Berlin International School vs Berlin Metropolitan School
Berlin International School and Berlin Metropolitan School are both in Berlin, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and Berlin Metropolitan School also offers German. Published annual fees are €12,425 - 18,240 at Berlin International School and €9,430 - 18,216 at Berlin Metropolitan School, which puts Berlin International School roughly 11% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, German Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
900
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, German
Instruction language
English, German
Opened
Opened
1998
Opened
2004
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Lentzeallee 8/14, 14195 Berlin, in southwest Berlin (Campus Lentzeallee).
Location
Central Berlin campus at Linienstraße 122, 10115 Berlin. The school is described as the largest international school in the center of Berlin with its campus in central Berlin.
Private, non-profit, non-denominational day school. It is an IB World School, fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association (MSA-CESS), and is part of Stiftung Private-Kant-Schulen gGmbH.
School type
Private international day school (gGmbH) offering both German state curriculum and international qualifications; it is an IB World School and a Cambridge International School.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
70+ nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
Over 1,000 students from 65 countries attend.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Language support programs for English and German at different levels to compensate for language deficits.
Additional learning support
The school has a dedicated Student Support team including a school nurse, speech therapist, integration specialists, and support teachers; a school counselor and a child protection officer work with families to provide expertise and professional recommendations.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Germany; State of Berlin.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
The whole-day program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fee
- Admission Fee: EUR 800.00.
Tuition fees by year group (annual, monthly and per-term equivalents)
- Grades 1–6: Annual tuition EUR 12,300.00. Stated monthly equivalent: EUR 1,025.00/month. Equivalent per term (dividing the annual fee by three school terms): EUR 4,100.00 per term.
- Grades 7–10: Annual tuition EUR 13,560.00. Stated monthly equivalent: EUR 1,130.00/month. Equivalent per term (dividing the annual fee by three school terms): EUR 4,520.00 per term.
- Grades 11–12 (IBDP 1 and 2): Annual tuition EUR 18,240.00. Stated monthly equivalent: EUR 1,520.00/month. Equivalent per term (dividing the annual fee by three school terms): EUR 6,080.00 per term.
- Note regarding Grades 1–6: The published fee framework shows that the school originally set a tuition of EUR 13,500.00 for 2025/2026 to be paid in twelve monthly installments (August to July) of EUR 1,125.00 each; because the State of Berlin reimburses part of the cooked-lunch cost, the current payable amount is presented as EUR 12,300.00/year (EUR 1,025.00/month). The monthly lunch-share amount cited is EUR 100.23/month (annual share EUR 1,202.70). Monthly lunch fees for higher grades are shown as EUR 100.00/month (EUR 1,200.00/year) and are included in the listed tuition.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The published figures are presented with monthly equivalents and the school notes an example payment plan of twelve monthly installments (August to July) for the stated annual fee in the school-year example. The listed monthly amounts (EUR 1,025; EUR 1,130; EUR 1,520) indicate that tuition is expressed and managed on a monthly basis in the published schedule. Specific invoicing dates, due dates, accepted payment instruments, and penalty terms for late payment are not published in the materials consulted.
Boarding fees
- Boarding fees: not applicable. The school is operated as a day school (private, non-profit day school). No boarding or boarding fees are published.
Other costs and fees
- Annual Resource Fees: Grades 1–5 EUR 125.00/year; Grades 6–8 EUR 175.00/year; Grades 9–10 EUR 225.00/year. These resource fees are charged in addition to tuition.
- Costs explicitly not included in tuition: fees for special needs support, excursions, field and class trips, after-school activities and clubs, and the school bus service are not included and are charged separately.
- School apparel and sportswear: school apparel and sportswear can be ordered via the school's designated supplier. Prices for uniform/apparel are not published in the school fee statements and are payable separately.
Sibling discounts and income-related fees
- Sibling reductions are published with specific monthly figures (presented with the meal-cost portion covered by the Senate). Examples (monthly figures shown): - Grades 1–6: 1st child EUR 1,025; 2nd child EUR 769; 3rd child EUR 513; 4th child EUR 256. - Grades 7–10: 1st child EUR 1,130; 2nd child EUR 872; 3rd child EUR 615; 4th child EUR 357. - Grades 11–12: 1st child EUR 1,520; 2nd child EUR 1,165; 3rd child EUR 810; 4th child EUR 455. - Families may apply for income-related school fees; an application with evidence of family income is required.
Refunds and withdrawal
- Withdrawal procedure and notice: parents are required to give written notice when withdrawing a student; parents wishing to withdraw a child at the end of a school year are contractually required to inform the school in writing before the end of April. Specific refund, cancellation, prorating or reimbursement rules tied to mid-year withdrawal or to cancellation of enrolment are not published in the materials consulted.
- The publicly available fee summary and parent handbooks consulted do not publish specific accepted payment instruments (for example: bank transfer/IBAN, SEPA direct debit, credit card, PayPal). Parents are instructed to follow contract and admissions arrangements for payment particulars; explicit payment-method details are not present in the publicly posted fee statements and handbooks examined.
Summary of where fees apply and what is additional
- Tuition covers instruction and (noted) lunch-share as described for the relevant grades. Resource fees are charged annually by grade band. Excursions, trips, special-needs provision, after-school activities, clubs and bus service are additional costs and billed separately. Sibling reductions and income-related fee arrangements are available and are applied as published. Admission requires payment of an Admission Fee of EUR 800.00.
Note on missing details found during review
- The public fee statements and parent handbooks provide clear annual and monthly tuition figures, resource fees, sibling reductions and a withdrawal notice requirement, but do not publish detailed invoicing timetables (exact invoice dates and term-by-term billing calendar beyond the stated monthly-equivalents), penalty/late-payment terms, detailed refund or cancellation rules, nor a list of accepted payment instruments. These payment-process and refund specifics are not present in the publicly posted fee material consulted.
Fee details
Admission / Application fees
- One-time admission fee: EUR 1,500 per child, payable when the contract is finalised. The admission fee is non-refundable. For families with a gross annual income below EUR 40,000 the one-time admission fee is the same amount as the monthly tuition fee for that family.
Tuition fees (Grades grouped and shown per month, per academic year, and per academic term)
Note: BMS calculates tuition on an income-adjusted basis: monthly tuition is set by the family's gross annual income and by the child's grade band. Tuition is collected monthly by direct debit; yearly and per-term figures below are derived from the published monthly rates (monthly × 12 = annual; annual ÷ 3 = per academic term). The published grade bands are Grades 1–6, Grades 7–10 and Grades 11–12.
(Income bands, monthly rates and the method for calculating an income-adjusted rate are published by the school; if no income documentation is supplied the maximum rate for the relevant band applies.)
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing frequency and collection method: tuition and any agreed additional fees are collected monthly by SEPA direct debit. The SEPA mandate authorises monthly withdrawal; the school withdraws on the 3rd day of each month (if the 3rd is a weekend or public holiday the withdrawal occurs on the next working day). Account-holder charges arising from insufficient funds are payable by the account holder.
- Contract term and notice: the standard school contract is ongoing and is automatically extended for one year (August 1 to July 31) unless cancelled in writing with three months' notice; in cases of sudden moves the notice period can be reduced to one month (contract details and exceptions are set out in the school contract). A holding (retainer) option exists to keep a place while abroad; a holding fee applies.
Sibling discounts
- Second child: 15% reduction on tuition. - Third child: 25% reduction on tuition. - Fourth and subsequent children: 100% (no tuition charged).
Media fees, lunches and other recurring charges
- Analog media fee (textbooks and classroom materials): - Grades 1–6: EUR 300 per year — due 1 October. - Grades 7–10: EUR 400 per year — due 1 October. - Grades 11–12: EUR 500 per year — due 1 October.
- Digital media fee (digital infrastructure, software subscriptions etc.): - Grades 1–6: EUR 300 per year — due 1 February. - Grades 7–10: EUR 400 per year — due 1 February. - Grades 11–12: EUR 500 per year — due 1 February.
- Early Learning Center lunches: EUR 23 per month, collected monthly. Primary school lunches are provided free of charge. Secondary students ordering cafeteria meals are invoiced directly by the external caterer (Dussmann); the published cost for Secondary lunches is EUR 5.10 per day and is billed by the caterer. Class trips and external examination fees (IGCSE, IB) are invoiced separately and are not included in tuition.
Holding/temporary enrolment
- Holding fee: a holding option is offered (minimum two months, maximum one year) to reserve places; when the contract is placed on hold a monthly holding fee of 25% of the monthly tuition is charged. Temporary short-term enrolment is possible subject to space and is charged separately.
Low-income provisions and fee waivers
- Families with combined gross annual income below EUR 30,000 are eligible for a specific reduced fee scale for the oldest child and further reductions for additional children; in those cases admission fees are not charged. Teaching–materials costs may be reduced or waived for families receiving designated social benefits; individual financial aid and case-specific solutions are available.
Boarding fees
- Boarding: Not applicable. Berlin Metropolitan School operates as a day school (no boarding provision).
Other one-off or variable costs
- External exam fees: IGCSE and IB Diploma examination fees are charged by the exam authorities and passed on to parents as separate invoices. - Class trips, camps and additional extracurricular activities: invoiced separately as all‑inclusive one‑time charges. - Uniforms and school clothing: BMS clothing is sold via the school's authorised supplier; uniform purchases are additional and are handled through that external shop (vendor payment options vary by vendor).
Refunds and fee adjustments
- Admission fee: non-refundable. - Tuition adjustments: if a family's declared income is subsequently found to be incorrect or incomplete, tuition may be recalculated retroactively and the difference charged. - In the event of contract cancellation, standard contract notice periods and the contractual terms determine final invoicing and any refunds or outstanding charges.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Primary payment method for school fees: SEPA Direct Debit mandate (monthly collection). Fees are usually withdrawn on the 3rd of each month. The SEPA mandate includes the school's bank details and creditor identifier for direct debit.
- Bank transfer / account details: the school's bank and IBAN/BIC are used for administrative transfers and are provided in the school's payment/SEPA documentation. External providers (uniform supplier, caterer) accept their own payment methods (for example card or online payment) according to the vendor's terms.
Key practical points for parents
- Tuition is income-based and requires submission of income documentation to receive an income-adjusted rate; without documentation the maximum published rate applies. - Fees are collected monthly by SEPA direct debit (withdrawal on the 3rd). - Expect separate invoices for class trips, exam fees and some extracurricular charges; media fees and lunch charges follow the annual due dates listed above.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Berlin International School uses the International Baccalaureate framework across the school. Primary is authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), enhanced by the Berlin Rahmenlehrplan. The school promotes multilingualism with English and German language development, supported by a multilingual library and integrated Educational Technology. In Grades 6-10, students follow a bilingual Middle Years Programme based on the Berlin Rahmenlehrplan and the school's interpretation of the Middle Years Programme, with intentional vertical alignment with IB PYP and IB DP. In Grades 11-12, the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning and global perspectives.
Curriculum details
Based on the Berlin Framework Curriculum (Berliner Rahmenlehrplan) and the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Primary School uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based program. The main subjects are Math, German, and English. Language learning is a central goal; German and English are taught as core subjects and are supported by German as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language programs; English is the main language of instruction. Language support is delivered by in-house experts through small-group or one-on-one sessions. Additional subjects include Art, Music, Theater, Physical Education, and Social Studies. The curriculum emphasizes developing skills and values such as solutions-based thinking, critical reflection, research, public speaking, teamwork, intercultural understanding, and authentic self-expression, and it incorporates the IB Learner Profile and a Programme of Inquiry with six transdisciplinary themes.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Class size is 22–24 students in Primary and Secondary. Total enrollment is 1,135 students.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
Secondary students prepare for Mittlerer Schulabschluss (Berlin State Grade 10 Leaving Certificate), the Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9-10, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11-12. The IB Diploma results are above the IB world average, and a wide variety of subject options are offered within both the IGCSE and the IB DP.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Students are prepared for post-secondary education worldwide. They complete the German MSA exam at the end of Grade 10 and then pursue the IB Diploma in Grades 11-12, which is recognized by universities around the world.
Higher education progression
Graduates pursue higher education at universities across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The 2025 cohort achieved 100% university placement with graduates receiving their first or second university placement choice; examples of universities listed include Yale University, The University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, and other institutions across Europe and North America.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Begin the admissions process by submitting the application form online. Include the filled in form with signatures by both parents (or proof of sole custody) and copies of recent report cards and the birth certificate. Email the package to the Admissions Officer, Ms. Melanie Sommer-Joest. Documents are then received by the Admissions Officer for processing.
2. The documents are assessed by the Admissions Officer. If additional information is required, applicants are contacted. The Admissions Officer reviews the submission to determine whether the application is complete. This step ensures all required materials are in order before moving forward.
3. If application form and documents are in order, the child is placed either directly on the list of applicants, or on a waiting list. This placement occurs after the documents are reviewed by the Admissions Officer. The next stage proceeds with testing or trial days as described in the admissions process.
4. Entrance tests are carried out for applicants for Grade 6 upwards; trial days are carried out for Grades 1-5 applicants, if they help with the admission decision. Tests assess readiness for Grade 6+, and trial days offer non-test assessment for younger applicants. These assessments inform the next step in the admissions process.
5. A place is offered. The offer represents an admission decision for the applicant. The family can then proceed to the acceptance step.
6. The place is accepted. Acceptance confirms the applicant's intent to enroll. After acceptance, the process continues toward formal enrollment.
7. A school contract is issued for signing. The contract sets out enrollment terms and conditions. Signing the contract formalizes the enrollment.
Admissions
1. Step 1: Application. If you are interested in enrolling your child, fill the online application form. For admissions from the 2nd grade and above, send the last two report cards with the application. If any transcripts are not in English or German, include a free translation and the corresponding grade key in English or German. Families can also participate in virtual Open House sessions or on‑site events to learn about the program. 2. Step 2: Conversation and School Visit. If a place is available and the child meets entry requirements, you will be invited to a conversation and a school visit. If you are not local, the conversation can be conducted online via MS Teams. Plan about one hour for the meeting and school tour, and bring documents showing the child's previous schooling to help support their needs. 3. Step 3: Evaluation. Academic leadership evaluates the submitted documents and past academic results. When available and necessary, students may be invited to Play-Dates or Trial Days to help assess their level. Secondary School students will also have an interview with a member of the academic leadership and take a placement test. 4. Step 4: Admission decision. After completing the admissions process, you will be informed whether a place can be offered. If an offer is made and accepted, a school contract is issued and you will have a reasonable deadline to return the signed contract along with the required documents. 5. Step 5: Welcome to BMS. The team welcomes you and your child on the first day, and a buddy is assigned to help your child settle into the school community.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Income Related School Fees: Families can apply for income-related school fees. An application form plus complete and reliable evidence of family income should be sent to the Management Office. For further information please contact gf@private-kant-schulen.de. Sibling Reductions: B.I.S. offers sibling reductions. The reductions are applied per child and vary by grade level: for Grades 1–6 the reductions are 1st child 1,025 EUR, 2nd child 769 EUR, 3rd child 513 EUR, 4th child 256 EUR; for Grades 7–10 the reductions are 1st child 1,130 EUR, 2nd child 872 EUR, 3rd child 615 EUR, 4th child 357 EUR. Corresponding additional agreements are issued by the Admissions Office when the contract is concluded.
Scholarships
Financial assistance is available. Details about financial support are provided in the school's financial assistance resources.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school uses a waiting list. If a place is not immediately available, applicants may be placed on a waiting list. A place on the waiting list indicates ongoing consideration for enrollment, depending on availability.