Compare Montessori Curriculum International Schools in Germany

The IBMS campus is in central Frankfurt on Senckenberganlage 20–22, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The campus is housed in a historic building designed for Montessori learning in the heart of the city. It is a full-day school with hours from 7:30 to 17:00.

Nido (18–36 months); Kinderhaus (3–5 years); Grundschule (6–10 years)

Private full-day Montessori school serving Nido, Kinderhaus and Grundschule; Ganztagsschule with a daily schedule from 7:30 to 17:00.

Germany

Nido: 7:30–17:00; Kinderhaus: 7:30–17:00; Grundschule: 8:00–16:00 (aftercare 16:00–17:00).

Food is provided by a bio catering company using fresh, predominantly regional ingredients; the menu follows the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society. A daily vegetarian option is available, pork is avoided, and desserts are sweetened with honey, maple syrup, or agave instead of refined sugar. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available daily, with a salad bar for self-selection, and water is available throughout the day.

Ibms Frankfurt is run by a nonprofit sponsoring association. The association is composed predominantly of ibms parents and former ibms parents; they actively participate in the member assembly, shaping the school's development. The board includes Vanessa Trixi David, Dr. Günter Hilken, David Kempf, Uta Niedernberg and Steffen Wippler. Documents & Downloads include the statutes of the ibms sponsoring association, an application for membership, and a power of attorney.

The Primary School accompanies children from Entry Level to Grade 4, with two stages: Entry Level (2 years) and Primary Level (Grades 2-4). Rooted in Montessori, it uses mixed-age groups and a prepared learning environment with Montessori materials across mathematics, language, cosmic education, and cultural studies. Classrooms foster independent work, with students planning their learning, reflecting on progress, and taking increasing ownership within a respectful community. Bilingual immersion in German and English is practiced at all times, with Entry Level classes supported by one German-speaking teacher and one English-speaking teacher, and Primary School teaching in both languages. The Hessen curriculum provides the academic foundation, and the Montessori approach goes beyond state standards to develop independence, critical thinking, responsibility, and organizational skills. In Entry Level there is no homework, and in Primary 2-4 most academic work is completed during school hours.

Two teachers work in parallel in the primary school, each speaking their own language.

From 2021 to 2025, 91% of graduates were accepted to their first or second choice schools, and nearly 90% received a Gymnasium recommendation.

Holistic education with as much freedom as possible fosters resilience, social competence and self-esteem. Individual support is provided within the Montessori ethos, alongside values of respect and responsibility. The approach emphasizes concentration, autonomy and interpersonal skills essential for lifelong learning.

The school uses an immersion method to teach language in a bilingual German-English environment. Nido and Children's House offer bilingual as well as English-speaking groups. At the Primary School, instruction is bilingual at all times, with two teachers in parallel, each speaking in their own language.

Montessori education emphasizes independence, concentration and self-confidence. The approach supports social development, responsibility and flexible thinking as part of a holistic education. The school aims to cultivate respect and personal growth that support long-term wellbeing.

Step 1: Applications for Nido and Children's House are submitted online and through Kindernet Frankfurt. The admissions process aims to maintain balanced groups and align with Montessori philosophy, with the goal of a long-term partnership between the school, the child, and the family. Parents are encouraged to attend information evenings and Open Days to gain a deeper understanding of the educational approach and community. Visits before a place is offered are not possible due to the high number of applications.

Step 2: Admission to Nido and Children's House follows a fixed timeline; the admissions process runs until May, after which families are contacted with either an invitation to a meeting or a notification that no place is available. If a place becomes available, families are invited to a personal meeting and may visit the facilities. Final decision and contract offer follow if both parties agree that ibms is the right fit.

Step 3: Admission to Entry Level and Primary 2-4 involves an initial contact by the Admissions Coordinator within one week after receiving the application to inform them whether a place is available. A meeting with the parents and the Headmistress follows to provide an opportunity to get to know the family and discuss mutual expectations. The child then spends a trial period in the classroom. After the trial period, a follow-up meeting and professional assessment occur; if all parties are confident that ibms is the right fit, a contract offer is made.

Step 4: Choosing the right school is an important decision. The admissions team offers personal support to families. For Reception and Primary Classes, visits before applying are possible and provide an initial impression of the school, Montessori environment, and daily life. The admissions process is designed to be transparent, thoughtful and supportive to ensure the best match between child, family and school.

ibms offers a hardship policy for families with lower income. Please feel free to contact us if needed.

The International Montessori School Berlin is located in the historic Landhaus Oppenheim in Wannsee, Berlin, Germany, about 5 minutes from Wannsee station. It sits between water and forest, offering an all-day primary school setting.

The school serves pupils in grades 1–6. A new grade 7 is available, beginning in the 2026/2027 school year. The primary school is state-recognised.

International and bilingual primary school; open all-day school with education and care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; from grade 1, German and English are taught.

The day runs as an all-day programme from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Classes start at 8:30 a.m. and end between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Depending on after-school care, activities continue until 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. Early care from 7:30 a.m. is available, with lunch and additional activities offered.

All-day school is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Early care with breakfast is available from 7:30 a.m., or 8:30 a.m. is the start of lessons; some days may begin shortly before 9:00 a.m. After-school care extends to 16:00 or 18:00 depending on the Berlin after-school care voucher.

Lunch is a key part of the day; the comfortable canteen and garden spaces are used; pupils eat with their learning groups. Dishes are chosen from our caterer's selection, with a vegetarian alternative always available for meat-containing dishes. The menu is varied with child-friendly, internationally inspired dishes.

Learning groups are inter-grade (grades 1–3 and 4–6). Each learning group is normally accompanied by two teachers. There is a class council and school/house rules.

The IMS is run by Montessori & Friends Education gGmbH, which acts as the sponsor. The building and outdoor area are leased by Wannsee-Schule e.V. The sponsor coordinates with external providers; funding includes state substitute financing and voucher financing for after-school care, with additional costs borne by families (administrative fee, security deposit, monthly tuition, after-school fees, annual material fee, and other costs).

Cambridge Standards form the English-language framework of IMS's curriculum. The curriculum follows the Berlin framework curriculum in English and is internationally recognized. From Grade 1, pupils learn German and English through immersion with two educators using both languages in daily instruction. Cambridge Certificate examinations are available for interested students, with certificates issued by Cambridge University and valid for life.

Attend an information evening. IMS hosts information evenings in English and German. The next Information Evening is March 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and the next Online Information Evening is April 14, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. 2. Download the application form and fill it out. 3. We invite your child as a guest student to our school. You will spend time with educators and students and be shown the daily routine. 4. We conclude the contract. A decision on the allocation of a school place is made later, with preference given to children who have already spent time at a Montessori kindergarten. 5. Applications and deadlines. Applications for the 2025/26 school year are open; an open day was held in September 2024; you can put your name on the waiting list for Years 2 to 6; the German school year runs 1 September to 31 August, with the first days of the new school year typically occurring soon after summer holidays.

Costs are assessed according to income; a one-off administrative fee of 350 EUR is due on admission; a deposit amounting to double the monthly fee is paid and is refunded when the child leaves; monthly tuition ranges from 100 EUR to 735 EUR depending on annual gross family income; siblings discounts are 25% for the second child and 50% for the third child; a loyalty discount of 15% on two years' tuition is available when moving from Montessori & Friends Kinderhaus to IMS; exemptions from tuition are possible upon request under legal requirements; after-school care costs apply and funding applications are available for Berlin and Brandenburg residents.

There is a waiting list for Years 2 to 6; you can add your child to the waiting list for Years 2 to 6 when applying for the 2025/26 year; Applications for 2025/26 open in August 2024 and include an open day in September 2024.

TIMS is located at Zimmersmühlenweg 77, 61440 Oberursel, Germany, in a modern building in one of Oberursel's business districts. It is easily accessible from Frankfurt and surrounding Taunus towns by road and train. The school has a secure, safe playground, a path behind the building to open fields, and a garden where children help with a vegetable patch.

Three mixed-age groups for children aged 3 to 6 years and one toddler group for ages 18 months to 3 years.

Private international Montessori school operated as a registered non-profit association (e.V.).

Germany

Regular school day is 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Morning care runs from 8:00 to 8:30 am as needed. Afterschool activities usually run 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Afterschool care is usually 3:00 to 5:00 pm Monday to Thursday and 3:00 to 4:30 pm on Fridays; holiday camps are offered during most school holidays.

TIMS is an international, English-speaking preschool for three groups of children aged 3 to 6 years and a toddler group for 18 months to 36 months. The school day runs from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, with early morning care from 8:00 am and afterschool activities most days from 3:00 to 4:00 pm; afterschool care is provided Mondays to Thursdays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm and Fridays from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. All children benefit from weekly German, music and gym sessions. TIMS follows the Montessori philosophy and uses Montessori materials designed for independent use with built-in error control. Independent work helps each child develop concentration, coordination, and self-discipline, and materials are geared to different levels of ability so children can move to more complex tasks as they are ready. Afterschool activities include sports such as soccer, tennis or taekwondo, literacy and language groups such as English book club and German book club, STEM activities such as science club, and life skills such as home economics, with each activity running for 6-10 sessions and invoiced separately.

Independent work helps each child to develop concentration, coordination, and self-discipline. The Montessori materials are designed to be used by children independently and to allow progression to higher levels of complexity as they are ready.

The school teaches in English.

TIMS currently has spaces available in the nursery (toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years) and in the kindergarten (children aged 3 years to school age). Admissions are accepted during the school year, as TIMS operates an international community and understands that work commitments do not always align with the academic year. The new school year began on August 18, 2025. To apply, fill out the TIMS application form online by pressing the TIMS Application Form button and downloading the form to your PC/Laptop before typing in the information; to fill by hand, press the same button and print the form before completing manually. The form collects child details (name, date of birth, nationality), home language(s), and languages spoken at home, as well as parent/guardian information and other relevant details. Admission is defined by a School Contract signed by the child's legal guardians and the payment of the non-refundable Enrollment Fee of €500.

Ravensbergweg 30, 14478 Potsdam, Germany. The school is located in Potsdam. First Steps daycare is located in the Berlin suburb near Heiligen See and Neuer Garten.

Kita First daycare centre (up to 20 childcare places) from 18 months; Kita Children's House (from age 3) in mixed-age bilingual groups; International Primary School Potsdam (Year 1 to Year 6) with German- or English-speaking classes; International Comprehensive School (Year 7 to Year 13); Abitur (Year 11 to Year 13).

Private international school network offering daycare, primary and upper secondary education; bilingual instruction in German and English.

Germany

Kita First Steps operates weekdays 8:00–16:30. After-school care provides an all-day program with a large outdoor area next to the forest and various activities. International Primary School follows a rhythmic daily routine with lessons, a common lunch break and leisure activities. The upper school offers comprehensive support including mentoring and career guidance.

Lunches are supplied by a regional organic wholefood provider from Berlin. The children prepare breakfast and snacks. All food is delivered to the house. Children are provided with sufficient drinks (water and/or tea) throughout the day.

International Primary School Potsdam offers bilingual instruction in German or English for Years 1–6. Since 2005 it has been the first and only bilingual school in Potsdam. The International Comprehensive School provides Year 7–13 with fundamental, extended or in‑depth general education and programmes for EBR, FOR and AHR. From Year 7 onwards, pupils select two compulsory elective courses from Business – Labour – Technology (WAT), Natural Sciences, Spanish, Media and Communication (MuK), and Environment and Society (UuG). Upper school offers profiles and Abitur preparation, with comprehensive support including career and study guidance. Learning with the iPad is part of the teaching approach.

The upper school prepares students for Abitur and university entrance. There is comprehensive support, including career and study guidance. Profiles in the upper school provide in‑depth education across disciplines.

The school has a strong sense of community with engaging activities and reliable all-day supervision in after-school care, creating a stimulating environment for all children. The after-school program offers a range of clubs and activities—Baking and cooking, Woodworking, Skateboard, Dance and movement, Theater, Yoga Island, and more—to support social development, creativity and personal growth.

Individual support and challenge.

The International Primary School Potsdam offers German- or English-speaking classes, with English taught in an immersive bilingual approach. Since 2005, it has been the first and only bilingual school in Potsdam.

The daily routine includes lessons, projects, a common lunch break and leisure activities, with phases of intensive and independent learning, practice, and self-chosen projects, combined with periods of relaxation and play. The Yoga Island afternoon program offers relaxation with gentle sounds and yoga exercises. The grounds include a large free play area, a sports ground and a water playground.

From Daycare to Abitur. Kita First daycare centre offers up to 20 childcare places directly at Neue Garten; from 18 months, children are cared for in our private daycare centre until school age. Kita Children's House provides care from age three in mixed-age, bilingual groups until they reach school age. International Primary School Potsdam has been the first bilingual school in Potsdam since 2005; you can choose a German- or English-language class. After-school care offers a community-oriented setting with activities and reliable day care. International Comprehensive School provides education from Year 7 to Year 13, offering fundamental, extended or in-depth general education and supports the acquisition of the Abitur. Abitur preparation runs from Year 11 to Year 13 with profiles in the upper secondary school. First Steps is a private daycare centre near Heiligen See and Neuer Garten; hours are 8:00–16:30; care for 20 children aged between 1.5 and 6 years in two groups. The bilingual approach uses English immersion alongside German in everyday situations; preschool is offered and Montessori pedagogy guides the early years. Children's House is a bilingual daycare centre with 66 spaces; mixed-age groups; children learn together with pupils from the International Primary School and the International Comprehensive School; grounds include a large outdoor area with a water playground. Preschool prepares children for the transition to primary school; Montessori pedagogy informs activities. Learning with the iPad enables self-organised learning and digital assignment access. Extracurricular places of learning and projects are offered. Upper school profiles focus on Social Science, Economics/Politics/History and Science, with targeted preparation for university entrance.