Best International Schools in Berlin
Berlin hosts several top-tier international schools, delivering high-quality education within a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. These schools are well-regarded for academic excellence and extensive extracurricular activities, creating a balanced and engaging experience for students.
Offering diverse curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and bilingual programs, they provide a comprehensive learning environment that promotes global awareness and personal growth. Regular evaluations ensure these institutions maintain high standards, with many achieving outstanding ratings.
This guide showcases Berlin’s leading international schools, helping expat families find the best educational opportunities in a city known for its cultural diversity and commitment to academic quality.
Berlin British School
Berlin British School (BBS) offers an exceptional bilingual education for students aged 2 to 18, blending the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the English National Curriculum. Located in Berlin’s scenic Grunewald district, the school prioritizes the well-being of each child, fostering lifelong learning and social development.
Early Years education at BBS includes bilingual instruction in English and German, with outdoor play areas, inquiry rooms, and library access for young students. The primary program follows the PYP, focusing on holistic child development and encouraging students to become independent learners. Small class sizes and experienced, dedicated teachers contribute to a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence.
Secondary students pursue the British National Curriculum in Grades 7 and 8 and the IGCSE for Grades 9 and 10, with the IB Diploma available in Grades 11 and 12. The curriculum allows students to achieve both British and German qualifications, equipping them for a diverse, global future.
Berlin Bilingual School
Berlin Bilingual School (BBS) provides a high-quality, affordable education for students fluent in both German and English from Grade 1 to Grade 13. Established in 2007, the school has grown into a diverse community with over 30 nationalities, promoting critical thinking and creativity while instilling global awareness. Offering the bilingual Abitur, BBS prepares students for academic success within Germany and internationally.
BBS fosters a strong sense of community among students, parents, and staff, emphasizing respect, transparency, and inclusivity. Lessons are taught in both English and German, with a focus on achieving bilingual and bi-literate proficiency by the end of primary school. Secondary students then work toward obtaining international qualifications.
The school’s admissions process includes language assessments tailored to each grade, ensuring that incoming students have the proficiency required to succeed in a bilingual curriculum. BBS promotes values of respect, responsibility, and reliability, cultivating an open and supportive environment for lifelong learning.
Berlin Metropolitan School
Berlin Metropolitan School (BMS), located in central Berlin, provides a comprehensive, all-day education from kindergarten through 12th grade. With a curriculum designed to develop both academic skills and personal growth, BMS encourages students to explore diverse worldviews, pursue personal goals, and unlock their unique talents.
At BMS, students work toward national and international diplomas in Grades 10 and 12, with a strong language program supporting bilingualism and additional language studies. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, the enjoyment of learning, and the practical application of knowledge, preparing students to approach the world with confidence and curiosity.
A dedicated team of over 200 international educators guides BMS students on this journey, creating a nurturing environment that balances rigorous academics with character development. With strong family partnerships, BMS supports each student’s growth, aiming to develop open-minded individuals who actively engage in school life and appreciate the value of new ideas.
Berlin Brandenburg International School
Berlin Brandenburg International School (BBIS) is an IB World School located in Kleinmachnow, Germany, near Berlin and Potsdam. Since its founding in 1990, BBIS has offered English-medium instruction across Early Education, Primary, and Secondary levels, guiding students from ages 3 to 19 through a comprehensive international education.
The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, offering the Primary Years Programme for ages 3-11, the Middle Years Programme for ages 11-16, and the IB Diploma Programme for students aged 16-19. BBIS provides modern facilities in its five main buildings, including science labs, art and music rooms, libraries, and specialized study areas.
The campus also features extensive sports amenities, including a full-size artificial turf field with a six-lane track, a sports hall with gymnasiums, and multiple playgrounds. Student support services are robust, offering psychological support, learning assistance, college and career counseling, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs.
Berlin Cosmopolitan School
Berlin Cosmopolitan School (BCS) is an esteemed IB World School. The institution offers a premier bilingual education designed to foster lifelong learning and prepare students for successful careers or higher education in Germany and internationally. Emphasizing individualized support, BCS encourages every student to excel according to their unique talents, whether their future includes university studies or apprenticeships.
BCS students can achieve a Bilingual Abitur, a German qualification recognized by universities worldwide. Grade 10 students complete the "Mittlerer Schulabschluss" (MSA), a qualification required for upper school entry, which includes exams in German, English, and a presentation on a selected topic. Students with less than two years in a German school may replace the German exam with an English Science test.
Berlin Cosmopolitan School’s holistic approach includes inquiry-based learning, the Berlin Framework Plan, and active community involvement. This method nurtures students to become knowledgeable, compassionate, and globally minded citizens.
Nelson Mandela School
The Nelson Mandela School, established in 2000 by Berlin’s state government, is an international bilingual institution with a mission to deliver high-quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With instruction in both English and German, the institution is a UNESCO Associated member that emphasizes a global perspective in its educational approach.
A rich multicultural environment defines the school, with students from over 60 nations, including countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Staff members bring a wealth of international experience, further enriching the school’s community and classroom instruction. The curriculum encompasses the German lower secondary school-leaving certificates after Year 10, followed by a choice between the German-English bilingual Abitur or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Classes are structured with bilingual teaching in German and English, supported by both language-specific and partner-tongue instruction. The school’s values of "learning with head, heart, and hand" encourage intellectual, emotional, and practical growth through cross-curricular teaching, excursions, and community service programs.
Quentin-Blake-Grundschule Staatliche Europa-Schule Berlin (SESB)
Quentin-Blake-Grundschule Staatliche Europa-Schule Berlin (SESB) is a state-run bilingual school offering both monolingual and bilingual (German-English) European school programs. This unique setup merges two educational streams—regular German classes and bilingual European classes—under one multicultural community. In this vibrant environment, students and staff from over 36 countries engage in a bilingual routine that prioritizes both English and German equally.
Each grade includes a regular monolingual class and two bilingual classes, where students are taught by native German and English-speaking teachers. Classes are divided for language-specific instruction to reinforce mother tongue and partner language fluency. In addition to foundational subjects, from fifth grade onward, students also learn French, expanding their multilingual skills.
The school operates as an all-day institution with a schedule from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing for extensive intercultural and collaborative activities. A dedicated support team offers supplemental programs as well as before- and after-school care, creating a nurturing and engaging environment for all students.
Swiss International School
SIS Swiss International School, located in West Berlin, is part of a global network with campuses in Switzerland, Brazil, Germany, and Italy. The school emphasizes a bilingual education model, fostering academic excellence alongside a deep respect for students’ cultural origins.
SIS Berlin’s educational philosophy combines social, pedagogical, and entrepreneurial principles, centering on students and their individual learning needs. At the core of SIS Berlin’s mission is nurturing global citizens who embody compassion and responsibility toward a more sustainable world. This mission is achieved through a robust framework that includes a bilingual curriculum, a values-centered learning approach, and an independent, day school community.
Additional aspects such as technological integration, continuity from kindergarten through secondary school, and local cultural insights enhance the curriculum. SIS Berlin also offers a variety of extracurricular programs, including supervised study sessions and flexible care options. After-school clubs further enhance the student experience, providing enriching activities that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Charles Dickens Primary School
Charles Dickens German Primary School is a state-run, bilingual institution in Berlin, providing a multicultural, German-English educational environment for students. The school operates as a half-day program from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, with additional care available for a fee before and after school.
English instruction begins weekly in first grade and becomes fully integrated into the curriculum by third grade. By fifth and sixth grade, students may select optional courses that allow exploration of their personal interests. With small class sizes and bilingual instruction, the school emphasizes mother-tongue and partner language skills in a language-rich environment for cultural and academic engagement.
Events like the Christmas Show, Book Week, and school fêtes enrich the school’s community atmosphere. Additional programs, such as Erasmus exchanges, sports competitions, and thematic celebrations, support the school’s mission to nurture critical thinking, democratic values, and appreciation for cultural diversity.
John F. Kennedy School
The John F. Kennedy School (JFKS) in Berlin is a bilingual, bicultural German-American public school serving over 1,600 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded by the Berlin Senate, JFKS integrates American and German educational principles, providing a curriculum that includes both the German Abitur and the American high school diploma, preparing students for university studies in Germany, the U.S., and internationally.
The curriculum supports holistic student development across languages, humanities, sciences, and the arts. English and German are both used as languages of instruction, with programs in place to cultivate fluency in both languages. Students also engage in arts, sports, and service-learning projects, including hosting the annual Berlin Model United Nations (BERMUN).
Beyond academics, JFKS prioritizes respect for cultural diversity, fostering democratic principles, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Small class sizes and a supportive learning environment encourage independent inquiry and mutual respect among students from over 60 nationalities, making JFKS a vibrant, inclusive educational community.
Phorms Bilingual School
Phorms Bilingual School offers dynamic bilingual education for children aged 2 to 18 across its nursery, primary, and secondary programs. Located in a historic red-brick building in central Berlin, Phorms Berlin was established in 2006 and stands as the oldest and largest of all Phorms schools, celebrating over a decade of educational excellence.
The bilingual program at Phorms is immersion-based, with students learning German and English from native speakers. From an early age, children engage with both languages naturally through activities like circle time, meals, storytelling, and games, fostering fluent bilingualism. The nursery program serves around 160 young children in age-specific groups, with dedicated educators guiding them.
The Friends’ Association, "Förderverein der Phorms-Kindertagesstätten Berlin e.V." funds the school’s bilingual framework, providing resources that support high-quality, language-rich education. Each nursery group is led by a team of educators, ensuring that children advance at their own pace in a supportive, multicultural environment.
The International Montessori School (IMS) Berlin
The International Montessori School Berlin offers a supportive, bilingual education for students in grades 1–6. The school’s teaching approach is rooted in Maria Montessori’s educational principles. With around 120 students, IMS uses immersion techniques to foster fluency in German and English, encouraging students to engage with both languages throughout the day. Located in the historic Landhaus Oppenheim near Wannsee station, this renowned primary school offers a full-day program from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The curriculum allows students to explore their interests through “free work,” where children independently select materials, topics, and collaborative partners based on their unique pace and learning goals. Classes span multiple age groups, promoting interaction among students of different developmental stages, with weekly reflections to encourage personal growth.
Following Montessori's holistic methods, the school fosters intrinsic motivation and sustained concentration by providing an environment of choice and structured boundaries. Teachers closely observe each child to support their intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
Platanus School
Platanus Schule Berlin, a bilingual German-English educational institution in Berlin-Pankow, provides a comprehensive early childhood, primary, and secondary education with a focus on STEM (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology). The state-approved kindergarten and preschool emphasize individualized, immersive learning, fostering bilingual development and a love for discovery.
The school functions as a full-day institution, offering a structured educational path for students. Located in the historic former Pankow Post Office, Platanus Schule provides modern facilities and ideal learning spaces, fostering an environment that nurtures students' natural curiosity, cultural awareness, and language proficiency. The school’s modern facilities include bright classrooms, small class sizes, and an engaged international teaching team.
From 2024/25, Platanus Schule will offer a bilingual Abitur track, allowing students to complete a 13-year academic path in both languages. Embracing cultural diversity and personalized growth, this institution encourages curiosity, independent learning, and respect for the environment, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere for students to thrive academically and socially.
Freie Schule Anne-Sophie
Freie Schule Anne-Sophie, a state-recognized alternative school in Berlin-Zehlendorf, offers bilingual instruction from entrance classes through elementary (Grades 1-6) and secondary school (Grades 7-12). Designed as an all-day institution, this school emphasizes independent, goal-oriented learning within a thoughtfully crafted environment.
Freie Schule Anne-Sophie’s educational mission is shaped by four key principles: appreciation, mindfulness, confidence, and a commitment to learning. The curriculum integrates media literacy with a focus on using digital tools responsibly and creatively. Rooted in values of sustainability and equity, Freie Schule Anne-Sophie equips learners with the critical thinking and collaborative skills essential for shaping a positive future.
Recognized as an "Excellent Digital School" by the Berlin Senate Department for Education, FSAS stands out for fostering a digital culture that goes beyond mere technology access. Instead, it cultivates a supportive atmosphere where students develop into independent, thoughtful individuals capable of navigating a highly digital world with maturity.
Schiller-Gymnasium
Schiller-Gymnasium, located in Berlin, is a Gymnasium (comparable to a British grammar school) that hosts approximately 950 students, including the State Europe School Berlin (SESB) with English-German bilingual instruction. Since 1999, SESB has offered a dual-language curriculum, dividing subjects evenly between English and German, taught by native speakers.
Schiller-Gymnasium also emphasizes French, allowing students to study it alongside English up to the Abitur. French language certification through the DELF-Diploma is also available, and Latin or Italian is introduced starting in Grade 8. As a large school, Schiller-Gymnasium provides a broad curriculum, enabling students in Grades 8–10 to specialize in creative arts, natural sciences, humanities, or languages.
The school features two sports halls, updated classrooms, a computer lab with interactive whiteboards, a cafeteria, and landscaped outdoor areas. Schiller-Gymnasium holds the "Faire Schule" certification and is recognized for “Excellence in European Education.” The school fosters an inclusive environment, supporting democratic values and promoting European cultural awareness through diverse school-wide projects and international partnerships.
Education Fees Planning
For British expats, planning education fees is a crucial part of relocating abroad, particularly when enrolling children in British international schools. These schools, while offering a high-quality education aligned with the British school system, often come with significant tuition fees. It's essential to account for costs such as registration, yearly tuition, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, expats should explore employer subsidies, scholarships, and financial aid options.
Early planning, budgeting, and consulting with financial advisors can help families manage these expenses effectively, ensuring a smooth educational journey for their children.
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