibility. Tolerance and respect are the foundations of this school. Students in the Upper Secondary Grades 11 to 13 can partake in many extracurricular activities are clubs, such as the Nelson Mandela School Orchestra and BUNDjugend Young Friends of the Earth group.
Parents are encouraged to get involved in various capacities, from volunteering in class to different committees dealing with relevant issues such as diversity and discrimination. Parents can also help organize fun activities to raise money for the school.
If you would like more information on this school, you can visit its website here.
Berlin Bilingual School
This school provides a bilingual German-English curriculum for students aged six to eighteen years old. Primary school is Years 1-6, and Secondary school is years 7-13. The school community includes students and teachers from all over the globe.
The language skills of students are assessed before enrollment to evaluate what language tuition they need. While most classes are in English, Maths and Sport’s instruction are in German. At Berlin Bilingual School, all students learn to be proficient in German and English, speaking and writing. French and Spanish are offered in Secondary school.
They follow the National German curriculum as well as the General Certificate of Secondary Education, GCSE.
Music, arts, and theater are offered to students in Secondary school. If you would like more information about this school, you can visit its website here.
Berlin Brandenburg International School
A highly regarded school for ex-pat children aged between three and eighteen years old. All classes are in English. This school follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum as well as an extensive extracurricular program. Students can participate in chess club, pottery, dance classes, and robotics, as well as many different sport options. In Primary school, there is even a LEGO League.
Your children will be studying and socializing with students from around the globe. Over sixty countries are represented in the school community.
There is an early education program for children aged three to six years old. From six to eleven years old, students attend Grades 1-5 in the Primary school, and from eleven to nineteen students attend the Middle year program and the Diploma program in Secondary school.
Parents are encouraged to join the school community and volunteer their services where required. There are also coffee mornings organized to help parents settle into life in a new city. If you would like more information about this school, you can visit its website here.
In Conclusion
Relocating to a new, unfamiliar country can be exhilarating as well as daunting. The challenges of finding a new home for the family and the services that you require can be demanding. Your children’s education and finding the most suitable school is paramount when relocating overseas. You are enhancing your child’s knowledge of the world by immersing them in a new culture. Still, it is imperative that they feel settled and happy in the right school. Here we have listed a few schools that may make the transition faster and easier. The ability to follow the International Baccalaureate curriculum in English makes everything less complicated, especially if your child is that bit older. In the end, your child will only benefit from this unique opportunity that you have made available to them.