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Find the best International Schools in Berlin plus Info on how to apply

14.04.2023 | | The Temporary Rental Blog | Living in Berlin
Young children listening to teacher

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the different private and public international schools located in Berlin. The private schools have varying tuition prices, whereas public schools do not have fees.

Most of the schools run for full days. Many of the schools also offer a variety of different after school extra-curricular activities including sports, languages, and music programmes.

Below you can find important information on what each school offers as well as how and when to apply to each one.

International Public Schools

John F. Kennedy School – Zehlendorf

Address: Teltower Damm 87-93, 14167 Berlin, Zehlendorf
Questions E-mail: welcome@jfksberlin.org
Admissions E-mail: admissions@jfksberlin.org
Website
Fees: No
School Year Starts: Mid-August
School Year Ends: End of June/Early July

The John F Kennedy School located in Zehlendorf is an American school, and offers the opportunity for students to master both the English and German language. Over 2/3 of the students are of American or German background. This school has been educating students for over 50 years, and prides itself on preparing children for a multicultural and technology-focused world.

Offers:

  • Elementary School (Grades 1 to 6)
  • Secondary School (Grades 7 -12)
  • Languages: English and German (French and Spanish also available)
  • Certificates: Abitur or High School Diploma
  • Advanced Placement Classes available (opportunity to receive university level credits)

How to Apply to John F. Kennedy School

You can only apply to JFK school if your child is registered in the city of Berlin. (If you are living in Brandenburg, you are not eligible.)

Send all applications and supporting documents via Mail to:

Admissions
John F. Kennedy School
Teltower Damm 87-93
14167 Berlin, Germany

  • Entrance Class Admissions
  • Elementary School Admissions (for Grades 1 to 6)
  • High School Admissions (for Grades 7 -12)
    • Complete the High School Application Form
    • American and International Students: Must provide report cards or transcripts from previous years
    • Note: Non US-applicants must take a US History course before applying to Grade 12
    • German Students: Must have suitable English proficiency and are required to take an English Test
    • Apply within these application deadlines

    More information on Applying to John F. Kennedy School can be found here.

    Nelson Mandela School

    Primary Campus: Pfalzburger Str. 23, 10719 Berlin
    Secondary Campus: Pfalzburger 30, 10717 Berlin
    School Hours: 8:30 am – 3:50 pm (End times vary for higher grades)
    Website
    Fees: No
    School Year Starts: Mid-August
    School Year Ends: Early July

    The Nelson Mandela School is located in West Berlin, in Wilmersdorf. It is a member of UNESCO’s Associated Schools Project and the International Baccalaureate Organisation. As a government school, it does not have any tuition fees. Some of its notable extra-curricular programs are the Orchestra and Model United Nations club.

    Offers:

    • Flex to 6 (Elementary years, grades 1 and 2 learn together)
    • Secondary School (Middle: Grades 7 to 10)
    • Secondary School (Grades 11-13)
    • Middle School Certificates:
      BBR: Berufsbildungsreife (certificate of vocational education)
      eBBR: erweiterte Berufsbildungsreife (further certificate of vocational education)
      MSA: Mittlerer Schulabschluss (general certificate of education)
      MSA (GO): general certificate of education and qualification for Abitur / IB

How to Apply to the Nelson Mandela School

Things to note:
All of the following applications and documents must be sent by mail, not by fax or e-mail.
An Entrance Exam will be necessary for students applying for grades 7-10.
Registration for grades 2 to 10 for the 2018/2019 year is April 9, 2018.
Due to the high level of inquiries, questions about admissions sent by e-mail will not be answered.

  • Flex Grade 1
  • Grades 2 to 6
    • Read this checklist and provide all supporting documents
    • Fill out this application form online, print out and send all documents via mail.
  • Grades 7 to 10
    • Read this checklist, and provide all supporting documents listed
    • Fill out this application form online, print out and send all documents via mail.
  • Application for IB Candidates
    • Read this checklist, and provide all supporting documents listed
    • Fill out the application form online, print out and send all documents via mail.
  • Application for Abitur Candidates
    • Read this checklist, and provide all supporting documents
    • Fill out this application form online, print out and send all documents via mail.
Elementary classroom, back to school concept
© annanahabed/Fotolia #162294388

International Private Schools

Berlin International School

Lentzeallee 8/14
14195 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 82 00 77 90
Email: office@berlin-international-school.de
Website
Office hours: Mon to Fri: 08.00h – 16.00h
Fees: Yes, See Fees Table (2017-2018 fees, these are subject to change)
School Starts: Late August
School Ends: Early July

The Berlin International School is located near Friedenau, and offers students from age 6 to 18 a diverse and comprehensive education. This school offers the International Baccalaureate program for its students in grades 10 to 12. Over 90% of its students pursue higher learning in a university setting upon graduation. This international school embodies diversity, as its students come from over 60 countries all around the world. The teachers are also multi-cultural, coming from over 20 different countries.

Offers:

  • Primary School (for grades 1-5)
  • Middle School (for grades 6 to 8)
  • Secondary School (for grades 9 to 12)
  • Certificates: MSA for middle grades
  • International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for Grades 9 and 10
  • IB for Grade 11 and 12
  • Students interested in partaking in the German Abitur can do so at the International Schule Berlin (Steglitz)

How to Apply to Berlin International School

The admissions at B.I.S are based on 2 to 3 years of school records and the application form. Expat students are allowed to apply at any time of the year. German nationals who have spent time and have done some education abroad are also eligible to apply.

  • All Grades
    • Fill out this Application Form
    • Students applying for grade 1, must be 6 years old by December 30th of the year of application.
    • Students in grades 9 to 12 should also provide their transcripts from previous years
  • Things to Note
    • There is a sibling reduction fee
    • Families in a lower income bracket can apply for school fee assistance. Application forms can be found at the admissions office.
    • Students in grades 1-10 whos families are unable to fully pay school fees can apply for scholarships

    Berlin Cosmopolitan School

    Rückerstraße 9, 10119 Berlin
    Phone: +49 030 68833230
    Email: office@cosmopolitanschool.de
    Website
    Fees: Yes, See Fees Table (2017-2018 fees, these are subject to change)

    The Berlin Cosmopolitan School, located in Mitte close to Rosa-Luxemberg Platz offers education for Kindergarten aged-scholars all the way to Secondary school students. The school focuses on science, music and dance. This not-for-profit school promotes diversity, an International Baccalaureate program and over 50 different extra-curricular programs and courses including: Chinese, IT , Cooking, Orchestra, Rock Bands, Digital Music, Skateboarding, 3D-Print, Ballet, Judo, Basketball and Creative Movie Maker and more.

    Offers:

    • PYP Program -Primary School (Grades 1 to 5)
    • Secondary School (6-12)
    • Languages: English and German
    • Third Language: Spanish or French (offered starting in grade 5)
    • 1 to 2 week long internships for students in grades 6 to 10
    • Student Exchange program
    • Certificates: MSA for middle school students
    • IB and Abitur for Secondary students (Dual Diploma)

    How to Apply to Berlin Cosmopolitan School

    The application is available to complete online, and there are no deadlines for application. Entrance into the school can happen on a rolling basis, as spots become available.

  • All Grades
    • Fill out the application here
    • There is an application fee of 50 euros.
    • Upon successful application completion your child will be put on a waiting list
    • Priority is giving to students who already have a sibling enrolled in the school
    • When a space is open, you will be offered a meeting and trial day
    • Your application is valid for one year

    Berlin Metropolitan School

    Linienstr. 122, 10115 Berlin
    Phone: +49 30 8872 739 0
    E-mail: info@metropolitanschool.com
    Website
    Fees: Yes (parental contribution based on income) See Fees Table

    The Berlin Metropolitan School is the oldest and largest International school in Berlin. It has 1000 students from kindergarten to grade 12, and 200 employees coming from 18 different countries. The school located in Mitte has small class sizes, (max 24 per class) and promotes team spirit, togetherness, respect and academic excellence. It offers a full day program, with after-school extra-curricular activities. Berlin Metropolitan School offers many certificates including the IB program and the Cambridge University IGCSE. This school can sometimes accommodates families who move back and forth to Berlin (keeping your spot by paying a retainer.

    Offers:

    • Early Learning Centre (Kita age group: 3-4 year olds, and preschool age group: 5 year olds)
    • Primary School (Grades 1 to 6)
    • Middle Secondary School (Grades 7-10)
    • Upper Secondary School (Grades 11-12)
    • Languages: English and German + French or Spanish (in Grades 7 & 8)
    • Other optional languages: Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish, German as a Foreign Language
    • Certificates: IB Diploma, IGCSE (Cambridge University), MSA, Berliner Bildungsreife
    • Full Day Program from 7:30AM to 6PM (including extra-curricular programs)

    How to Apply to Berlin Metropolitan School

    The Berlin Metropolitan School accepts applications throughout the year on a rolling basis. Spots become available as families move on.

  • All Grades
    • All applicants should fill out the following Application Form (for all grades) and send it to admissions@metropolitanschool.com
    • When applying for a child from grade 2 or above, include their last two report cards
    • Any report cards not written in German or English must include a translation
    • Grades should have a written explanation included
    • Once there is a vacancy and your child meets the criteria, you and your child will go to a tour and a meeting (around 1 hour long)
    • Once your child is offered a trial day and is accepted, you will receive a contract and a tax-declaration form to be signed and sent back
    • More details on applying to this international school can be found here
    • Additional forms for applying

    Useful Tips During the Application Process

    • Many schools have open house days, where you can tour the school and meet staff etc
    • It’s best to apply to many schools as demand is high and to increase your chances

    To Wrap Things up…

    There are plenty of great education opportunities for expat children in Berlin. The International Schools in Berlin offer a great multicultural and highly regarded academic learning environment. The application process varies across schools, so it’s helpful to pay attention to the details, and to apply in advance. Let us know in the comments which International Schools in Berlin you find the best!

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