Berlin Metropolitan School vs Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin
Berlin Metropolitan School and Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin are both in Berlin, about 13 km apart. Both schools offer German programmes. Berlin Metropolitan School also offers IB and Cambridge IGCSE, and Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary). Published annual fees are €9,430 - 18,216 at Berlin Metropolitan School and €10,500 at Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin, which puts Berlin Metropolitan School roughly 32% higher. Berlin Metropolitan School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin from 5 to 18.
IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, German Curriculum
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), German Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
—
Pupils
—
Typical class size
Typical class size
—
Typical class size
—
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, German
Instruction language
German, English
Opened
Opened
2004
Opened
2011
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
Clayallee 328-334, 14169 Berlin, Zehlendorf. The Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin is a German-English bilingual all-day school in Berlin. It is accessible by S-Bahn Zehlendorf (S1) and U-Bahn Oskar-Helene-Heim (U3) with bus connections 623, 115, 118, 285.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Stages
German-English bilingual all-day school with Eingangsklasse (entrance class), Grundschule (primary), and Gymnasium (secondary).
School type
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.
School type
Private all-day school; bilingual German-English; private Ganztagesschule; continuous bilingual education from primary through Gymnasium to Abitur.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Over 1,000 students from 65 countries attend.
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
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.
Additional learning support
Coaching and individualized learning support; development of social competencies.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
—
Country affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
The whole-day program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- 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.
Fee details
Application / Admission Fees
- There is an administration fee of EUR 750 payable on conclusion of the school contract.
Tuition fees (monthly, with annual and per-term equivalents)
- Tuition is charged on a monthly basis according to family gross income and differs for learners up to and including grade 6 and for learners starting at grade 7. The monthly amounts and their annual and per-term equivalents (annual ÷ 3) are: - Annual gross family income starting at EUR 30,000: up to grade 6 — EUR 240 / month (EUR 2,880 per year; EUR 960 per term); starting at grade 7 — EUR 220 / month (EUR 2,640 per year; EUR 880 per term). - Annual gross family income starting at EUR 50,000: up to grade 6 — EUR 350 / month (EUR 4,200 per year; EUR 1,400 per term); starting at grade 7 — EUR 330 / month (EUR 3,960 per year; EUR 1,320 per term). - Annual gross family income starting at EUR 70,000: up to grade 6 — EUR 440 / month (EUR 5,280 per year; EUR 1,760 per term); starting at grade 7 — EUR 420 / month (EUR 5,040 per year; EUR 1,680 per term). - Annual gross family income starting at EUR 90,000: up to grade 6 — EUR 605 / month (EUR 7,260 per year; EUR 2,420 per term); starting at grade 7 — EUR 585 / month (EUR 7,020 per year; EUR 2,340 per term). - Annual gross family income starting at EUR 120,000: up to grade 6 — EUR 770 / month (EUR 9,240 per year; EUR 3,080 per term); starting at grade 7 — EUR 750 / month (EUR 9,000 per year; EUR 3,000 per term). - Annual gross family income starting at EUR 150,000: up to grade 6 — EUR 990 / month (EUR 11,880 per year; EUR 3,960 per term); starting at grade 7 — EUR 970 / month (EUR 11,640 per year; EUR 3,880 per term). - Annual gross family income starting at EUR 170,000: up to grade 6 — EUR 1,070 / month (EUR 12,840 per year; EUR 4,280 per term); starting at grade 7 — EUR 1,050 / month (EUR 12,600 per year; EUR 4,200 per term).
- Special minimum charges (income below EUR 30,000): first child EUR 100 / month (EUR 1,200 per year; EUR 400 per term), second child EUR 75 / month (EUR 900 per year; EUR 300 per term), third child EUR 50 / month (EUR 600 per year; EUR 200 per term), and EUR 25 / month (EUR 300 per year; EUR 100 per term) for each additional sibling. Under these minimums the administration fee, security deposit and service fee do not apply.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition amounts are described as monthly school fees; the administration fee (EUR 750) and the security deposit (EUR 500) are payable on conclusion of the school contract. The security deposit is refunded after leaving the school. A yearly service fee of EUR 100 is charged for provision and support of hardware and software.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable to this school (no boarding fees are listed).
Catering and related charges
- All students are required to participate in lunch. A catering charge of EUR 75 / month applies starting at grade 7 (equivalent to EUR 900 per year; EUR 300 per term). Up to and including grade 6 the catering fee does not apply. Additional small charges for fresh fruit at breakfast break and all-day drinks are included in the stated catering charge.
Other costs and fees
- A service fee of EUR 100 per year for hardware and software provision and support. Administration fee EUR 750 and security deposit EUR 500 due at contract signing (security deposit refunded on exit). Costs for consumables, school clothing, excursions and school trips may be added. Second‑hand school clothing is available for a small contribution or provided free of charge if the family is financially needy. Sibling discounts apply: 20% discount for the second enrolled child; 30% discount for the third and each additional enrolled child.
After‑school care, vacation care and parental contributions
- Parental fees for supervised after‑school care (16:00–18:00, elementary school only) are handled via the local youth welfare office voucher system; the amount payable is determined by the youth welfare office and depends on family income, care hours and number of children (based on the Tagesbetreuungskostenbeteiligungsgesetz, TKBG). If you live in Brandenburg the relevant municipal authority determines and issues the contribution. Vacation care incurs additional costs determined by the youth welfare office.
Refund information
- The security deposit (EUR 500) is refunded after a learner leaves the school. No other explicit tuition refund policy is listed in the published fee information.
Fee payment options
- The published fee information does not specify accepted payment methods (for example credit card, direct debit or bank transfer) in the fee schedule itself. The administration fee and security deposit are required at contract signing.
Notes on discounts and financial support
- Families judged financially needy can apply for cost reduction or cost absorption for additional charges (consumables, excursions, etc.). The Würth Foundation may grant scholarships for families with a notice of receipt of citizens' allowance; applications to the Foundation are made via the school management. Sibling discounts apply as listed above.
Summary statement
- Tuition is charged monthly on an income‑dependent scale with separate monthly rates for up to grade 6 and starting at grade 7. Administration and security payments are due on signing, the security deposit is refundable on leaving, and additional charges (service fee, catering from grade 7, consumables, trips, clothing) apply as described above.
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
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.
Curriculum details
Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin is a bilingual all-day school with classes taught in German and English starting in the entrance class. It consists of an entrance class, an elementary school (1st–6th grade) and a secondary school (7th–12th grade). The learning environment is designed to promote self-organized and goal-oriented learning. The school emphasizes media literacy and the responsible and creative use of digital tools and programmes. It is a state-approved alternative school in Berlin-Zehlendorf. The mission is defined by four attitudes: appreciation, mindfulness, willingness to learn and confidence.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Class size is 22–24 students in Primary and Secondary. Total enrollment is 1,135 students.
Student teacher ratio
—
Exam results
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.
Exam results
Abitur 2025: The Class of 2025 achieved an average Abitur grade of 2.1.
Higher education progression
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.
Higher education progression
—
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. 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.
Admissions
Admission procedure: 1. Attend an information event (Info Afternoon, Info Evening or Open House) to learn about the pedagogical concept and organizational aspects. The dates for the next info events are listed on the admissions page. For start of school registration, information from the Senatsverwaltung is available here (also in English). 2. An admission application PDF is downloadable here. 3. After the application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee and the basic requirements are met, you will be invited to an admissions interview to get to know you as parents and your child and to determine whether the school is a suitable learning environment. 4. After the Admissions Committee has met, you will receive a written acceptance or rejection letter, or notification that your child is on the waiting list. If your position on the waiting list moves up, you will be informed.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Financial assistance is available. Details about financial support are provided in the school's financial assistance resources.
Scholarships
Scholarships: The Würth Foundation awards several places at Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin as scholarships each year.
Waitlist
Waitlist
—
Waitlist
Waiting list: The Admissions Committee may place applicants on a waiting list; you will be informed if your child's position moves up.