Parent's Review of International School Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

International School Hamburg

In what town or city is this school located?

Hamburg

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

kindergarden - grade 12

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Most students are dropped off by parents, some come in with public transport.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Considering the price (!) facilities in this school are not all that great. After school activities are somewhat limited and some require additional payment. The equipment in most departments is adequate. Students (especially older ones, who do the IB programm) do not have access to a colour photocopier (only for teachers) as well as, are limited to using 2 printers in the library.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

Nothing has been done. From what I heard from my child, some teachers offer to tutor after school to help catch up.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is a PTA, it is however rather limited due to lack of school's involvement.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

Some teachers in this school are excellent; passionate, determined, supportive and positive. There are unfortunately some, who seem to lack involvement. The quality of education is therefore dependent upon the teacher the child receives. If the parent is planning on financing the school himself, it might make more sense to find something cheaper or a public school. As much as I consider the school's international spirit wonderful, the quality of education is rather inferior. From what I have learned, the school does not prioritize the student, despite the stressful pre-university phase. The new management fails to create a friendly and academic atmosphere and prioritizes secondary issues. According to my child, new policies have been introduced this year, which prohibit the IB students (17-19 year olds) from using mobile devices, even in break time, as well as prevent them from leaving school campus during their periods off. The school's administration has displayed a pattern of disrespect towards its students and parents, who were questioning the new rules.This results in a certain hostility between the management and students/parents. I would advice a parent to consider this school only if t is being financed by a company. Paying this money yourself might be not worth it considering the above.

Cigna Global Health
Get Quote

Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.

Cigna Global Health

Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Get Quote