Frankfurt International School vs Metropolitan School Frankfurt

	F Frankfurt International School Frankfurt, Germany	M Metropolitan School Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €11,590 - 31,365	Fees / year €13,440 - 21,460
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 750
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, German
Opened	Opened 1961	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Frankfurt International School operates on two campuses in Oberursel and Wiesbaden. The Oberursel Campus serves ages 3 through Grade 12 and is located about 23 kilometers from Frankfurt city center. The Wiesbaden Campus serves ages 3 through Grade 8 and is located about 40 kilometers from central Frankfurt. Both campuses follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) program framework and share common standards.	Location Metropolitan School Frankfurt is located at Eschborner Landstrasse 134 - 142, 60489 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It sits in the city of Frankfurt and is easily accessible by car and public transport. The public bus stops in front of the school, and it is well connected via local train and bus services. The school maintains relationships with transportation companies that operate private transfers of students to and from school.
Stages	Stages Oberursel Campus provides Preschool (First Steps) to Grade 12, with Primary School (First Steps–Grade 1), Elementary School (Grades 2–5), and Upper School (Middle School 6–8 and High School 9–12). Wiesbaden Campus provides Preschool to Grade 8.	Stages Early Years (Kindergarten), Primary School, Secondary School
School type	School type Two IB World School campuses: Oberursel (Preschool - Grade 12) and Wiesbaden (Preschool - Grade 8). Both campuses offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Upper School offers the IB Diploma.	School type International school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 60 nationalities represented; approximately 1,800 students from age 3 to Grade 12.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning support with an expert team; in-class differentiation helps to challenge and support student learning.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany	Country affiliation Germany
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Day structure varies by campus and grade level. Oberursel Primary arrival at 8:20, classes begin at 8:40, and dismissal at 14:50 (First Steps half-day 12:00). Oberursel Elementary arrival 8:05–8:25, classes begin 8:30, dismissal 15:05, bus departure 15:17. Oberursel Upper School arrival 8:15–8:20, classes begin 8:32, dismissal 15:10, bus departure 15:17. Wiesbaden Campus arrival 8:15–8:30, classes begin 8:35, dismissal 15:10 (First Steps half-day 12:00), bus departure 15:20.	School day structure Opening hours: Early Morning Care 8:00–8:30; Early Years and Primary School 8:30–15:30; Secondary School 8:25–15:30; After School Care 15:30–17:30.
Bus service details	Bus service details FIS has the largest private school bus system in Germany, with over 50 bus routes on the Oberursel and Wiesbaden campuses. Buses serve 90 localities in the Frankfurt area with 240 bus stops for student pick-up and drop-off.	Bus service details Public bus stops in front of the school; onsite parking for parents; well connected via local train and bus services; transportation providers arrange private transfers to and from school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & enrollment fees - New Student Registration Fee: EUR 1,500. This registration fee is not refundable and is not transferable to future school years. - Down Payment for new students: EUR 2,000. The down payment is credited toward tuition, is required within 10 days of the acceptance letter to guarantee placement, and is non-refundable after that period. Together the registration fee plus the down payment total EUR 3,500 at initial acceptance. - Re‑enrollment (returning student) Fee: EUR 350; this fee secures a returning student's placement and is not refundable. Annual tuition fees (by year group) - First Steps (age 3 before 1 September), half‑day program: EUR 11,590. - First Steps, Pre‑Primary (full program): EUR 22,570. - Primary: EUR 24,760. - Grades 1–4: EUR 25,260. - Grade 5: EUR 25,500. - Grades 6–8: EUR 29,110. - Grades 9–10: EUR 30,105. - Grades 11–12: EUR 30,690. Payment installments (standard personal payment plan example) - Standard two‑installment option (Alternative 1): 55% of tuition and transportation fees are due by 1 July; the remaining 45% is payable in January (a surcharge of EUR 100 per child applies to the January payment). Example splits (55% / 45%) for each annual tuition above are shown below as the amount due at each installment: - First Steps (half‑day) — Annual EUR 11,590: EUR 6,374.50 due 1 July; EUR 5,215.50 due in January. - First Steps, Pre‑Primary — Annual EUR 22,570: EUR 12,413.50 / EUR 10,156.50. - Primary — Annual EUR 24,760: EUR 13,618.00 / EUR 11,142.00. - Grades 1–4 — Annual EUR 25,260: EUR 13,893.00 / EUR 11,367.00. - Grade 5 — Annual EUR 25,500: EUR 14,025.00 / EUR 11,475.00. - Grades 6–8 — Annual EUR 29,110: EUR 16,010.50 / EUR 13,099.50. - Grades 9–10 — Annual EUR 30,105: EUR 16,557.75 / EUR 13,547.25. - Grades 11–12 — Annual EUR 30,690: EUR 16,879.50 / EUR 13,810.50. - Alternative monthly payment schedule (Alternative 2): a monthly plan is available with a 3.0% surcharge on the outstanding balance; all fees must be paid latest on 1 June of the relevant school year when this option is used. - Note: For students who start in August, all tuition and fees are normally required to be paid in advance. For students who start during the school year, invoices set the due dates and payment is expected within the communicated invoice terms. Late accounts are charged interest/late fees as specified in the school's payment terms. Capital Assessment Fee (new students) - Annual Capital Assessment Fee payable in Year 1 and Year 2 for new students (Pre‑Primary and up): EUR 6,450 per year. This fee is assigned to a capital fund and is not refundable (departing students who have attended 65 days or less in the year pay only half the capital fee in that year). Transportation (bus) fees - Bus fees are charged by distance zone and include 7% VAT. Example Oberursel campus zone prices (annual): - Zone A: EUR 2,165.00. - Zone B: EUR 2,440.00. - Zone C: EUR 2,565.00. - Zone D: EUR 2,705.00. - Zone E: EUR 2,860.00. - Zone F: EUR 3,125.00. - Zone G: EUR 3,220.00. - Zone H: EUR 3,350.00. - Wiesbaden campus zones have separate annual rates (Zone A EUR 2,595 up to Zone G EUR 3,600 as listed). A 25% reduction is offered for the third child onward when applied for by the specified deadline. Flexible single‑ride tickets (where available) may be purchased at EUR 10 per ride. Language, learning support and other program fees - First Language (FL) and Identity Language (IL) course fees (annual): Elementary: EUR 1,260; Grades 6–10: EUR 1,715; Grades 11–12: EUR 2,450. - Additional costs that may be invoiced during the year include external examination/IB fees, grade‑level trip fees (note: many grade‑level trips for Grades 5–11 are included in tuition as part of the program), specialist therapy or additional learning support beyond normal provision, yearbook, lost/damaged library/text books, school meals/snacks, after‑school care, tutoring, and required student devices (students in Grade 5 and above are required to have a personal laptop). These items are billed separately as applicable. Refunds, proration and leave of absence - Tuition and transportation fees are prorated for late entry or early departure based on the official acceptance or leaving date. The school's proration schedule lists the refundable percentage for students who leave early and the payable percentage for students who enroll late across defined periods of the school year. Example proration (departure refunds): July–Aug 15 = 90% refundable; Aug 15–Sep = 65% refundable; Oct–Dec = 35% refundable; Jan = 25% refundable; Feb–Mar = 0%; Apr–Jun = 0%. For late entrants the payable percentages vary by period (100% at the start of the year, decreasing later). A leave of absence may be reserved by paying 50% of the respective tuition fee for the absence period to guarantee re‑admission. Registration and down payment and the capital assessment fee are explicitly not refundable under the described conditions. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable: the school operates as a day school (no boarding fee applies). Uniform, campus shop and incidental purchases - There is no formal uniform fee listed; a campus shop and bookstores on campus sell school spirit wear (hoodies, T‑shirts, bags, hats) and school supplies; these purchases are optional and billed at the point of sale. Refunds & non‑refundable items recap - Non‑refundable items include the New Student Registration Fee, the Down Payment (after the 10‑day acceptance window), and the Capital Assessment Fee (with the limited exception for very short attendance as described). Refundable tuition amounts depend on the proration schedule tied to official leaving dates. Payment methods and billing terms - The school accepts Euro bank transfers to its specified IBAN/SWIFT accounts for payments; detailed bank account identifiers (IBANs and SWIFT/BIC codes) are provided with invoices. A late payment charge is applied to past‑due accounts (the published late payment percentage applies after the due date). Two alternative payment schedules are offered for private payers: (1) the 55%/45% split with the 45% payment in January (EUR 100 surcharge per child) and (2) a monthly plan with a 3.0% surcharge on the outstanding balance; all fees must be paid by the final internal deadline under the chosen plan. The school's business/accounting office telephone number is published for billing arrangements. Other fee programs - A Tuition Reduction Program (means‑tested reduction) and specific Partnership/Diplomatic Mission fee schedules exist for eligible families; those programs and any partnership pricing are applied under separate published terms. Additional employer‑paid or reimbursed arrangements are treated according to tax rules described by the school.	Fee details Application and one-time fees - Registration Fee (one-time): EUR 1,000. This fee is due within three weeks after signing the school contract and covers admitting, assessing and registering the child. - MSF Joining Fee (one-time): EUR 6,200 per student. For enrollments contractually limited to less than six months, half of this fee is payable. For Early Years children in KG1 and KG2, parents may elect to pay the Joining Fee in two equal instalments (50% on signing and 50% one year later). Students granted reduced tuition are exempt from the Joining Fee while they meet the reduced-tuition conditions. Tuition fees by division (monthly and annual amounts) - Early Years (ages 3–6): - Snack fee for Frankfurt citizens (tuition otherwise covered by the city): EUR 56 per month / EUR 672 per year. - Tuition for non-Frankfurt citizens (includes snack fee): EUR 1,220 per month / EUR 14,640 per year. - Primary School (Grades 1–5): Regular school tuition EUR 1,255 per month / EUR 15,060 per year. - Secondary School (Grades 6–10): Regular school tuition EUR 1,547 per month / EUR 18,564 per year. - Secondary School — IB Diploma (Grades 11–12): Regular school tuition EUR 1,697 per month / EUR 20,364 per year. Optional monthly fees (monthly and annual amounts) - Lunch (optional hot lunch): EUR 136 per month / EUR 1,632 per year. - After School Care (regular programme): EUR 176 per month / EUR 2,112 per year; ad-hoc care EUR 25 per day or EUR 100 per week. - Extra English (EAL; four lessons per week for significant additional English support): EUR 145 per month / EUR 1,740 per year. - After-school club fees: charged per semester or quarter depending on the club and provider. All optional fees are charged monthly where indicated. Reduced tuition and scholarships - The school operates a fee-reduction programme with multiple income bands for Grades 1–10 and Grades 6–10 reduced-tuition levels; amounts vary by family income. Example reduced monthly rates (Primary G1–5): EUR 898, EUR 601, EUR 378, EUR 154 depending on income thresholds; (Secondary G6–10) examples include EUR 1,042, EUR 687, EUR 421, EUR 154 depending on income thresholds. Applicants must submit income and asset documentation for assessment; reduced-tuition places are allocated and reviewed annually. Families who receive reduced tuition are generally exempt from the Joining Fee while qualifying. Scholarships for Grade 1–10 and for IB Diploma years are available by confidential application and are decided by the school's scholarship committee. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and the monthly optional charges are billed in 12 equal monthly instalments and are due on the first day of each month. Lunch and after-school care costs are divided by 12 and charged monthly, including during school holiday months. - Regular monthly tuition and optional monthly fees are payable by direct debit from the parents' or guardians' German bank account. Invoices are used for certain external charges (for example external examination fees). - Handling and rejection: a handling fee of EUR 10 is charged for each rejected direct debit in addition to the bank's rejection fee. If direct debits are rejected three times within a school year, the school may require semester-by-semester prepayments with immediate effect. - The school publishes an annual tuition and fees schedule in advance of the following academic year. The academic year runs from 1 August to 31 July. Payment methods and bank details (fee payments and one-time fees) - Ongoing monthly tuition and optional fees: payable by direct debit from a German bank account. - Registration and Joining Fees: payable by bank transfer to the school's account (bank name, IBAN and SWIFT/BIC are provided in the admissions paperwork and in the school's admissions instructions). Example bank details used for fee transfers are associated with Taunus Sparkasse (IBAN: DE74512500000000326666; SWIFT-BIC: HELADEF1TSK) for the payment of Registration and Joining Fees. External examination fees and other invoices are normally paid by bank transfer on invoice. No regular acceptance of credit-card payments for monthly tuition is stated. Late enrolment, notice and refund / termination arrangements - Late enrolment schedule (percentage of annual tuition payable when joining after the school year start): - August: 100% payable - September: 100% payable - October: 95% payable - November: 85% payable - December: 75% payable - January: 65% payable - February: 55% payable - March: 45% payable - April: 35% payable - May: 25% payable - June: 15% payable. - Early termination (amount of annual tuition payable depending on termination month; applies to contracts per the stated contract clauses): - Termination effective end of August: 25% of annual tuition payable - September: 40% payable - October: 45% payable - November: 50% payable - December: 55% payable - January: 65% payable - February: 75% payable - March: 85% payable - April: 95% payable - May and June: 100% payable. - For students leaving at the end of the academic year, notice must be given by 31 March prior to the end of the academic year. If notice is given between 1 April and 31 July, the early-termination table applies plus 25% of the following school year's tuition in specified contract situations. If a new student signs a school contract but terminates it before starting, a payment of 25% of the following year's tuition is due. These notice and termination conditions determine any refundable or payable balance when a student departs. Other costs and regular extras - External examination fees (charged by external examining bodies and invoiced to families): approximate amounts for the year include IGCSE exam fees ~EUR 110 per subject (Coordinated Science billed ~EUR 220) and IB Diploma fees with a registration component and per-subject charges (for example approximate registration and per-subject amounts are set out for the IB Diploma). Families may be eligible for confidential school funding for examination or book costs in specific financial-need cases. - Day-school trips and excursions are included in the tuition up to EUR 50 per student per year; any costs beyond that will be charged separately. Overnight school-trip costs vary by trip. - Books: the school provides school books for Early Years, Primary and Secondary except for Grades 11 and 12, where families are given a book list and ordering options. If required, families in Grades 11 and 12 may apply for confidential school funding for books. - After-school care late pickup fee: EUR 10 for every 5 minutes beyond official closing time and EUR 25 for every 10 minutes after 18:00; charged by direct debit at month end. - Ad-hoc afterschool care (occasional use): EUR 25 per day or EUR 100 per week. Afterschool-club fees are payable per semester or quarter depending on the activity. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. Metropolitan School Frankfurt operates as a day school with stated opening and after-school-care hours; no boarding fees apply. Refunds and adjustments - Refunds and adjustments are governed by the termination and late-enrolment schedules above and by the contractual notice requirements; specific refundable amounts (if any) are determined by the termination month percentages and by the contract clauses that apply to each enrolment. Handling fees for rejected direct debits and any charged external fees are not refundable where stated by the school's payment terms. Families seeking fee reductions or assistance must follow the school's fee-reduction or scholarship application procedures.
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 Frankfurt International School is an IB World School serving students from First Steps (age 3) through Grade 12. The Primary and Elementary School follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) with Units of Inquiry. The Middle School (Grades 6–8) bridges PYP to the Diploma Programme, building the skills for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in the upper years. The High School delivers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), a two-year curriculum that leads to external examinations in May. The school operates on two campuses, Oberursel and Wiesbaden, delivering a consistent IB framework across the campuses. The programme emphasizes inquiry-based learning and a global-focused education.	Curriculum details The school uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Early Years and Primary School. In Secondary School the programme combines the Cambridge International Examinations IGCSE for Grades 6–10 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Grades 11–12. The IGCSE offers English (First Language, Core and Extended), English as a Foreign Language, German (First and Foreign Language), French, Spanish, Coordinated Science (Core and Extended, Double Award), Mathematics (Core and Extended), History, Geography, Food and Nutrition, Business Studies, Computer Science, Art and Design, Music, and Drama. The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year curriculum built on six subject groups with the DP Core (Creativity, Activity, Service; Theory of Knowledge; Extended Essay). The DP is recognised for university entrance and offers equivalence to the German Abitur; the school provides transparency for German university entrance requirements. The 2023 graduates averaged 37 points with a high of 41 out of 45.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Oberursel campus average student-teacher ratio is 8:1. The Wiesbaden campus ratio is 7:1. The Elementary School at the Oberursel campus has a 9:1 student-teacher ratio.	Student teacher ratio Class sizes in Primary are usually 15-20 students per class and never exceed 25.
Exam results	Exam results Results of student performance are published each year. The IB Diploma Programme culminates in external examinations taken in May.	Exam results The Diploma Programme results show a 2023 average of 37 points with a high score of 41 out of 45. The school reports a 100% IB pass rate. In the Secondary School, students study the IGCSE with subjects including English, German, French, Spanish, Science, Mathematics, History, Geography, and more; 70% of students achieved grades A or A* in IGCSE.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Upper School students receive college counseling to pursue higher education. Graduates gain admission to universities worldwide with counselor support. Graduates enroll at universities across Europe, North America, and beyond.	Higher education progression MSF provides university and career counselling to help students find the best match for higher education worldwide. Counsellors offer ongoing support, meet with students as needed, and provide guidance based on training and experience; parents are involved in the process. The programme includes guidance on internal and external deadlines, and resources for studying in the UK, Germany and beyond. Contacts are Marcel König (German University Counsellor) and Karen Smith (University Counsellor for worldwide applications).
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. Applications should be submitted soon after January 1, prior to the beginning of a new school year. An earlier application, together with a strong educational background, increases the chances of accommodating your family's needs. Some applicants may wait a year or longer to gain admission. Review General Student Application Information to understand the priority system and waiting lists, and how admission decisions are timed. 2. To apply for admission, complete the online application. When completing the online admission process, upload the following documents: copy of student passport or birth certificate; completed FIS Student Medical Record with immunization history; school transcripts for the past two years (in English); one passport-sized photograph of the student; Student Recommendation Form for Grade 1–12; standardized testing results if available; psycho-educational report if applicable. 3. Age requirements guide eligibility: First Steps must be three years old before 1 September; Pre-Primary must be four before 1 September; Primary must be five before 1 September; Grade 1 must have turned six before 1 September. English Language Acquisition (ELA) support is available for non-native speakers; the school accepts beginning English speakers through Grade 8, and Grade 9 requires an intermediate level with an ELA placement test to assess suitability. 4. Learning support is limited; learning support eligibility is assessed through an early application with a recent psycho-educational evaluation and related documents, and any medical/testing needs should be noted on the application. German passport holders may need an Ausnahmegenehmigung (special permit) to enroll, with related information and forms available for download or request from the admissions office. 5. Decision timing and the waiting process: a decision cannot be made until all required records and documents are submitted. Most applicants receive admission decisions in April through June, and the school will not have final vacancy numbers until near the end of the current school year. Completed applications received during the school year generally receive a decision within one week. 6. Transfers and partnerships: current FIS/FISW students can transfer between campuses, which may occur at the end of the school year and require submission before 1 April for consideration for the following school year. The Corporate Partnership Program exists with designated spaces for families from partner organizations, and inquiries can be directed to the Head of School. 7. Contact and next steps: the Admissions Office provides ongoing guidance through Alec Aspinwall (Director of Admissions and Advancement) and Patricia Dange (Admissions Assistant).	Admissions 1. Apply online through the MSF online application form at apply.m-school.de and upload all required documents and certificates. Kindergarten applications require the Early Years Confidential Statement Form to be filled out by the current nursery/kindergarten and by parents. For G1-11 applications, submit the last two school reports and transcripts translated into English, a letter of reference, and a completed Referral Form. Psychological/psycho-educational evaluations for applicants with specific learning needs, the Secondary Student Statement Form (Grades 6-11) completed in handwriting, and a handwritten essay of approximately 500 words for IB DP applicants to Grade 11 may also be requested.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Tuition Reduction Program (TRP) offers partial or full tuition reductions to ensure international and social diversity and to make FIS accessible to students who would otherwise be unable to attend due to limited family income. Applications must be reviewed before the school year begins; they require detailed financial information and a copy of the parents' tax return. Eligibility includes meeting admission criteria, having a demonstrated need for an international education, and at least one parent employed in the Frankfurt Rhine‑Main area; a maximum of two students per family may receive a reduction; reductions are granted for one year and are reviewed annually. Levels of support are based on the family's gross annual income. The TRP selection is conducted by a committee, and decisions are communicated within a defined timetable (applications must be received by 1 May for the current year; decisions are made by mid‑June). Separate TRP applications are required for each student; confidentiality is maintained. Need-based scholarships through the TRP are designed to enable students to remain at FIS and to admit new students who could not otherwise afford the education.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist A waiting list is used due to high demand. A student's position on the waiting list can change if higher-priority applications are received, and there is no guarantee of a space opening during the school year. Applicants can express interest to be considered for the following school year if acceptance in the current year is not offered.	Waitlist Applications are accepted from September to June for the following school year. If a place is not available, students are placed on the waitlist.
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