Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
Phorms Campus Hamburg is located in the centre of Hamburg. The address is Wendenstraße 35–43, 20097 Hamburg.
Nursery/Day Care, Primary School, Secondary School.
Private school (privately funded).
45 nationalities represented; international community.
Small class sizes with a high teacher–student ratio and additional educators provide individual support; Primary School includes targeted support.
Germany
All-day program with care from 7:30 am to 6 pm.
The school offers a full-day program with an after-school and holiday program, operating from 7:30 to 18:00.
Meals are balanced, regional and bio-certified; prepared daily in the school kitchen by the caterer Bio für Kids; two daily dish options (one vegetarian) and a raw-food option at the salad bar; fresh water available all day; lunch beverages include herbal or fruit teas; fish is offered once a week and poultry or beef twice a week from organic production; pork is avoided entirely.
The school is a private German-English school and is part of the Phorms Education network.
The school follows the British-American Cabinet System, with students moving between subject-specific classrooms and using either German or English as the instruction language depending on the subject. Core areas of the educational concept are Bilingual Education, Self-Organised Learning, Talent Development, Media Education, Qualifications and Career Orientation. Bilingual Education uses native-speaking teachers to teach many subjects in German and English, with the language of instruction alternating every 1-2 years; by the end of junior secondary, students are prepared for senior secondary. From year 6, Spanish and/or French are introduced as second/third foreign languages, and many students bring additional languages from home. Media Education and Digital Literacy are emphasised; all classrooms have interactive Smart Boards and laptops, ICT is taught in years 5-7 and Computer Science from year 8. Qualifications include MSA in year 10, A-Levels for upper secondary, and Cambridge Certificate preparation for Cambridge exams from year 10.
Upper secondary is state-recognised for A-Levels, and since 2020 graduates have obtained the general university entrance qualification (Abitur). The school also offers preparatory courses for Cambridge language exams (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) from year 10, supporting international higher education opportunities. The Abitur provides a pathway to German universities, while Cambridge-related qualifications provide international options.
Gifted provision focuses on individual support of gifted students through differentiated instruction, regular support conferences, and learning development meetings. Talents are nurtured in regular lessons, clubs, projects and competitions, with external partners and new initiatives such as Phorms Summer Camps starting in 2025 enhancing the program.
Social-emotional learning is an integral part of the elementary school and is taught during KLU lessons. Students explore topics such as emotions, conflict resolution, friendship, teamwork, and pro-social behavior.
Individual support includes ongoing observation, discussions, and diagnostic assessments to identify strengths early. Tailored learning opportunities are provided through differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and participation in specialized programs and competitions. Enrichment opportunities include the revolving-door model, advanced learning courses, and personalized project supervision in small groups. The school works with a school psychologist and a specialist for gifted education to ensure the best possible support for each learner.
For children needing extra support in German or English, targeted programmes help bring them up to the required level. Bilingual instruction uses immersion with teachers who instruct in both German and English.
Mental wellbeing is supported through social-emotional learning and collaboration with a school psychologist who supports emotionally and socially across the school community.
Admission processes at Phorms Campus Hamburg are described for Daycare, Primary School and Secondary School. Online registration is non-binding and reviewed to discuss next steps. Daycare: online registration, personal introduction, and notification of place availability; a child can be admitted at any time during the current daycare year, depending on availability. Costs for the day care centre and preschool can be covered by a City of Hamburg day-care voucher; the parental contribution is set via a Friends' Association and depends on hours and family income. The monthly Friends' Association membership for children in the day care centre before entering preschool is €128; from preschool onward, the fee is based on income and equals 0.315% of the income reported two years prior (for 2025/26). There is a one-off admission fee of 1% of the family's income, less a €250 administration fee. Tax deductibility applies to parental contributions and Friends' Association fees up to two-thirds. Primary: we regularly admit children to new year 1 classes and to higher year groups; admission during the school year is possible if places are available. Online registration; personal introduction; an offer is sent by email if a place is available and the care contract is sent by post; late registrations are welcome if space allows. Costs include a €250 registration fee; €250 monthly school fee per child (with 25% off the second child, 50% off the third, 75% off the fourth); catering €89 per month (plus €11 for optional drinks and snacks); materials €5 per student per month plus year-group materials €20–€80; Full-Day Care (After-School Care) is available with additional charges; holiday care is available at €120 per week; there are additional costs for uniforms, trips, and optional courses; payment is by 12 monthly installments via direct debit; tax deductibility up to two-thirds; Friends' Association contributions are income-based (0.315% of income two years prior). Newcomers are welcome and late registrations can be organized if places exist. Secondary: admission is offered for new pupils to the secondary school; online registration; trial days after completion of an entrance test; an offer of a place is sent by email and the contract is sent by post; admission during the school year is possible if places are available. Costs mirror the primary structure with a €250 registration fee; €250 monthly school fee per child (with sibling discounts); catering €89 per month (with optional €11 for drinks/snacks); materials €5 per student per month plus year-group materials €20–€80; Full-Day Care and Holiday Care options; tax deductibility up to two-thirds; Friends' Association contributions based on income (0.315% of income two years prior).
Income-based fee reductions and sibling discounts are available.
Eggerstedter Weg 19, 25421 Pinneberg. The school is in the Hamburg metropolitan region, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
Grades 1–12; International Baccalaureate World School (IB Diploma Programme). The main language of instruction is English, with a German program to support native-level learning.
State-approved substitute school (Ersatzschule) in Schleswig-Holstein; IB World School.
The school has 240 students representing 47 nationalities. The student body includes international and German families from the Hamburg metropolitan region.
Germany
School hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00–17:00.
Participation in the daily hot lunch programme provided by the school cafeteria is included in the Afternoon Programme fees for Grades 1-10 and in the Tuition costs for the IB Programme.
WABE e.V. remains active in supporting the school's growth and operations. The WABE International School board is comprised of the two WABE CEOs and another member of their board.
WABE International School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and a German language track aligned with Schleswig-Holstein's state curriculum. The main language of instruction is English, with German taught in parallel and support for native and non-native speakers. The pedagogy follows Progressive Education, implemented through Project-Based and Social-Emotional Learning, with interdisciplinary courses and student agency in creating their own projects. Primary School integrates English and German literacy, includes play across curricula, and native German instruction is delivered by native speakers following the state curriculum. In Middle School learning is interdisciplinary with depth over breadth, linking subjects (e.g., algebra in Geography; literature in art). The IB Diploma Programme prepares graduates for university study worldwide and is recognized by universities globally; some US universities offer advanced credit for IB courses; native German instruction remains available for native speakers, and German IB exam results have been high with graduates enrolling at German universities.
Small class sizes.
IB Diploma graduates are prepared for higher education worldwide; the diploma is recognized by universities globally.
Progressive Education with a holistic, student-centered approach. The program emphasizes Project-Based Learning and Social-Emotional Learning, with interdisciplinary courses that foster self-advocacy and self-determination. Learning is framed as developing skills rather than simply acquiring information, empowering students to unfold their talents as compassionate human beings. The environment supports risk-taking in learning and is a safe, inclusive community that celebrates each student's unique personality.
An international, diverse and inclusive community.
All of our students learn English and German in parallel, with support for native and non-native speakers.
The school creates a learning environment where students feel safe and cared for; learning is approached as a courageous, exploratory process. It emphasizes that thinking and growth occur beyond comfort zones and fosters a culture where challenges are invitations to explore, learn, and grow in trust.
1. Submit the online Application Form to begin the admissions process. In addition to the form, provide grade‑specific materials: Grades 1–2 require a completed Student Questionnaire and a copy of a valid passport or birth certificate; Grade 2 requires school transcripts or records for the previous year. Grades 3–5 require a Student Questionnaire, a Teacher Reference Letter, transcripts for the previous two school years, and a copy of a passport or birth certificate. Grades 6–10 require a Student Questionnaire, a Teacher Reference Letter, transcripts for the previous two school years, a copy of a passport or birth certificate, and scheduling an admissions evaluation exam. Grades 11–12 require reading the IB Admissions Policy document, a Student Questionnaire, a Teacher Reference Letter, transcripts for the previous two school years, a copy of a passport or birth certificate, and scheduling an IB admissions entrance exam.
IB scholarships are offered as tuition reductions or waivers under guidelines designed to promote access to the IB Diploma Programme. Applications should generally be submitted before the start of the school year for which the scholarship is requested. Eligibility requires that the applicant or their guardians cannot fully bear tuition based on income and assets, and the student has shown either above‑average academic performance in the last two years or notable extracurricular or leadership achievements. The application for the IB Scholarship may be submitted for students in the IB Diploma Programme year; locals and internationals may be eligible; there is no guaranteed entitlement. Applications and required documents include information on financial need, academic and extracurricular achievements, and personal motivation, and may be mailed to WABE International School gGmbH, IBDP‑Scholarship, Eggerstedter Weg 19, 25421 Pinneberg, or scanned and emailed to a designated address. Incomplete applications are not considered. The scholarship reduces or waives tuition fees, with the amount and duration determined individually based on financial circumstances and other factors, and documented in a scholarship contract. Typically the scholarship covers one school year, but may be extended in exceptional cases. A decision is made by a committee in writing; denial does not require justification; retroactive awards are generally excluded, except in cases where full documents were received after the initial submission. Children of staff may be eligible but do not receive preferential treatment. Scholarships are tax‑free where applicable and outlined in the scholarship contract.
The number of available seats in each grade varies year to year. The maximum class size is 25 students. When a grade is full, applications are accepted to the waiting list. Availability changes from year to year, so families should plan accordingly.
The LFA Hamburg opened in 2020 at Hartsprung, Hamburg-Lokstedt. A move to Altona is planned for the end of 2025; the new buildings will be located near the Elbe, opposite the Königstraße S-Bahn station. The central location and easy access will broaden recruitment of students from Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.
The LFA Hamburg offers secondary education spanning the French collège and lycée systems: 5e to 3e in the middle school track and 2nde to Terminale in the high school track. The bilingual program combines French and German features, and from Seconde the classes are fully mixed with about half the courses taught in German and French.
Franco-German high school co-financed by France and Germany, with native-speaking teachers and jointly managed.
Franco-German; part of the AEFE network.
English is taught from CM2. From Seconde onward, the classes are fully mixed and about half of the courses are taught in German and French.
The school has DFG-logo school clothing available for purchase online. Hoodies and T-shirts with the DFG logo are offered in dark blue, made of 100% cotton. Hoodies cost 30–31 euros and T-shirts cost 17 euros.
Meals are provided through the Alsterfood cantine service. Enrollment for the cantine and automatic meal payments are arranged via Alsterfood; there is an online registration process and an app/portal for ordering meals (SAMS-ON). The cantine menu is published for reference.
The LFA Hamburg is a Franco-German lycée created to strengthen European cooperation and is co-financed by France and Germany, with the school being jointly managed.
The LFA Hamburg offers a Franco-German bilingual curriculum that blends the French and German educational traditions. The partner language is taught and experienced daily by native-speaking teachers, and English is integrated into the curriculum from CM2, with additional European languages offered. From 4th grade, there are joint lessons in an increasing number of subjects, and from 2nde, German and French students are in mixed classes with about half the courses taught in each language. The school supports bilingual learning across subjects and collaboration across languages, including mutual language instruction in many disciplines. The Franco-German Baccalaureate enables unrestricted entry to higher education in both countries, and there are exchange programs with partner schools.
The Franco-German Baccalaureate provides access to higher education without restriction in both France and Germany. It combines bilingual instruction with native-language teachers and offers international exchanges, underscoring preparation for higher education across Europe.
The LFA Hamburg treats high-potential students as part of an inclusive bilingual culture. It uses differentiation, project-based learning, individual learning plans, promotion of multilingualism, and digital learning to challenge advanced students. It also offers enrichment activities and competitions such as Jugend forscht, math olympiads, foreign language contests, and enrichment programs (MINT and Kreativ).
The school operates the Vie Scolaire counseling center, led by a dedicated counseling teacher. It coordinates confidential information about student performance, behavior, and extracurricular activities and assesses difficulties to help find solutions. Counseling staff work with subject teachers and year coordinators and can involve other services before disciplinary actions or changes to educational pathways. Interventions address personal difficulties, behavioral issues, and psychosocial concerns, including bullying and sexual violence, in collaboration with the school's social pedagogue. Vie Scolaire coordinates German-language career guidance and integrates social-pedagogical approaches into daily school life to foster a supportive learning environment. Everyday responsibilities include handling accidents and illnesses, monitoring attendance, organizing makeup examinations, and liaising with students and staff.
The school supports students with special educational needs through coordinated accommodations and individual education plans. Accommodations and individualized plans are established under Hamburg state law (Section 12) to meet each student's needs. Vie Scolaire coordinates the planning and implementation of these supports. Support includes targeted adjustments and ongoing monitoring to ensure access to learning. The school collaborates with families and teachers to ensure consistent support across the student's educational journey.
All students learn English from the 5th grade as a core subject through to the Abitur. The focus is on speaking and writing, with grammar and communication fundamentals established. The school emphasizes English as a global language and integrates intercultural aspects within a multilingual, multicultural community. English remains a compulsory subject in the upper grades, enabling students to discuss and write about complex topics. The school offers Cambridge First (B2) and Cambridge Advanced (C1) on campus and has participated in The Big Challenge for more than 15 years.
Mental wellbeing is supported through Vie Scolaire's social-pedagogical approach integrated into daily school life. The team provides individual support, homework assistance, and school accompaniment to students. It intervenes in conflicts and psychosocial concerns in collaboration with the school's social pedagogue. The prevention program addresses bullying and other safety topics, with ongoing collaboration across staff. The current Präventionskonzept guides safeguarding and wellbeing measures to promote a healthy learning environment.
Vie Scolaire serves as the primary contact for accidents and illnesses and monitors attendance and supervision arrangements. It coordinates makeup examinations and liaises with families and staff to ensure timely responses to safeguarding concerns. The school publishes a Präventionskonzept (prevention concept) that covers safeguarding topics such as bullying, online safety, and violence prevention. Interventions and prevention activities are coordinated with the social pedagogue and teaching staff, with involvement of external bodies when needed. The safeguarding framework supports a secure, supportive learning environment for all students.
5th Grade: Students from the states of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein may enroll at the LFA. The next registrations will take place in early February 2026. If you are interested, you can contact us now to be placed on a candidate list.
Enrollment is handled by the Secretariat for enrollment and withdrawals. The school address is Hartsprung 23, 22529 Hamburg.
Candidate list: The school maintains a candidate list for 5th-grade admissions. Families can contact the school to be placed on the list. The next intake occurs in early February 2026.
Brödermannsweg 17, 22453 Hamburg, Germany. Located in Groß Borstel, in the heart of Hamburg. Reachable from all parts of Hamburg; the school has its own school bus.
Preschool, Primary School and Secondary School
Private international school
Students come from different countries.
Germany
All-day school and after-school care
The school has its own school bus
Lunch is provided as part of all-day schooling; the all-day program includes a common lunch period; lunch is charged per child.
Moderne Schule Hamburg is run by the non-profit limited liability company Moderne Schule Hamburg. Axel Beyer is founder, managing director and headmaster of the company and a board member of the Förderstiftung Moderne Schulen. The Förderstiftung Moderne Schulen foundation was established in 2008 to fund education and award scholarships. The school owns its building since 2017.
The school educates students from different countries with teachers from over ten nations; English and Chinese are taught from preschool, and Spanish is available from grade 10. Culture Week takes place annually, and class trips to the USA in class 8 and to China in class 10 provide intensive cross-cultural experiences. Through daily use of multiple languages and exposure to diverse religions and cultures, students are prepared to be global citizens with many options in the world. State-of-the-art IT is used in every classroom, with interactive whiteboards, a digital class book, and Microsoft Office 365; the Digitalpakt Schule ensures ongoing equipment upgrades. Learning is practical and student-centered: daily application of classroom skills, weekly Klassenrat, and annual Study Week and Culture Week, along with daily physical education and activities such as swimming, sailing, and field hockey, support holistic development.
Registration has no fixed deadline; you can register your child at any time as long as there are free places in the desired class. To express interest, submit the registration sheet linked below to arrange a joint registration meeting with you and your child. The school accommodates children who do not yet speak Chinese; in elementary school and in 5th grade, your child can join and catch up within regular lessons; for transfer students from year 6 onward, an intensive Chinese course is offered to help reach the level of the respective class. Spanish is offered for Abitur from 10th grade. The school is state-approved and supervised by the Hamburg State School Authority. Recognized degrees include ESA – First School Leaving Certificate, MSA – Middle School Leaving Certificate, and Abitur – High School Degree.
Financial aid may be provided in exceptional cases; the fixed school fee is €250 per student per month, with lunch charged separately; after-school care after 4 p.m. is voluntary and costs are based on needs.
