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The school has two campuses: Haimhausen Campus and City Campus in Munich-Schwabing. The Haimhausen Campus is approximately 15 km north of Munich, and the City Campus is located in Munich-Schwabing.
The school has Primary through International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP), including IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), DP and CP.
The school is a non-profit gAG (gemeinnützige Aktiengesellschaft) with two campuses.
The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme and Learning Support for students with mild learning differences.
ASA times: Haimhausen—Mon-Thu 16:15–17:15; Fri 14:30–15:30. City Campus—Mon-Thu 15:30–16:30; Fri 13:50–14:50. ASC times: City Campus Mon-Thu 15:30–18:00; Fri 13:30–17:00.
The school has a bus shuttle service for the two campuses, including a morning and after-school shuttle to the Garching-Hochbrück U6; a courtesy bus for Secondary School students; and a City Line Bus with fixed stops at Odeonsplatz, Münchner Freiheit and BIS City Campus.
Freshly prepared, balanced meals are served daily. Meals include a main course with meat or fish, a vegetarian option, and gluten-free pasta. A salad bar and themed menus reflect world cuisines; meals are prepared on campus using regional and seasonal ingredients with fair-trade and organic products where possible, and digital pre-ordering helps reduce food waste. Catering is provided by KATERINE.
The Bavarian International School is a gemeinnützige Aktiengesellschaft (non-profit stock corporation). It operates two campuses: the Haimhausen Campus and the City Campus in Munich.
The school offers the full range of IB programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). PYP is for ages 3-12, MYP is for ages 13-16, and DP/CP are for ages 16-19. The two campuses are the City Campus in Munich and the Haimhausen Campus. English is the language of instruction; German language classes are offered from Grade 1 and additional languages—French, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin—begin in Grade 6. Support services include language and learning support, pastoral care and university counselling.
The school reports an average student–teacher ratio of 7:1.
In 2025, two BIS DP graduates achieved the maximum 45/45 points; 17% of graduates scored more than 40 points. In 2023, the DP average was 35 points, with 18.3% scoring above 40. These results indicate BIS DP scores are competitive with, and often above, global averages.
Graduates are admitted to top universities around the world. University and career counselling support students with higher education planning, including events with university representatives and targeted guidance.
BIS has a holistic pastoral care program that supports students' academic, social, and emotional wellbeing. The pastoral care team works with educators across the school to provide vital support and to foster stable, strong relationships. Pastoral Leaders and mentors support students through a structured network from teachers to pastoral leaders to ensure care. The IB Approaches to Learning identify affective skills such as mindfulness, perseverance, emotional management, self-motivation and resilience as part of student development. The PSHE program covers topics including sexual education, body image, digital safety, equity, and bullying to help students stay healthy, safe and prepared for life and work.
BIS Learning Support provides services for students with mild learning differences to support their access to the curriculum. Learning Support teachers work with classroom teachers, families and external professionals to create an inclusive learning environment. Services include monitoring, in-class support, and individual or small-group instruction, with modifications documented in students' Individualised Education Plans. BIS offers the Infinity Programme for asynchronous learners, currently for Grades 6-8, giving high-achieving students opportunities to deepen topics and receive targeted teacher professional development on social and emotional needs of high-achieving students. The program aims to minimize obstacles to learning and accommodate diverse needs through a variety of delivery models.
The EAL programme equips each student with social and academic language skills to access BIS's learning environment. Every EAL student may continue learning their native language through the Home Language Programme. A home language survey and English language skills assessment determine placement along the language acquisition continuum. In secondary school, newcomers join the Newcomer Centre for Grades 6-8; Grades 6-10 join MYP English Language Acquisition; Grade 11 students study English B in the IB Diploma or High School Diploma. The Home Language literacy level is a key predictor of English language acquisition and academic success; maintaining Home Language affords academic, professional and cultural opportunities.
BIS supports mental wellbeing through a dedicated counselling and pastoral care framework for students, parents, and staff. The Counselling Department operates in a supportive, confidential, solution-focused manner and uses best practices from international models in school counselling and the American School Counselling Association. Counselling services address transitions, academic support, stress management, friendship/relationship issues, group programs, crisis counselling, and wellbeing lessons tailored to grade level needs. The pastoral care program aligns with IB Approaches to Learning affective skills, PSHE components, and a broader aim to develop social and emotional skills and resilience. BIS emphasizes healthy lifestyle and emotional and social development through professional staff and ongoing wellbeing initiatives.
The Health team provides child protection services across campuses as part of daily care. The Counselling Department safeguards the human rights of all members of the BIS community, and supports a safe learning environment. BIS collaborates with local health and school authorities to ensure safety, health, and wellbeing. The BIS site links to a Whistleblower Protection policy to safeguard staff and students; such policies exist as part of their safeguarding framework. BIS is committed to safeguarding children and young people as part of its pastoral and wellbeing framework.
Admissions at BIS uses rolling admissions with a five-step process: Enquire, Visit, Apply, Decision, Enrolment. The application process includes submitting an online application, paying a non-refundable €200 application fee, testing and screening (EC2–Grade 5 may have guest days and a German language screening; Grades 6–12 may complete an online English placement test and a spontaneous writing assignment, followed by a personal interview, which can be conducted via video for long-distance applicants). The Admissions Committee reviews all components and aims to provide an admission decision within 10 working days after receiving a complete application, though this may extend during holidays or if extra information is required. A place is confirmed only after the application is complete, the enrolment contract is signed, and fees have been received. Enrollment priorities favour expat families first, then siblings, then local German families. If spaces are limited, applicants are placed on a waiting list and BIS cannot disclose a specific position on the wait list. The language of instruction is English; German is taught as part of the curriculum from Grade 1, and five other main languages are taught (German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Mandarin).
Scholarship Programme is run by Friends of BIS e.V. and BIS funds scholarships to enable particularly gifted and capable students to attend BIS regardless of parental income. In addition to Believe, Inspire, and Succeed, BIS is introducing the Dr. Chrissie Sorenson Scholarship for Grades 9–12 starting in 2026–27. The Dr. Chrissie Sorenson Scholarship is named after BIS's Head of School and is funded entirely by a BIS community member; it is available to German or international children who are permanent residents in Germany and whose families can prove financial need. The application process includes emailing scholarship@bis-school.com, submitting a financial questionnaire and a motivation letter, starting the online application, and possibly completing an English test, followed by a presentation to a panel if shortlisted. Deadline for the Dr. Chrissie Sorenson scholarship is April 7, 2026. The first awardee was Isabella B. Important notes: candidates must have permanent residence in Germany; financial need must be proven; existing BIS students are not eligible. For inquiries, scholarship@bis-school.com.
Does BIS have a waiting list? When a grade is full, qualified applicants are placed on a waiting list and contacted as soon as a space opens; BIS cannot disclose a student's position on the wait list.
Gersthofen, Bavaria, Germany. The school is located at Wernher-von-Braun-Straße 1a, 86368 Gersthofen. It is in the Augsburg metropolitan area and is accessible by local trains and buses, including a shuttle from Augsburg Train Station and additional regional bus routes.
Ages 3 to 5: Early Learning; Ages 6 to 11: Primary School; Ages 12 to 14: Middle School; Ages 15 to 18: High School.
The school is an English-speaking private day school.
Learning Support includes language support for English, German, and the mother tongue. English is the primary language of instruction with targeted support in lower and upper school, including preparation for IGCSE and IB Diploma programs.
Germany.
Arrival 8:15 AM – 8:30 AM; Departure 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM. The school offers a shuttle from Augsburg Train Station at 8:05 AM and multiple bus routes; public transport options are available.
School Bus Service includes a shuttle from Augsburg Train Station at 8:05 AM and separate regional routes; bus service is an add-on expense.
The school is a private English-speaking day school for children aged 3 to 18 in Gersthofen.
The school provides a warm, balanced lunch included in the school fees. Meals are prepared by MVV-IGS Catering Service with locally sourced ingredients, and options are available for gluten-free and lactose-free diets.
ISA is a not-for-profit school governed by a supervisory board. It operates as a gemeinnützige AG (non-profit stock corporation). Alumni automatically become shareholders, linking former students to ISA's governance.
ISA provides an IB-based education. ISA has been an IB World School since 2008, starting with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and adding the Diploma Programme (DP) the following year. In High School, Grades 9-10 follow the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme under Cambridge International Examinations. Grades 11-12 pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The IB framework emphasizes Approaches to Learning (ATLs) and the IB Learner Profile. ISA is an English-speaking private day school.
ISA IB Diploma results have historically exceeded the world average. ISA IB Diploma results show ISA average scores versus World Average for graduates: 2015 34 vs 29.8; 2016 33 vs 29.6; 2017 33 vs 30.0; 2018 34 vs 32.0; 2019 32 vs 28.5; 2020 35 vs 31.3; 2021 36 vs 33.0; 2022 33 vs 30.9; 2023 32 vs 30.2; 2024 32 vs 30.3. ISA graduates have gone on to study at top universities in Germany and around the world, including University College London, University of Edinburgh, Erasmus University Rotterdam, LMU Munich, University of Vienna, Concordia University Montreal, and Oxford University.
ISA graduates have gone on to study at top universities in Germany and around the world, including University College London, University of Edinburgh, Erasmus University Rotterdam, LMU Munich, University of Vienna, Concordia University Montreal, and Oxford University.
The school fosters a globally minded community with a focus on academic, social, and emotional growth through inquiry-based learning and leadership opportunities. The ISA environment emphasizes collaboration, respect, and global citizenship, supported by a governance structure and stakeholder involvement.
The Learning Support programme provides language support (including EAL and mother-tongue maintenance), academic guidance, and social-emotional pastoral care to help students access the curriculum and progress, with targeted supports across lower and upper school.
English is the primary language of instruction; intensive EAL support is available for students who are learning English, including small-group instructional support and family language classes for adults.
A Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program is integrated across grade levels to support resilience, empathy, and well-being, with pastoral care and counsellors available to assist students.
The school operates under a governance framework with a supervisory board and established safeguarding and child-protection practices as part of its policies and daily operations.
1. School Tour: ISA invites prospective families to visit the campus. An in-person visit is available, and a virtual tour can be arranged if an on-site visit is not possible. During the tour, families learn about the international curriculum, the IB Diploma Programme, and the expectations ISA holds for its students. The tour helps families understand if ISA is the right fit for their child.
2. Application Submission: Apply online through OpenApply. The application requires detailed information about the student, educational history, school reports, parent information, and medical records. A non-refundable application fee of 150€ is due upon submission.
3. Assessment Day: If ISA determines that the student is a good fit, the child is invited to an assessment day to experience a typical ISA day and to participate in grade-level assessments in English and mathematics. Feedback from ISA teachers is provided after the assessment day, and a decision is typically made within two weeks.
4. Enrollment: If accepted, the school application must be signed. Once signed, an acceptance letter confirming enrollment at ISA will be issued.
School Fee Reduction Program (SRP): The SRP provides eligible families with a reduction in annual tuition fees and the one-time School Investment Fee. Eligibility is based on the family's financial situation, including income and assets; the SRP is available to all students, but families receiving additional financial support from relatives, employers, or government agencies may not qualify. What's Covered? The SRP reduces annual tuition fees and the one-time School Investment Fee. It does not cover the application fee, registration fee, or other costs such as examination fees, extracurricular activities, transportation, or other incidental expenses. Application Process: Steps to Apply: 1. Complete the Self-Disclosure Form; 2. Submit Required Documentation; 3. Review and Decision; 4. Notification. 1. Complete the Self-Disclosure Form: This form requires detailed information about your family's income, assets, and other financial obligations. 2. Submit Required Documentation: Provide supporting documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements; translations may be required if not in German or English. 3. Review and Decision: The finance office reviews submissions; decisions are based on the budget available and demonstrated financial need. 4. Notification: Families are notified of the outcome; if approved, the reduction amount will be communicated and the revised fee structure will be applied. Deadline: The deadline for submitting self-disclosure forms and documents is three months before the next school fee payment is due. Confidentiality: All financial information is treated with the utmost confidentiality in accordance with GDPR.
IS Westpfalz is based in Landstuhl, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in the West Palatine region. The school operates a campus in Ramstein-Miesenbach for its Early Years and Primary sections, with the Lower Secondary and later years located in Landstuhl. The Landstuhl campus is housed in a historic former nunnery dating from 1852, renovated to provide modern learning spaces, including a new chemistry lab and digital learning facilities. The address is Nikolaus-von-Weis-Straße 10, 66849 Landstuhl.
Early Years (ages 4-5); Cambridge Primary Years (ages 5-12); Cambridge Lower Secondary (ages 12-14); Cambridge Upper Secondary (ages 14-16); Cambridge Advanced (ages 16-18).
IS Westpfalz is a coeducational, full-day international school offering Cambridge Pathway (Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary, and Cambridge Advanced) and is an accredited Cambridge International Examinations center.
Additional support for non-English and non-German speaking students.
Founded by SBW Haus des Lernens, Switzerland.
Lessons run from 08:30 to 15:45. Before- and After-School Programmes run from 07:00 to 08:30 and 15:45 to 17:00, including breakfast club, music, drama, art and sports. English is the language of instruction with daily German classes.
Sports uniform exists and its cost is charged separately.
Lunch is prepared by Kochwerk, using fresh produce with regional ingredients wherever possible; vegetarian and gluten-free options are available daily; allergens are identified in advance in accordance with LMIV.
The service provider is International School Westpfalz GmbH, Nikolaus-von-Weis-Straße 10, 66849 Landstuhl, Germany; HRB 42906 (Amtsgericht Ludwigshafen). ISW was initiated by SBW Haus des Lernens.
IS Westpfalz is a private international, English-language day school in Landstuhl. It combines Cambridge International programmes with SBW Haus des Lernens for a holistic approach to education. The school offers Early Years (ages 4-5), Cambridge Primary Years Programme (ages 5-12), Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (ages 12-14), Cambridge Upper Secondary Programme leading to IGCSE (ages 14-16) and Cambridge Advanced Programme (AS & A Levels; ages 16-18). The language of instruction is English, with German taught as a strong host language and support for non-English speakers. A Personal Development Programme for ages 12-18 complements the academic programme, and ISW emphasizes small class sizes and differentiated teaching. ISW is Cambridge International certified and part of the SBW education network.
Small class sizes.
Cambridge assessments are used across ISW, including Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE) and Cambridge Advanced (AS & A Levels). The first cohorts in Cambridge Upper Secondary and Cambridge Advanced programmes completed their final IGCSE and A/AS-level examinations. Cambridge examination sessions occur twice a year, in June and November, with results issued in August and January.
Cambridge qualifications are recognized by universities worldwide; Cambridge Advanced qualifications are recognized by many universities, including over 880 US universities.
The school focuses on the individual potential and holistic development of each child. It provides a caring, family-oriented atmosphere with learners from over 30 nations. ISW combines Cambridge programs with SBW Haus des Lernens to follow learners' passions. The environment is safe, inspiring and enriching, enabling everyone to flourish. Life-skills such as respect, resilience, courage, empathy and self-confidence are emphasised to prepare students for the future.
ISW has a Learning Support Policy. Learning Support Needs include learning difficulties, physical difficulties, medical issues, emotional difficulties, behavioural difficulties, communication difficulties, sensory problems, Gifted and Talented, and Language support needs. A Learning Support Coordinator is employed full‑time to support learners in the Primary school, with additional support meetings between students and mentors in the Middle School. The school recognises that, as a small English-speaking school with limited staffing resources on site, it cannot support every Learning Support Need and cannot admit students with serious learning difficulties or emotional difficulties. The school collaborates with parents/guardians and external professionals, and some external services may incur fees.
English is the language of instruction at ISW, and English is offered both as a native language and as ESL. ESL support is provided for learners whose English is not their first language, with language assessments and a language profile guiding support. German is taught as a foreign language, with compulsory German in Primary and separate German language instruction. Mother tongue support is encouraged, with resources and potential after‑school mother tongue activities where there is interest.
Health care is provided by certified first-aiders who care for the physical and mental wellbeing of students. The school offers Early Morning and After School Care to support a balanced daily routine. After School Activities, including Art Club, Music Club and Yoga, promote wellbeing and holistic development.
1. Making the first contact with the school via email or phone.
You receive all the required documents to complete and submit to progress to the first interview. The school is available by phone and email to answer any further questions at this point.
2. Initial interview.
After the first contact you are invited to meet in person or virtually to get to know each other. The focus is on personal exchange and questions regarding the total development of the child and the resources the International School Westpfalz can provide. If attending in person, this interview is followed by a tour around the school in the company of the School Principal.
3. Admissions — Early Years – Primary Years (ages 4-12).
Admissions to our pre-school or Primary Years is possible at any time depending on capacity. Prior to starting, the child must participate in a trial week to familiarize with the school and environment. Before the final stage, the school must receive all documents (e.g., last two report cards and confidential report).
4. Admissions — Secondary Years (ages 12-18).
Starting at secondary is possible at any time depending on the availability of places and the grade (Years 10 and 12 are exceptional due to the two-year programme). Prior to starting, all students must participate in a trial week. A final interview with the School Principal and head of secondary finalizes this process.
5. Final stage and start date.
This is the final stage where signing the Enrolment Contract informs you of the start date. Staff will welcome your child on arrival. The minimum contract period is 1 school year. The school year runs from August 1 to July 31; however, students can join at any stage. If the Enrolment Contract is signed after the start of the school year, the duration extends to the end of that school year.
ISD is located in the heart of Düsseldorf, Germany. The main campus is Niederrheinstrasse 336, 40489 Düsseldorf, Germany. It is a K-12 IB flagship school in the heart of Düsseldorf.
Kindergarten / Early Years Programme; Elementary School; Senior School (Middle Years Programme; Diploma Programme). ISD provides a full IB programme from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
IB World School
Germany
The school has no uniform requirement. A dress code applies to all students. For sports, ISD teams wear the ISD sports uniform, which can be purchased from the ISD Store.
Subsidised hot lunches are available in the elementary and senior school cafeterias via the lunch card system. Fresh vegetables, side salads, and fresh fruit accompany meals, with a full vegetarian option each day. Packed lunches are welcome, and the senior school cafe offers sandwiches, panini, fruit salads, and other snacks; purchases are made with the lunch card.
The ISD Board of Trustees governs the school. The Board consists of seven elected members, up to three appointed members, and up to three ex-officio members, with ex-officio including the school director and a representative from the US Consulate General in Düsseldorf.
The school has a full IB Continuum curriculum, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Elementary School, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in the Senior School, and the Diploma Programme (DP) in the Senior School. The PYP covers eight years of schooling from age 4 to 11 and is inquiry-based. The MYP includes eight core subjects, life-skills classes, and interdisciplinary electives; in Grade 10 students complete a Personal Project and participate in Service as Action. The DP comprises six subject groups (Studies in Language and Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; and the Arts) plus the Diploma Programme Core (Theory of Knowledge; Extended Essay; Creativity, Activity, Service). ISD offers about 54 DP courses and more than 90% of students in Grades 11–12 are enrolled in the Diploma Programme.
Diploma Programme results (2025) show strong performance: 44/45 is the maximum score achieved; 22% of DP students earned 40+ points; the average score across DP students was 35 (world average 30.6); 57% scored more than 35; 43% of diplomas awarded were bilingual; more than 90% of students in Grades 11–12 are enrolled in the Diploma Programme.
Graduates are admitted to top universities worldwide, with Class of 2025 offers across diverse majors at institutions in Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and more; ISD notes admissions to universities in the QS World University Rankings top 200, Times Higher Education world rankings, and Russell Group universities. More than 90% of students in Grades 11–12 are enrolled in the Diploma Programme, and ISD provides counselling to support university admissions.
ISD provides support for physical, emotional, and social wellbeing for students, parents, and staff. A team of school counsellors offers comprehensive support at all grade levels. Life Skills for grades 6-10 deliver a flexible, experiential curriculum focused on adolescents' social, emotional, and personal growth. Pastoral Care includes counselling in the Elementary and Senior Schools to promote educational, emotional, and social welfare and to support transitions and social skills. SMART Moves Ambassadors help new students integrate socially, and transition mentoring provides one-on-one support for newcomers.
ISD guides and encourages students to meet their potential while acknowledging and addressing learning differences. Targeted support is provided and strategies are taught to transfer learning across classroom settings. An individualised education plan (IEP), containing learning goals broken down into learning outcomes, is developed for each student. A referral process yields a full psycho-educational assessment with recommendations for specific accommodations and modifications. ISD regularly collaborates with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals to design the best possible support plan. The program includes activities to develop memory, organisation, and study skills, health and well-being, and literacy and numeracy.
The English as an Additional Language (EAL) team supports students whose first language is not English to acquire the linguistic competence needed to succeed in mainstream classes. EAL is delivered in an authentic, comprehensible environment that is challenging. The curriculum recognises diverse backgrounds and provides a progressive course focusing on the structures and functions of language with emphasis on communication. Students are assessed on participation, oral work, and teacher observation. Students can exit the programme when fluency and accuracy reach the required standard to succeed in the mainstream classroom. Students are encouraged to access their mother tongue to support content while learning.
ISD provides levels of support focusing on physical, emotional, and social wellbeing for students, parents, and staff. A team of school counsellors offers comprehensive support at all grade levels. Life Skills for grades 6-10 focus on wellbeing, including mental, social, emotional and physical health. The Counselling Department mission is to develop each student's academic, social, and emotional competencies through a developmentally appropriate counselling and Life Skills curriculum. Pastoral Care includes elementary counselling to promote welfare and transitions, and senior-school counselling to address life events and other concerns.
ISD is committed to safeguarding and providing a safe, welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. ISD Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures are established in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and local German law. Child protection work is informed by the International Task Force on Child Protection, a branch of the Council of International Schools. ISD has appointed a Safeguarding Lead and two Safeguarding Coordinators to promote the education and training of staff as related to child protection under German school law and to ensure that all suspicions of abuse are promptly reported and appropriately responded to.
1. Submit an inquiry or start your application via ENQUIRY FORM. A member of ISD's Admissions Team will contact you to learn more about your child(ren) and your family, answer questions, and offer a personal Zoom meeting or an in-person tour of our campuses. The ENQUIRY FORM is accessible from the Admissions page. 2. Attend Virtual Open House sessions to learn more about ISD, meet members of our team, and explore what makes our learning community unique. Registration is available; Session 2: Tuesday 20 January 2026 | 18:30 – 20:00 CET; Session 3: Wednesday 18 March 2026 | 09:00 – 10:30 CET. 3. ISD accepts new students throughout the year and processes applications on a first-come, first-served basis; vacancies regularly arise throughout the school year. 4. New students are normally placed in their age-appropriate group based on a cut-off date of 01 September. 5. The language of instruction in all classes (apart from German and World Languages) is English; Students up to grade 10 receive tailored English as an Additional Language support; German classes are compulsory for Prep to Grade 10, and in the Senior School a third language may be studied (Spanish, French or Japanese).
ISD maintains a Financial Assistance & Scholarship programme with a limited number of Financial Assistance scholarships available each year, offered as tuition-fee reductions for eligible students. The student and at least one parent must be resident in Germany, and applications are submitted using the Financial Assistance application form (in English or German) with the required documents. The deadline for applications is April each year for assistance in the following year, and the Financial Assistance Committee meets no later than May to review applications. The level of assistance is based on a family's gross annual worldwide income, including all positive earnings; child benefits/family allowances are considered as part of the assessment. Renewal is possible but not guaranteed, and all applications are treated confidentially.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. However, vacancies regularly arise throughout the school year.
The campus is located at Rudi-Conin-Straße 10, 50829 Köln, in Cologne's Butzweilerhof area. It sits at the end of Rudi-Conin-Straße. It is about 20 minutes by public transport from Cologne Central Station (Tram 5, stop IKEA am Butzweilerhof) and 3 minutes from highway A57. A daily shuttle connects the old Widdersdorf campus with the new CIS site.
Primary Years Programme (Grades 1–5); Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10); Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).
The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum with an on‑campus Boarding House.
Language support is available for newcomers to English or German; small class sizes and individualized attention.
Germany
Daily shuttle between the old Widdersdorf campus and the new site.
Boarding is offered on campus for students aged 15+ (Grades 9–12). Rooms are available as Category A (single with private bathroom), Category B (single with shared bathroom, two singles share one bathroom), or Category C (double with private bathroom) with supervision provided by a boarding team; meals are served daily with all students eating together, and every second Friday there is a trip to explore Cologne.
Healthy meals are served daily, and all students eat together.
The school is operated by Internationale Friedensschule Köln GmbH.
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Grades 1-5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6-10, and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11-12. There are dedicated spaces for PYP, MYP, and DP. The primary school is bilingual, with instruction in German and English; from Grade 6 onward instruction is primarily in English to prepare for international qualifications. Placement tests and individualized support (EAL/DaZ) are provided for learners from diverse language backgrounds.
Small class sizes of 12 to 22 students per class.
Graduates earn the IB Diploma and gain admission to leading universities worldwide.
Honors Program.
Daily social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven into the curriculum, helping students develop resilience, empathy and self-confidence alongside academic skills. The approach reflects a holistic view of education that supports the whole child. Teachers integrate SEL across lessons to foster ongoing social and emotional development. The program aims to prepare students for life after school.
The school offers inclusive admission and provides individualized support to meet diverse learning needs, including EAL/DaZ. Inclusion work strives to remove barriers to learning and to recognise learner variability. The Inclusion Team plans personal learning goals and supports students with different backgrounds and abilities. The bilingual environment supports language development as part of inclusion. These measures help every student grow, achieve and succeed.
Placement tests and individualized support (EAL/DaZ) welcome students of all language backgrounds and ensure everyone feels comfortable from day one in the bilingual environment. The school provides ongoing EAL support to develop language proficiency for academic success. The bilingual setup supports language development and intercultural communication.
The campus is open, friendly and safe for the whole community. Students have personal mentors and have access to learning support and counseling. The school emphasizes wellbeing through student support and partnerships with families, including community events and workshops. Approaches to Learning focus on developing self-management, social, communication, research and thinking skills to support mental wellbeing and personal growth.
Child Protection is a fundamental priority as part of the safeguarding process. All staff receive annual training and share concerns with the Child Protection Officer, who works closely with school leadership to ensure student safety and wellbeing. The facilities are designed with safety in mind, featuring breakout rooms, a dedicated library space and calm areas for quieter study or social interaction.
01 Submit an Inquiry Form
Submit an online inquiry form to share information about your child and your interest in Cologne International School. The admissions team reviews submitted inquiries to determine the appropriate next steps. After review, families proceed to the next stage in the admissions process.
02 Campus Tour or Meeting
Once the inquiry is reviewed, you'll be invited to tour our campus in person or schedule a virtual meeting to get to know each other better. This provides an opportunity to learn more about CIS. The format may be on-site or via a virtual meeting.
03 Provide Required Documents
A list of required documents will be provided to support your child's application, including school reports and language certificates. Documents help move forward with the application and ensure proper grade placement. Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.
04 Trial Day or Interview
Depending on your child's age and grade, a trial day or an interview with the Principal may be arranged. The process is designed to assess fit for both sides. The interview may be with the Principal.
05 Receive Enrollment Offer
If your child is accepted, you will receive a formal enrollment offer including the school contract and admission conditions. The offer also includes the next steps for joining our community. The enrollment contract outlines the terms of admission.
06 Prepare for Start
Once you've signed the enrollment contract, the school will support you with next steps such as ordering school materials, arranging orientation, and getting ready for your first day.
Financial Aid Program: Cologne International School offers a financial aid program. Aid is granted based on financial need, in line with the school's resources and the regulations of North Rhine-Westphalia. Applications are reviewed by Wieland Wirtschaftsprüfer und Steuerberater, an independent tax consultancy. Families can apply for financial aid during the admissions inquiry process.
The Louisenlund Foundation is located in the north of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It can be reached from Hamburg Airport in 1.5 hours and from the vacation island of Sylt in 2.5 hours. Navigation systems recognize the entries 'Hof Louisenlund' (Hof Louisenlund Street, 24357 Güby) and 'Schloss Louisenlund' (Louisenlund 9, 24357 Güby). Louisenlund 9, 24357 Güby is the address of the school.
The school offers Elementary school as a day school; Junior high school (grades 5-7) as a day school; Middle school (grades 8-10); Upper secondary school (grades 11-13). It also offers Gymnasium plus-MINT talent development program (grades 10-13); Gymnasium plus sailing support program (grades 8-Q2/8-13); Vocational grammar school for agriculture (grades E - 13); and IB World School.
Boarding school; full-time gymnasium. Vocational gymnasium; IB World School.
Louisenlund offers campus boarding in several residences with single or double rooms. Akazienring houses four living areas near the Schlei where learning, performing and living merge. Wald- and Gildenhouse accommodate around 40 students from Year E onward in individually furnished single or double rooms. Bridge house, Oskars and the former ice cellar near the castle provide social spaces for boarders and day pupils, with house parents supervising; weekends follow a 14‑day rhythm (B‑week and A‑week), including an active weekend program and occasional trips, with home time on Thursdays during B‑weeks.
Louisenlund focuses on a healthy, balanced, nutritious and fiber‑rich diet. Feinheimisch means ingredients largely from the region, contributing to an international food culture. The menus are carefully prepared by the kitchen team using regional fresh produce to provide energy, support concentration and promote well‑being.
Boarding life is organized around several residences: Akazienring (the Donut) with four living areas for final‑year students; Wald‑ and Gildenhouse near the castle provide single or double rooms for about 40 students from Year E onward; Bridge house and the on‑site sailing harbor hub near Brückenhaus; The student house hosts weekly parties and activities run by a student guild. House parents supervise the residences and students participate in weekend activities and guilds.
Stiftung Louisenlund is the Louisenlund Foundation that runs the school and boarding program. The foundation's vision and mission emphasize personalized education, with teachers acting as mentors in small learning groups and personalized learning paths. The foundation pursues a social goal rather than economic profit, fostering a strong community where learning happens in daily life, boarding life, and through guilds and projects.
IB World School offers Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) with English as the school language. The DP includes subject groups: Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature (English A Language and Literature; German A Literature), Group 2 Language Acquisition (English B; German B), Group 3 Individuals and Societies (Economics; History; Business Management), Group 4 Sciences (Biology; Chemistry; Physics), Group 5 Mathematics (Mathematics Analysis & Approaches; Mathematics Applications & Interpretations), Group 6 Arts (Visual Arts). The DP core elements are Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service.
Graduates go on to study at renowned universities such as Cornell University (USA), the London School of Economics (UK), Harvard University (USA), Imperial College London (UK), King's College London (UK) and the University of St Andrews (UK).
Leadership for Impact programme; Gymnasium plus-MINT talent development program; Mentors, portfolios and small learning groups as part of personalized education.
The school language is English. The MYP addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of learners holistically. Close support from mentors and house parents helps students grow personally and socially. The Community Project (MYP4) fosters responsibility, teamwork and empathy within the school community. The Personal Project (MYP5) encourages independence, creativity and self-reflection, developing time management and research skills. Leadership for Impact focuses on holistic development to empower servant leaders who address real-world challenges.
The MYP addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of learners holistically. Life at Louisenlund offers mentors for optimal personal development in an international community. Close support from mentors and house parents helps students grow socially and emotionally. The Leadership for Impact program strengthens resilience and social responsibility. Students become confident and independent lifelong learners through interdisciplinary learning.
1. We are happy to inform you. The admissions team provides information about registering your child at Louisenlund and answers questions about the admission procedure. They inform you individually and without obligation. They guide you through the next steps in the admissions process.
2. Introduce yourself. If you and your child are interested in a school career at Louisenlund, information about your child is needed in the second step: the type of school you are interested in and the year of your child. The child's last school reports should be provided. Indicate whether the child is involved in extracurricular activities.
3. Get to know each other. Take the opportunity during a visit to Louisenlund to receive individualized guidance from education experts and to experience the boarding school and the school firsthand. The next consultation day dates can be found here.
4. Admission to the Louisenlund community. After experiencing the innovations and uniqueness of Louisenlund Boarding School and deciding to enroll your child, complete the contractual formalities with the admissions team. Your child can look forward to arriving and will be welcomed with a welcome program as staff accompany them into the Louisenlund community. The Louisenlund boarding school accepts pupils from year 8 onwards.
Making excellent education accessible to all children - the Scholarship Fund Foundation. The Louisenlund Foundation Scholarship Fund supports pupils who would like to be accepted into the school on the basis of their talents and achievements, but who have to overcome financial hurdles. Through targeted scholarships, we aim to create a diverse school community that promotes exchange and learning together. The fund is supported by donations and contributions from sponsors and helps to provide talented young people with a first-class education, regardless of their financial situation. In addition, the Scholarship Fund Foundation recognizes special achievements within the Louisenlund community. Once a year, it awards the Herzog Peter Prize, the most important prize in Louisenlund, to pupils who have made a special contribution to the community during their time at Louisenlund.
