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Taught languages German, English, Spanish, French, Latin
Typical class size 4
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
Schule Schloss Salem offers a distinctive educational experience on the historic grounds of a former Cistercian monastery near Lake Constance. For over a century, the boarding school has focused on character building and responsibility alongside classroom learning. Students choose between the German Abitur and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
A defining feature of the school is its compulsory "Dienste" (Services) program. Instead of standard afternoon clubs, upper-level students actively participate in real-world community services, such as the local volunteer fire brigade, the Technical Relief Agency (THW), or the Nautical Service, which includes water rescue training on the lake.
The campus provides unique facilities, including a school-owned harbor, artisan workshops for carpentry and mechanics, and dedicated spaces for outdoor education. By living in small "Mentorate" (boarding groups), young people develop independence and learn to support their peers in a deeply engaged, active learning environment.
Salem Castle School
has 600 pupils, typical class sizes of 4, instruction in German, English.
Location
Schule Schloss Salem operates at three main sites in Baden-Württemberg, Germany: Schloss Salem in Salem (Schlossbezirk 1, 88682 Salem); Schloss Spetzgart in Überlingen (Schloss Spetzgart, Spetzgart 1, 88662 Überlingen); and Campus Härlen in Überlingen (Kurt-Hahn-Str. 1, 88662 Überlingen).
Around 600 students from 40 nations; multinational community.
Additional learning support
Homework help for students with special educational needs.
Country affiliation
Germany
Religious affiliation
Christian-humanist tradition
School day structure
Boarding life includes democratic self-governance with age-appropriate house rules, on-site mentors for each group, and a wide range of activities (social services, arts, crafts, sports, international exchanges, outdoor education, and evening/weekend recreation). Regular devotions, church services, and school chaplaincy support the spiritual life.
Fees
Annual tuition at Salem Castle School
ranges from EUR 4,450 to EUR 55,980 for 2026/27.
Application / Admission fees
- Admission fee (one-off): EUR 1,900. - Administration surcharge (one-off): EUR 1,900 (applies to certain admissions to cover integration into the German Gymnasium system).
Tuition and boarding fees (school and boarding fee) — by year group
- Classes 5–10 & 10PLUS: - Per month: EUR 4,200. - Per year (annual SBF): EUR 50,400 (before any annual-payment discount).
- Classes 11–12: - Per month: EUR 4,290. - Per year (annual SBF): EUR 51,480 (before any annual-payment discount).
- International Classes (Grades 8–10): - Per month: EUR 4,290. - Per year (annual SBF): EUR 51,480 (before any annual-payment discount).
- IB Students (Year 1 & Year 2): - Per month: EUR 4,665. - Per year (annual SBF): EUR 55,980 (before any annual-payment discount).
- Per-term amounts (approximate): the school invoices annually or monthly; if a parent prefers per-term figures, divide the annual fee by three terms. Approximate per-term amounts therefore are: - Classes 5–10 & 10PLUS: EUR 16,800 per term (EUR 50,400 ÷ 3). - Classes 11–12: EUR 17,160 per term (EUR 51,480 ÷ 3). - International Classes 8–10: EUR 17,160 per term (EUR 51,480 ÷ 3). - IB Year 1 & 2: EUR 18,660 per term (EUR 55,980 ÷ 3). - Note: these per-term figures are calculated from the published annual SBF and are presented as an approximate term breakdown.
Security deposit / refundable advance
- Security deposit if paying by direct debit (one-off): equal to one monthly SBF (examples: EUR 4,200 for Classes 5–10; EUR 4,290 for Classes 11–12 and International Classes; EUR 4,665 for IB). The security deposit is refundable when the contract is terminated and the account settled. - Security deposit without direct debit (one-off): equal to two monthly SBF amounts (examples: EUR 8,400; EUR 8,580; EUR 9,330 depending on the year group).
Boarding component and what the SBF covers
- The School and Boarding Fee (SBF) is the single annual rate that covers the schooling and boarding programme for each enrolled student. The SBF covers core services such as classroom instruction, pastoral care, accommodation, and meals. Additional incidental costs (extra tuition, individual music lessons, specialist coaching, some excursions, IB exam fees, travel, and similar items) are billed separately.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- Typical additional costs (examples billed separately): individual music lessons, extra tuition or remedial lessons, special sports coaching (e.g., golf, horse riding), materials for guilds/creative lessons, books (when not supplied), pocket money, telephone charges, travel and airport transfers, visa/document costs, school trips and exchanges, and IB registration/exam fees. These fall under the school's list of incidental expenses and are charged to the parents' account when used. - Example estimate for incidental expenses: approx. EUR 200 per month for items such as individual music lessons, exchange programme charges, uniform, excursions and similar extras — this figure is presented by the school as a rough monthly example of typical incidental costs. - Trial / taster overnight stays: EUR 300 per night for residential taster stays (maximum 2 nights for younger applicants); the fee is deducted from the SBF when a contract for that school year is signed.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment frequency: the SBF can be paid annually (single payment) or monthly. An annual payment is eligible for a discount (specified annually; historically a 2% discount has applied for annual payment). - Due dates and invoicing: - If paying annually, the full school-year SBF is due in advance, normally four weeks prior to admission or four weeks prior to the start of the school year. For families not making that advance payment, the school requires loan/guarantee arrangements to secure the SBF. - If paying monthly, monthly instalments are due in advance on the first workday of each month. - Security deposit and admission-fee timing: the admission fee is due shortly after signing the contract; the security deposit is invoiced with the first SBF invoice and is due within the payment terms stated on the invoice. The security deposit is non-interest-bearing and refundable after the student leaves and the parents' account has been settled. - Contractual notice and payment obligation: parents' contractual payment obligation for a school year continues through 31 August of the calendar year (i.e., fees for the school year remain due through the end of the school year even if the student leaves earlier), and notice deadlines apply if the contract is to be terminated at the end of a school year. Termination with notice generally requires six months' notice with effect at the end of a school year; the school specifies the calendar deadline for that notice.
Refunds and termination-related provisions
- The security deposit is refunded after contract termination once the parents' account has been settled and any outstanding charges paid. - Trial / taster fees are deductible from the SBF if a contract is signed for the same school year. - The admission fee and administration surcharge are one-off and not described as refundable in routine circumstances; other refund or cancellation rules are governed by the School and Boarding Contract and the General Terms and Conditions (termination notice periods, exceptional termination without notice for important reasons, and the school's right to set off debts against the deposit).
Payment methods and practical payment information
- Mandatory direct debit for payments originating in Germany; direct debit reduces the required security deposit to one monthly SBF amount. Payments from Germany are handled by direct debit. - Bank transfer (SEPA) is accepted; the school publishes its bank account (IBAN/BIC) for EUR transfers. For transfers from non-EU countries in foreign currency, the school supports processing via Flywire. Credit card payments are not accepted.
Sibling and alumni discounts
- Sibling discount: when siblings attend simultaneously, each sibling's SBF is reduced by 10 %. - Alumni (children of former Salem students) discount: a 1.5 % reduction on the SBF is applied.
Notes on account handling and incidental charges
- The SBF is credited to a parents' account held by the school; additional incidental costs used by the student are invoiced separately and debited from that account. Monthly account statements are provided. Overdue payments attract interest on arrears as specified in the General Terms and Conditions.
Academics
Salem Castle School
teaches German Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 10 to 18.
Curriculum
Schule Schloss Salem offers two graduation paths: the Abitur (taught in German) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) (taught in English). Grades 5–10 follow the Baden-Württemberg curriculum, with a choice from grade 8 between German-taught classes and English-taught International Classes (IC). All IC classes are taught in English, with most teachers native English speakers, and IC lessons follow the Baden-Württemberg curriculum; IC students are integrated into the German education system in English and receive intensive support. In the Upper School, students may pursue either Abitur or IB, with preparation for both. Classes are small, averaging about 15 students, with a project-based, interdisciplinary approach.
Student Teacher Ratio
1 to 4
Gifted and Talented
International Classes begin in grade 8 and are taught in English with intensive support; IC content follows the Baden-Württemberg curriculum and prepares students for Abitur or IB in the Upper School. A specialization option is available from grade 8 through grade 10 in science, music or language (Spanish or French as a third language).
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Salem's approach to social and emotional learning is embedded in its health and wellbeing framework and intensive pastoral care. Health and wellbeing, living in the wider world, and relationships are the three core themes guiding the curriculum from Grade 5 through graduation. The program emphasizes stress management, digital citizenship, and healthy relationships, supported by a health team and a school medical center. Intensive pastoral care is provided in the boarding program to support student wellbeing. The curriculum also highlights character development and leadership responsibility as part of personal growth.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Salem has an Inclusion Policy that provides comprehensive support for students with diverse needs. The school is accredited for special sensitivity to chronically ill pupils and maintains an internal support network including an Academic Support Coordinator, with access to external counselling when appropriate. The policy covers learning difficulties and differentiation, offering individualized plans, coaching, and subject-specific support, coordinated with families, teachers and specialists. Staff training and confidential counselling are part of the framework, and inclusion is integrated across both German and international programmes.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Schule Schloss Salem offers an integrated language school for students arriving with no knowledge of German. In Grades 5 & 6, small German-as-a-Foreign-Language classes are taught about 18 hours per week, enabling rapid participation in classroom life. After completing the year, language students take CEFR examinations (B1) in cooperation with Goethe-Institut and Humboldt-Institut and then join regular classroom lessons; they also receive a weekly four-hour course in German as a Foreign Language. The integrated language program is a core part of the Year 5 & 6 curriculum.
Mental Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing is a central pillar, with three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World, and Relationships. The health curriculum runs from Grade 5 to graduation and supports personal development and resilience. A health team and school medical center provide ongoing support, with external counselling available as needed; a crisis team is in place to respond to emergencies.
Safeguarding
Schule Schloss Salem has a Policy on the Protection of Children and Adolescents (CPP1). The policy assigns responsibilities to school management and staff to safeguard pupils and ensures there is a designated crisis response structure; staff are recruited and trained with child protection in mind, and there are clear procedures for reporting suspected mistreatment to management, with confidentiality maintained. The policy also outlines access to external counselling and support, and provides guidance on signs of mistreatment and appropriate response.
Admissions
Admissions
Path to Salem in three steps:
1. Submit a written application.
2. The admissions process includes a personal interview with the applicant and a campus visit for the parent and child, including a tour of the castle grounds, classrooms and dormitory buildings; an alternative is a digital meeting and virtual tour.
3. Complete a placement test. Prerequisites for admission: for Abitur at Salem, German language proficiency (written and spoken) is required to participate in Gymnasium-level instruction. For students enrolling in international classes and the IB Diploma Programme, fluency in English (written and spoken) is required, and an assessment test across subjects is used. Admission is possible at the start of each school year for entry into grades 5–11; admission to grade 12 or mid‑year entry is not advisable but may be possible in individual cases. Online information events: 45‑minute online information sessions on various topics are available; register to attend.
Scholarships
Schule Schloss Salem has a scholarship programme to enable talented students to attend regardless of income. The scholarship fund is around 3.2 million euros and currently supports about 20 percent of students. The programme is funded mainly by the Kurt Hahn Foundation and the school; Wolfgang Dürr Foundation and Beck'sche Foundation Berlin also contribute, with additional support from private donors and the Dornier Foundation.
FAQs
What ages does Schule Schloss Salem serve?
Schule Schloss Salem serves students aged 10 to 18.
What curriculum does Schule Schloss Salem follow?
Schule Schloss Salem offers two graduation paths: the Abitur (taught in German) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) (taught in English). Grades 5–10 follow the Baden-Württemberg curriculum, with a choice from grade 8 between.
Where is Schule Schloss Salem located?
Schule Schloss Salem operates at three main sites in Baden-Württemberg, Germany: Schloss Salem in Salem (Schlossbezirk 1, 88682 Salem); Schloss Spetzgart in Überlingen (Schloss Spetzgart, Spetzgart 1, 88662 Überlingen); and Campus Härlen in.
What are the tuition fees?
**Application / Admission fees**
- Admission fee (one-off): EUR 1,900.
- Administration surcharge (one-off): EUR 1,900 (applies to certain admissions to cover integration into the German Gymnasium system).
**Tuition and boarding fees (school and.
How many students attend Schule Schloss Salem?
The school has approximately 600 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
1 to 4
What languages are taught?
English is the language of instruction for the English-delivery strands and the IB Diploma Programme. German is the host country language and is required for IB students; DaF classes support non-native speakers in German. Other languages offered.
How does the admissions process work?
Path to Salem in three steps: 1) Submit a written application. 2) The admissions process includes a personal interview with the applicant and a campus visit for the parent and child, including a tour of the castle grounds, classrooms and dormitory.
What facilities does the school have?
Three campuses: Schloss Salem (main), Schloss Spetzgart and Campus Härlen in.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Extra-curricular Activities are central to Salem's boarding education, enabling students to gain experiences beyond the classroom and to take on responsibility. Activities span a wide range of areas, allowing students to follow their interests and.
Does the school offer boarding?
Student boarding accommodation is located in the northern part of the campus. The houses, each consisting of four double rooms with two bathrooms, are arranged one behind another, forming a residential 'snake' in a row of four houses.
