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Frankfurt International School

Germany, Frankfurt

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €11,590 - 31,365
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1961
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, German, French, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Dutch, Italian, Swedish, Mandarin, Danish, Portuguese
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Frankfurt International School (FIS) is a two-campus, English-language international school for ages 3 to 18, with Oberursel (Preschool–Grade 12) and Wiesbaden (Preschool–Grade 8) campuses in Germany. The school delivers the International Baccalaureate framework across the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP), and also offers the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) alongside an American Curriculum pathway. English is the principal language of instruction, with a German–English bilingual program available on the Oberursel campus from Grade 3. The Oberursel campus houses the Primary, Elementary and Upper School, and features the Stroth Center for Learning and Athletics, an Arts, Science and Technology wing opened in 2007, and an Auditorium opened in 2011. FIS was established in 1961 by six expatriate families and now serves about 1,800 students. The Primary Library holds over 12,000 titles and the Elementary Library over 16,000. Extracurriculars include the REAL Activities program, music ensembles, and service and sustainability clubs.

An d. Waldlust 15, 61440 Oberursel (Taunus), Germany

The Essentials

Frankfurt International School has instruction in English.

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.

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.

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.

Pupil Nationality Mix
60 nationalities represented; approximately 1,800 students from age 3 to Grade 12.

Country affiliation
Germany

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.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The school offers a lunch program on both campuses with daily hot meals, vegetarian options, and fresh fruit and vegetables; breakfast is available on the Oberursel campus. ARAMARK serves the Oberursel campus and Cali's Biocatering serves the Wiesbaden campus; Cali's is owned and operated by an FIS alumna.

House System
The school has a House System.

Governance and Ownership
The school is not-for-profit and governed by a Board of Trustees; the FIS Foundation manages the endowment.
Fees

Annual tuition at Frankfurt International School ranges from EUR 11,590 to EUR 31,365 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Frankfurt International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

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.

Exam Results
Results of student performance are published each year. The IB Diploma Programme culminates in external examinations taken in May.

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Well-being and belonging are central to FIS, with programs to support the social, emotional and physical needs of students and adults from welcome through transition beyond FIS. All community members have the right to feel safe and secure, and differences are welcomed and valued. FIS is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and safe environment that creates a sense of belonging for all. The school's mission emphasizes developing intellect, creativity and character to become independent, adaptable global citizens within a culturally diverse community. English is the principal language of instruction, reinforcing an inclusive international community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
In-class support is provided by the homeroom teacher through a differentiated program. The Learning Support Team refers students requiring additional services to outside professionals, such as speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and educational psychologists. Speech therapy is offered at FIS, with in-school services available. Families are encouraged to communicate specific learning needs during the application process so individualized support can be planned. Learning support is integrated within the broader learning program to assist students as needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the principal language of instruction at FIS. ESL services support non-native speakers to access the curriculum and develop language proficiency. The ESL department provides targeted language acquisition assistance to help students engage with all aspects of learning. Language development is integrated across the school to support diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Mental Wellbeing
Counselors support students' social-emotional development in all aspects of the school environment. They provide resources including referrals to external professionals such as educational psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language specialists. Enhanced Learning classes during the week, including Extended Homerooms, help students build social and emotional skills. The High School counseling department is designed to serve the unique needs of international students and their families.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is foundational to the school's operations. FIS acts in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, German law and guidance from the International Taskforce on Child Protection. Safeguarding is embedded across curriculum, facilities, professional development, parent education offerings and recruitment practices. The school leadership and counselors work in partnership with parents and students to promote safety and wellbeing. All employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors share responsibility for safeguarding; a designated Safeguarding Lead, Dr. Leila Holmyard, is available for further information.
Parent Experience

History
FIS was established in 1961 as a private, non-profit association. It was founded by six expatriate families to provide English-language education in the Frankfurt area. Shortly after opening, FIS became a founding International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The school operates on two campuses, Oberursel and Wiesbaden. English is the principal language of instruction, and the Upper School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Community
Community – students, parents, colleagues and alumni – is at the heart of Frankfurt International School. The school actively involves all members of the community and maintains a family-oriented mission. Beyond classroom learning, FIS offers after-school sport programs, involvement in performing arts, extended language studies, student and family trips beyond Germany. There are about 1,800 students from 60 nationalities on two campuses, supported by more than 300 faculty and staff, with an alumni network of over 3,000 connections.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent involvement directly impacts learning and helps the school fulfill its mission of being a family-oriented international school. Parent involvement is encouraged on both the Oberursel and Wiesbaden campuses and is well supported through volunteer opportunities, the REAL Activities Program, and other social events. Join a parent group such as the Parent Teacher Group (PTG) on each campus, the Athletic Booster Club, or Supporters of the Performing Arts. Volunteer opportunities include PTG, Board of Trustees, Bookstore/Library Volunteers, Room Parents and Junior Warrior Coaches. The Campus Shop is staffed by parent volunteers.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Oberursel campus houses the Primary School, Elementary School and Upper School. It features the Stroth Center for Learning and Athletics as a central hub. An Arts, Science and Technology wing opened in 2007, followed by a state-of-the-art Auditorium in 2011. The campus began in 1961 with 120 students and now serves about 1,800 students. The Primary School is a purpose-built facility, and the campus includes multiple specialized spaces for younger learners and older students.

Sports Facilities
The Upper School has two full-size fields used for soccer, rugby, baseball, and softball. The gym, located in the Stroth Center, has space for basketball and volleyball courts. PE classes for Elementary, Middle and High School are held in the gym. The Stroth Center for Learning and Athletics also houses a fitness center.

Academic Facilities
The Upper School has multiple Design Technology labs. There are 9 3-D printers as part of the STEM program. The Upper School art labs are bright and open. A Makerspace Lab and a Commons area support hands-on design and collaboration. The Primary School Library contains more than 12,000 titles, and the Elementary School Library contains over 16,000 books.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Upper School offers extra-curricular activities and athletics. Organized clubs and service projects often lead to travel and exchanges in Europe and beyond. Band and orchestra rehearsal rooms support music ensembles.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The REAL Activities Program offers hundreds of after‑school classes for students and adults, taught by FIS teachers and community instructors. Classes span music, dance, language, sports, STEM and arts, with public speaking and drama opportunities; the program runs three terms per year, each about 8–10 weeks, and includes Kids Club for before/after care.

Arts & Creative
The REAL Program provides music, dance, language and other arts courses, and there is a Performing Arts Academy offering opportunities in drama and stage arts for Primary and Elementary students and adults alike.

Cultural & Language
English is the principal language of instruction. Multi-language learning is supported across campuses, with a German/English bilingual program available on the Oberursel campus beginning in Grade 3.

Social & Hobbies
Through REAL Activities, younger students participate in after‑school classes in art, STEM, language and sports, with Kids Club providing childcare before or after activities.

Community & Service
Student service groups are supervised by faculty and include initiatives such as Climate and Sustainability Club and Wilderness International, supporting local and global community projects.

Leadership & Professional
Middle School provides leadership opportunities, student organizations, service groups and arts experiences. A Grade 11 Internship Program is part of FIS Career Hub offerings to support career development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Athletic program extends beyond the classroom; ISST participation and a Fitness Center are available, and well‑being and belonging initiatives are emphasized across the school.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the principal language of instruction, with English Language Acquisition support for learners new to English. German is taught, and a German/English bilingual program begins in Grade 3 on the Oberursel campus to provide more intensive German language learning. French and Spanish are offered as foreign languages. On the Wiesbaden campus, broader language offerings include second language studies in German and Spanish, third language studies in German, Spanish, French, Russian, Korean and Chinese depending on interest, and the Identity Language Program adds languages such as Italian, Swedish, Mandarin, Dutch, Danish, Japanese and Portuguese.

Bilingual Teaching
A German/English bilingual program is available on the Oberursel campus beginning in Grade 3 to provide students with a more intensive German language learning experience.

Immersion Programs
German-English bilingual program on the Oberursel campus begins in Grade 3, providing immersion in German language learning.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation; IB Organization (founding member) status; ECIS (Educational Collaborative for International Schools) founding member; AGIS (Association for German International International Schools) member.
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).

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.

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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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