Berlin International School vs SIS Swiss International School - Berlin

	B Berlin International School Berlin, Germany	S SIS Swiss International School - Berlin Berlin, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,425 - 18,240	Fees / year €13,970 - 21,338
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (DP), German Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 900	Pupils 293
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 1998	Opened 2016
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Lentzeallee 8/14, 14195 Berlin, in southwest Berlin (Campus Lentzeallee).	Location Located in the west of Berlin, Heerstraße 465, 13593 Berlin, Germany. The campus is surrounded by 60,000 m² of wooded parkland.
Stages	Stages Primary (Grades 1–5); Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10); IB Diploma (Grades 11–12).	Stages Kindergarten; Primary School; Secondary School (7–10); Secondary School (11–13); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
School type	School type 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 day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 70+ nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix 293 enrolled students; 30+ nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Language support programs for English and German at different levels to compensate for language deficits.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany; State of Berlin.	Country affiliation Affiliated with SIS Swiss International School, part of a group with schools in Switzerland, Germany, Brazil and Italy.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Non-denominational.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Day school supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; exact lesson and supervision times vary by school level.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a bus service.	Bus service details A school shuttle is offered for transport.
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. Fee payment options (payment instruments / methods) - 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 Application / One‑time Entrance Fee - A one‑time entrance fee is charged upon signing the school contract. The standard entrance fee is €850. For families with gross annual income up to €29,420 the entrance fee is €100; that reduced amount is set off against the monthly fees during the first semester. The entrance fee is due at contract signing and is non‑refundable. Tuition — Preschool (Kindergarten) (school year 2026/27) - Standard tuition for preschool (learning and play time, supervision 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) is €1,085 per month. - Per term (semester, calculated as 6 months): €6,510. - Per year (12 months): €13,020. - After School Care (optional): €32 per month, per weekday booked. - No sibling discount applies to preschool fees. - Shuttle bus: €175 per month per child; flat family rate €252 per month for two or more children. Costs for lunch, school uniform, and field trips are not included in the preschool fee. Tuition — Primary and Secondary School (school year 2026/27) — Standard (regular) rates - Grades 1–6: €1,253 per month. - Per term (6 months): €7,518. - Per year (12 months): €15,036. - Grades 7–9: €1,399 per month. - Per term: €8,394. - Per year: €16,788. - Grades 10–11: €1,599 per month. - Per term: €9,594. - Per year: €19,188. - Grades 12–13: €1,699 per month. - Per term: €10,194. - Per year: €20,388. - The monthly figures cover instruction and supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (core teaching hours and attendance requirements vary by year group). Shuttle bus, lunch, and other optional services are charged separately. Income‑based Tuition (Grades 1–13) — School year 2026/27 (monthly rates) - Gross family income up to €29,420: - Grades 1–6: €100 per month; Grades 7–9: €100 per month; Grades 10–11: €100 per month; Grades 12–13: €100 per month. - Gross family income €29,421–40,000: - Grades 1–6: €346; Grades 7–9: €368; Grades 10–11: €394; Grades 12–13: €394. - Gross family income €40,001–50,000: - Grades 1–6: €558; Grades 7–9: €592; Grades 10–11: €657; Grades 12–13: €657. - Gross family income €50,001–60,000: - Grades 1–6: €757; Grades 7–9: €830; Grades 10–11: €921; Grades 12–13: €921. - Gross family income €60,001–70,000: - Grades 1–6: €957; Grades 7–9: €1,053; Grades 10–11: €1,184; Grades 12–13: €1,184. - Gross family income €70,001–80,000: - Grades 1–6: €1,196; Grades 7–9: €1,329; Grades 10–11: €1,488; Grades 12–13: €1,488. - Gross family income more than €80,001: - Grades 1–6: €1,253; Grades 7–9: €1,399; Grades 10–11: €1,599; Grades 12–13: €1,699. - Income‑based tuition levels are calculated on the basis of worldwide gross family income for the previous calendar year and require submission of an evaluation form and supporting documents. Specific sibling reductions apply to income‑based fees (25% for second child, 50% for third child, 75% for additional children). Sibling Discount (regular tuition) - For families paying the regular tuition rates who enroll two or more children in grades 1–13, a sibling discount of 20% applies to the tuition fees for the second child and any additional children. The sibling discount does not apply to the one‑time entrance fee, lunch, shuttle, or other additional services. Separate sibling discount rules apply to income‑based fees. Other Mandatory / Optional Fees and Charges - Fee for books and lesson materials: €100 annually (per student). - After School Care (optional): €32 monthly (fee based on one weekday; bookings fixed for at least one semester; additional days possible subject to approval). - Shuttle bus: €175 per month per child; flat monthly charge of €252 for families with two or more children. - Lunch: Lunch can be purchased from an external provider; lunch costs are not included in tuition and are charged separately. - School uniform and field trips: Costs for uniform and field trips are not included in the listed fees. - IB Diploma assessment fees (grade 13) and other assessment/exam charges are not included and will be invoiced separately; such invoices include an administration fee of €50. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - The published monthly fees are expressed as monthly average rates based on calculations for 12 months per year (or 6 months per semester). Fees are payable 12 months per year, including holidays. Payment of fees must be made one semester (6 months) in advance unless otherwise agreed. Parents who choose monthly payments will be charged a surcharge of 3% on each payment. Parents who make an advanced payment covering the whole school year are offered a 2% discount. Changes to the agreed payment mode incur an administration fee of €50 per invoice (or per invoice line item within collective invoices). Refunds and Non‑Refundable Charges - The one‑time entrance fee is non‑refundable. Other specific refund rules and legally binding payment and booking modalities are defined in the school contract. Additional costs arising from optional services (transport, lunch, class trips, excursions, IB assessment fees, etc.) are charged separately and follow their own invoicing terms. Fee Payment Options and Administrative Details - Parents are asked to indicate their preferred mode of payment; the school will record the chosen payment mode and any subsequent change triggers the stated administration fee. Payment timing, surcharges, discounts, and invoicing modalities are specified in the school contract. Specific payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, direct debit, credit card) are arranged with the school and appear in the invoicing and contract documentation. Important Notes on Scope of These Fees - Listed tuition figures cover instruction, supervision during the stated core hours, and general school services as described in the fee schedule. They do not include costs for optional or externally provided services and activities (transport beyond the shuttle, lunch, uniforms, field trips, assessment fees, etc.). The school reserves the right to amend fees; the price lists are valid for the stated school year.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
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 The school provides bilingual education from Kindergarten through to college. It offers Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School (7 to 10), Secondary School (11 to 13), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students can attain the German Abitur or the IB Diploma, enabling them to pursue their chosen educational path.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
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 The German Abitur and the International Baccalaureate Diploma are offered, enabling progression to higher education.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
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 Make the First Step. SIS Berlin provides information on the admission process. SIS Berlin accepts registrations all year round. Submitting the registration form begins the process; if space is available, the school will contact you; if not, your child's name can be added to the waiting list. A consultation with the school management follows, during which the educational offer is discussed and an admission form is sent to be completed and returned. If visiting in person is not possible, a video conference is available. Trial days allow the child to experience SIS for one or two days. After a positive assessment, the school contract is drawn up and signed. Admission is possible all year round. Most enrollments occur in spring (February to April) for a start in August or September. Enrollment age varies by location and is typically three to five years. There is no entrance examination. If a child does not speak both school languages German and English, enrollment is possible; German and English are learned by immersion, with additional language support offered outside of class or during class time.
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 —
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.	Waitlist If there is no place available in the corresponding grade, the child's name will be added to the waiting list.
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