WABE International School

Eggerstedter Weg 19, 25421 Pinneberg. The school is in the Hamburg metropolitan region, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

Grades 1–12; International Baccalaureate World School (IB Diploma Programme). The main language of instruction is English, with a German program to support native-level learning.

State-approved substitute school (Ersatzschule) in Schleswig-Holstein; IB World School.

The school has 240 students representing 47 nationalities. The student body includes international and German families from the Hamburg metropolitan region.

Germany

School hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00–17:00.

WABE International School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and a German language track aligned with Schleswig-Holstein's state curriculum. The main language of instruction is English, with German taught in parallel and support for native and non-native speakers. The pedagogy follows Progressive Education, implemented through Project-Based and Social-Emotional Learning, with interdisciplinary courses and student agency in creating their own projects. Primary School integrates English and German literacy, includes play across curricula, and native German instruction is delivered by native speakers following the state curriculum. In Middle School learning is interdisciplinary with depth over breadth, linking subjects (e.g., algebra in Geography; literature in art). The IB Diploma Programme prepares graduates for university study worldwide and is recognized by universities globally; some US universities offer advanced credit for IB courses; native German instruction remains available for native speakers, and German IB exam results have been high with graduates enrolling at German universities.

Small class sizes.

IB Diploma graduates are prepared for higher education worldwide; the diploma is recognized by universities globally.

Progressive Education with a holistic, student-centered approach. The program emphasizes Project-Based Learning and Social-Emotional Learning, with interdisciplinary courses that foster self-advocacy and self-determination. Learning is framed as developing skills rather than simply acquiring information, empowering students to unfold their talents as compassionate human beings. The environment supports risk-taking in learning and is a safe, inclusive community that celebrates each student's unique personality.

An international, diverse and inclusive community.

All of our students learn English and German in parallel, with support for native and non-native speakers.

The school creates a learning environment where students feel safe and cared for; learning is approached as a courageous, exploratory process. It emphasizes that thinking and growth occur beyond comfort zones and fosters a culture where challenges are invitations to explore, learn, and grow in trust.

1. Submit the online Application Form to begin the admissions process. In addition to the form, provide grade‑specific materials: Grades 1–2 require a completed Student Questionnaire and a copy of a valid passport or birth certificate; Grade 2 requires school transcripts or records for the previous year. Grades 3–5 require a Student Questionnaire, a Teacher Reference Letter, transcripts for the previous two school years, and a copy of a passport or birth certificate. Grades 6–10 require a Student Questionnaire, a Teacher Reference Letter, transcripts for the previous two school years, a copy of a passport or birth certificate, and scheduling an admissions evaluation exam. Grades 11–12 require reading the IB Admissions Policy document, a Student Questionnaire, a Teacher Reference Letter, transcripts for the previous two school years, a copy of a passport or birth certificate, and scheduling an IB admissions entrance exam.

IB scholarships are offered as tuition reductions or waivers under guidelines designed to promote access to the IB Diploma Programme. Applications should generally be submitted before the start of the school year for which the scholarship is requested. Eligibility requires that the applicant or their guardians cannot fully bear tuition based on income and assets, and the student has shown either above‑average academic performance in the last two years or notable extracurricular or leadership achievements. The application for the IB Scholarship may be submitted for students in the IB Diploma Programme year; locals and internationals may be eligible; there is no guaranteed entitlement. Applications and required documents include information on financial need, academic and extracurricular achievements, and personal motivation, and may be mailed to WABE International School gGmbH, IBDP‑Scholarship, Eggerstedter Weg 19, 25421 Pinneberg, or scanned and emailed to a designated address. Incomplete applications are not considered. The scholarship reduces or waives tuition fees, with the amount and duration determined individually based on financial circumstances and other factors, and documented in a scholarship contract. Typically the scholarship covers one school year, but may be extended in exceptional cases. A decision is made by a committee in writing; denial does not require justification; retroactive awards are generally excluded, except in cases where full documents were received after the initial submission. Children of staff may be eligible but do not receive preferential treatment. Scholarships are tax‑free where applicable and outlined in the scholarship contract.

The number of available seats in each grade varies year to year. The maximum class size is 25 students. When a grade is full, applications are accepted to the waiting list. Availability changes from year to year, so families should plan accordingly.