Find schools
in Germany
Germany is home to one of Europe's most diverse international school landscapes — from IB World Schools in Berlin and Munich to elite boarding schools on Lake Constance, free bilingual state schools and a strong Waldorf tradition. Browse every option for your family.
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IB, British, American, French, bilingual state and free international schools
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Find schools near where you're planning to live
Germany's most international city — home to free bilingual state schools (JFK, Nelson Mandela), the Berlin British School, Berlin International School and Berlin Metropolitan School. The top destination for expat families relocating to Germany.
Schools in Germany for Expat Families
Germany's school system is more complex than most — and more varied than most families expect. Alongside the state Gymnasium track leading to the Abitur, expat families have access to a wide range of international options: IB World Schools, British curriculum schools, French lycées, free bilingual state schools and Germany's own exceptional boarding school tradition. The key is knowing which path fits your family's timeline.
The German state system
State schools in Germany are free for all residents. The Gymnasium track (ages 10–18/19) leads to the Abitur — a rigorous qualification recognised by universities worldwide. It's among the most academically respected secondary qualifications in Europe.
The main challenge for expat families is language: most state schools teach primarily in German. Younger children adapt quickly; for older children, bilingual "Europa" stream schools or free bilingual international options (like JFK School Berlin) offer a gentler transition.
International schools
Germany has one of the most developed international school networks in Europe — particularly in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg. Most are IB World Schools or British curriculum schools offering IGCSE and A Levels. Fees range from €9,000 to €31,000/yr.
For families who may relocate again, IB schools offer maximum curriculum continuity. Frankfurt International School, Munich International School and Berlin International School are among the most respected — and sought-after — in Germany.
State, bilingual, IB or boarding — how to choose?
The right choice depends on your child's age, how long you plan to stay in Germany, and whether you want curriculum continuity for future moves. For short postings (2–3 years), English-language international schools make the most sense. For longer stays, integrating into the German state system — especially via a bilingual Europa stream — delivers the best long-term outcome.
Germany also has a surprisingly strong boarding school tradition — particularly in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria — for families living in smaller towns or seeking a residential option.
Germany's free bilingual international schools
Germany has a remarkable network of free, state-funded bilingual international schools — particularly in Berlin. The John F. Kennedy School (English/German, free, ages 6–18), Nelson Mandela School (IB, free) and Wangari-Maathai International School (free) are among the finest state international schools in Europe.
These schools are genuinely free for all residents — no fees, no catchment restriction for bilingual schools. Places are competitive and often allocated by lottery. We list 5 free schools in our Germany directory.
At ExpatSchoolFinder.com, we help families navigate Germany's school system — from understanding the Abitur track to finding the right IB school or boarding school for your child.
Germany's finest
boarding schools
Germany has a distinguished boarding school tradition — from the legendary Schule Schloss Salem on Lake Constance, which inspired Kurt Hahn to found Gordonstoun, to progressive IB campuses in the Black Forest and along the Rhine. These schools define educational excellence in central Europe.
Schule Schloss Salem
Germany's most celebrated boarding school, founded by Kurt Hahn in 1920 on the shores of Lake Constance. A former Cistercian monastery and Hohenzollern summer palace, Salem pioneered "experiential education" — the philosophy that later inspired Gordonstoun, Atlantic College and the Round Square network. Offers German Abitur and IB Diploma. Fees: €50,400–€55,980/yr.
BBIS Berlin Brandenburg
A leading IB World boarding school in the Berlin-Brandenburg region. ~80 boarders alongside 900 day students. Full IB continuum, small classes and 24/7 supervision. Ages 3–19.
Frankfurt International School
One of Germany's most respected IB schools, with campuses in Oberursel and Wiesbaden. Full IB continuum, boarding available, 3,000+ students from 70+ nationalities. Ages 3–18.
Black Forest Academy
International Christian boarding school in the Black Forest village of Kandern. North American curriculum for children of international workers and expat business families. Grades 5–12.
More notable boarding schools
View all 7 →Featured German schools
Some of the most notable schools across Germany
John F. Kennedy School Berlin
Berlin International School
Munich International School
Bavarian International School
Frankfurt International School
Schule Schloss Salem
Free international schools in Germany — what expat families need to know
Several of Germany's best international schools are completely free to attend — including the JFK School Berlin (English/German bilingual, US and German diplomas), Nelson Mandela School (IB), Wangari-Maathai International School and a network of bilingual "Europa Branch" primary schools across Berlin and other cities.
5 free schools are listed in our Germany directory. For personalised guidance on school selection and the German admissions process, contact our school advisors.
Germany's school system explained
Every school type, what it costs, who it's for — and how to get in. Pick a category to explore.
German State Schools (Staatliche Schulen)
Germany's state school system is free for all residents. The system is decentralised — each of the 16 Bundesländer (states) runs its own education system, so rules vary by region.
- Free for all residents — no fees
- Teaching entirely in German — language immersion from day one
- Gymnasium track (ages 10–18/19) leads to the Abitur — widely recognised worldwide
- Enrolment via local Schulamt (school authority) — bring NIF, proof of address, birth certificate
- Younger children adapt quickly; older children may need language support
- Each Bundesland has its own rules — Berlin, Bavaria and NRW differ significantly
Our advisors know every school type in Germany — from free state schools to elite boarding. We'll map the right options for your child's age and your timeline.
Holiday camps in Germany
Summer camps, sports camps, language camps and multi-activity programmes for expat kids during school holidays.
Berlin International Summer Camp
Multi-activityThe most popular English-language summer camp for expat families in Berlin. Swimming in Brandenburg lakes, sports, arts and cultural activities in a safe, supervised environment.
Munich Sports & Language Camp
Sports + LanguageMorning German language classes combined with afternoon sports — football, swimming, tennis and cycling. Run by qualified coaches near Munich's English Garden.
Black Forest Adventure Camp
Adventure & OutdoorResidential adventure camp in the stunning Black Forest. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and team challenges. English and German spoken.
Hamburg Sailing & Water Sports Camp
Water SportsSailing, kayaking and water sports on Hamburg's beautiful Alster lakes. Qualified instructors, English-speaking environment, popular with expat families in Hamburg.
Choose the level of support you need
From a £29.99 DIY download pack to full concierge service — we have an option for every family and every budget.
Country Download Pack
A step-by-step downloadable guide to the school system in this country. Everything you need to understand your options, know the deadlines, and start your application — at your own pace.
- Full school system overview (state, bilingual, private, international)
- Application timeline & key deadlines
- Document checklist for your situation
- Catchment area explainer
- School type comparison table
- Top questions to ask schools
- Personalised advice
- Direct support
- Portal guidance
Starter Pack
A personalised written report delivered within 48 hours. Based on your destination country and your child's age, we map out every school option — state, bilingual, private, and international — with catchment areas, application deadlines, and the documents you'll need.
- Personalised school options report
- State & bilingual schools mapped to your area
- Private & international school shortlist
- Catchment area overview
- Application deadline calendar
- Document checklist for your situation
- Active application support
- Portal guidance
- Direct school contact
Guided Application
We actively guide you through the entire application process. From checking your catchment area before you sign your rental contract, to walking you through the local school portal step by step, to confirming everything is submitted correctly.
- Everything in Starter Pack
- Catchment area check before you sign your lease
- Personalised document checklist
- Step-by-step school portal guidance
- Equivalency process support
- Follow-up call to confirm submission
- Email support throughout
- Direct school contact on your behalf
- Application status tracking
Full Concierge
We handle everything. You focus on your move. We contact schools directly on your behalf, track your application status, advise on backup options if your first choice is full, and stay on call until your child has a confirmed place.
- Everything in Guided Application
- We contact schools directly on your behalf
- Application status tracking
- Backup school strategy if first choice is full
- Priority email & WhatsApp support
- On-call through the full process
- Confirmed place — we don't stop until it's done
All prices are per family, not per child. Compare all services →
Not sure where to start?
Our school advisors help families navigate Germany's school system — from Berlin's free bilingual state schools to the great boarding schools of Lake Constance and the Black Forest.
Talk to a School Advisor →