Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Dortmund
Summary: If you're moving to Dortmund 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 Dortmund
Dortmund, a city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, offers a modest selection of international and bilingual schools catering to the needs of expat families and digital nomads. While the city isn't overflowing with international educational institutions, there are several reputable options within a short driving distance. Among the most popular are the Independent Bonn International School and the International School of Düsseldorf. These schools are known for their comprehensive curricula and diverse student bodies, making them ideal for expat children to continue their education in an international environment.
Independent Bonn International School (IBIS)
Grades: Early Learning to Grade 8
Location(s): Bonn
Website: www.ibis-school.com
Located less than an hour's drive from Dortmund, IBIS prides itself on a nurturing environment and a curriculum that follows the UK National Curriculum up to Year 6 and the German Curriculum for English-speaking students. With a strong emphasis on languages, the school offers German, English, and French. Facilities include a library, music room, and sports fields, and the school boasts a wide range of extracurricular activities to complement its academic offerings.
International School of Düsseldorf
Grades: Preschool to Grade 12
Location(s): Düsseldorf
Website: www.isdedu.de
The International School of Düsseldorf, a short drive from Dortmund, offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) program. With state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and a theater, ISD supports a well-rounded education. The school's diverse student body represents over 50 nationalities, and it provides a wealth of extracurricular activities ranging from sports to arts and community service.
St. George's The British International School
Grades: 2 years to Grade 12
Location(s): Cologne
Website: www.stgeorgesschool.de
St. George's The British International School, located in Cologne, offers the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSEs and the IB Diploma. The school has excellent facilities, including science labs, a sports hall, and a performing arts center. St. George's is known for its strong pastoral care system and a wide range of extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded education for its international student community.
International School Ruhr
Grades: Early Childhood to Grade 12
Location(s): Essen
Website: www.is-ruhr.de
The International School Ruhr, situated in Essen, offers an international education from Early Childhood to the IB Diploma Programme. With a focus on individual learning, the school provides a multicultural environment where students from various backgrounds are encouraged to achieve academic excellence. The school's facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and a sports hall, and it offers a variety of extracurricular activities.
Accadis International School Bad Homburg
Grades: Preschool to Grade 12
Location(s): Bad Homburg
Website: www.accadis-isb.de
Accadis International School Bad Homburg is a bilingual school offering a curriculum in English and German. The school provides the IB Primary Years Programme, the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme, IGCSEs, and the IB Diploma. With a focus on holistic education, Accadis ISB emphasizes language development, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship. The school's facilities support a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama.
Bonn International School
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12
Location(s): Bonn
Website: www.bonn-is.de
Bonn International School is another excellent option for expat families, offering the full IB continuum. The school's riverside campus provides a beautiful setting for a diverse and inclusive community. With modern facilities, including a new sports center and a design technology lab, BIS is committed to fostering innovation and creativity. The school also offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, from Model United Nations to competitive sports teams.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.