Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Berlin
Summary: If you're moving to Berlin with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Berlin
Berlin, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that has become a hub for expats and digital nomads from around the world. As such, it offers a variety of international and bilingual schools to cater to the diverse needs of expatriate families. Among the most popular are the Berlin International School and the John F. Kennedy School, both known for their excellent curricula and multicultural environments. With a range of options available, parents can choose from schools that offer different international curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Cambridge Curriculum, ensuring that their children receive a high-quality education while abroad. Here is a list of recommended international and bilingual schools within a short drive from Berlin.
Berlin International School (BIS)
Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Dahlem
Website: www.berlin-international-school.de
Berlin International School is known for its diverse student body and offers the IB program from the Primary Years up to the Diploma Program. With state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a commitment to academic excellence, BIS provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for global citizenship.
John F. Kennedy School
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Zehlendorf
Website: www.jfks.de
The John F. Kennedy School is a unique bi-national institution that offers both American and German diplomas. It boasts a bilingual curriculum and a diverse extracurricular program, fostering a strong sense of community and international understanding among its students.
Berlin British School (BBS)
Grades: Early Years through Grade 13
Location(s): Charlottenburg
Website: www.berlinbritishschool.de
The Berlin British School caters to the international community with a curriculum based on the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and the IB Diploma. With excellent facilities and a wide array of extracurricular activities, BBS provides a well-rounded education with a global perspective.
Swiss School Berlin
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Wannsee
Website: www.swiss-school-berlin.de
The Swiss School Berlin offers a bilingual German-French education with the option of the Swiss Matura or the German Abitur. Known for its small class sizes and individual attention, the school provides a nurturing environment for students to thrive academically and personally.
Berlin Cosmopolitan School (BCS)
Grades: Nursery through Grade 12
Location(s): Mitte
Website: www.cosmopolitanschool.de
BCS is an international school with a focus on sciences, music, and dance. Offering the IB program, it emphasizes inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. The school's modern facilities and diverse community create an engaging learning environment.
Nelson Mandela School (NMS)
Grades: Primary through Secondary
Location(s): Wilmersdorf and Pfalzburger Straße
Website: www.nelson-mandela-schule.net
NMS is a public international school that provides bilingual education in English and German. With a strong emphasis on social justice and intercultural understanding, it prepares students for the IB Diploma and fosters a sense of global responsibility.
Charles Dickens Elementary School
Grades: Preschool through Grade 6
Location(s): Charlottenburg
Charles Dickens Elementary School offers a bilingual curriculum in English and German, focusing on early language acquisition. It provides a supportive and inclusive environment, with a variety of extracurricular activities to enhance students' educational experience.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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