Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus and Berlin International School are both in Berlin, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus also offers German, and Berlin International School also offers Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are €1,200 - 14,400 at Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus and €12,425 - 18,240 at Berlin International School, which puts Berlin International School roughly 97% higher. Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus takes pupils from 1 to 18, and Berlin International School from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 1,000 and 900 pupils. Typical class sizes are 22 at Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus and 20 at Berlin International School.
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Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus
Berlin, Germany
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Berlin International School
Berlin, Germany
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year €1,200 - 14,400 | Fees / year €12,425 - 18,240 |
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Age range
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Age range 1 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (PYP), German Curriculum | Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE |
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Pupils
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Pupils 1,000 | Pupils 900 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 22 | Typical class size 20 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English, German | Instruction language English, German |
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Opened
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Opened 2003 | Opened 1998 |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service Yes |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Rückerstraße 9, 10119 Berlin; Invalidenstraße 130, 10115 Berlin; Müggelheimer Damm 145, 12559 Berlin | Location Lentzeallee 8/14, 14195 Berlin, in southwest Berlin (Campus Lentzeallee). |
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Stages
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Stages Early Years; Primary School; Primary Years Programme; Secondary School; Secondary School Programme | Stages Primary (Grades 1–5); Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10); IB Diploma (Grades 11–12). |
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School type
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School type Non-profit international school; IB World School | School type Private, non-profit, non-denominational day school. It is an IB World School, fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association (MSA-CESS), and is part of Stiftung Private-Kant-Schulen gGmbH. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix 70+ nationalities represented. |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support Academic & Social Emotional Support; English as an Additional Language; German Language Development | Additional learning support Language support programs for English and German at different levels to compensate for language deficits. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation Germany | Country affiliation Germany; State of Berlin. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation Non-denominational. |
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School day structure
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School day structure — | School day structure — |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details — | Bus service details The school offers a bus service. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application & Registration fees - Application (Anmeldegebühr): EUR 50 (one-off; charged when an applicant is invited to an entrance test). Exempt for families with a demonstrated gross annual income under EUR 30,000. - Registration / Admission fee (Aufnahmegebühr): EUR 1,200 (one-off; payable at contract signing). Reduced or exempt for families with lower incomes as specified by the school's fee rules. - Advance payment (Vorauszahlung): EUR 1,350 (one-off; payable at contract signing and credited against the final invoice at contract end). Families with demonstrated lower incomes may be exempt on application. Tuition fees by year group (monthly and annual amounts; income-based categories) - Tuition is charged as a monthly payment spread over 12 months. The table below shows the monthly charge followed by the equivalent annual charge (monthly × 12). Monthly amounts are shown per family gross-income bracket and by year group. - Year groups used by the school: - Klassen 1–6 (Primary) - Klassen 7–10 (Lower Secondary) - Abitur 11–12 (Upper Secondary, German Abitur track) - IB Diploma 11–12 (Upper Secondary, IB Diploma track) - Monthly / Annual (examples by income bracket): - Income from EUR 30,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 231 / year EUR 2,772; Klassen 7–10: EUR 252 / year EUR 3,024; Abitur 11–12: EUR 265 / year EUR 3,180; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 293 / year EUR 3,516. - Income from EUR 32,500: Klassen 1–6: EUR 274 / year EUR 3,288; Klassen 7–10: EUR 289 / year EUR 3,468; Abitur 11–12: EUR 301 / year EUR 3,612; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 327 / year EUR 3,924. - Income from EUR 35,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 357 / year EUR 4,284; Klassen 7–10: EUR 379 / year EUR 4,548; Abitur 11–12: EUR 398 / year EUR 4,776; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 414 / year EUR 4,968. - Income from EUR 37,500: Klassen 1–6: EUR 392 / year EUR 4,704; Klassen 7–10: EUR 422 / year EUR 5,064; Abitur 11–12: EUR 453 / year EUR 5,436; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 471 / year EUR 5,652. - Income from EUR 40,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 433 / year EUR 5,196; Klassen 7–10: EUR 575 / year EUR 6,900; Abitur 11–12: EUR 569 / year EUR 6,828; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 593 / year EUR 7,116. - Income from EUR 60,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 530 / year EUR 6,360; Klassen 7–10: EUR 689 / year EUR 8,268; Abitur 11–12: EUR 737 / year EUR 8,844; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 772 / year EUR 9,264. - Income from EUR 80,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 600 / year EUR 7,200; Klassen 7–10: EUR 828 / year EUR 9,936; Abitur 11–12: EUR 892 / year EUR 10,704; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 932 / year EUR 11,184. - Income from EUR 100,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 694 / year EUR 8,328; Klassen 7–10: EUR 950 / year EUR 11,400; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,018 / year EUR 12,216; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,084 / year EUR 13,008. - Income from EUR 130,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 769 / year EUR 9,228; Klassen 7–10: EUR 1,033 / year EUR 12,396; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,093 / year EUR 13,116; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,171 / year EUR 14,052. - Income from EUR 160,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 838 / year EUR 10,056; Klassen 7–10: EUR 1,095 / year EUR 13,140; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,154 / year EUR 13,848; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,248 / year EUR 14,976. - Income from EUR 180,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 900 / year EUR 10,800; Klassen 7–10: EUR 1,160 / year EUR 13,920; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,220 / year EUR 14,640; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,320 / year EUR 15,840. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is calculated on a monthly basis and payable as monthly instalments spread over 12 months. Parents who wish to access income-dependent fees must submit the required annual income tax documentation and a completed self-declaration by the stated deadline; otherwise the highest income category applies. - Specific due dates shown in the fee rules: application fee at invitation to test; admission fee and advance payment at contract signing; Lehr- und Arbeitsmittel (books/materials) charged annually on 1 August. The advance payment is credited against the final school invoice at the end of the contract. After‑school care / Ganztagsbetreuung (classes 1–6) - If the parent provides a voucher (Hortgutschein) the parental contribution is income-dependent. The documented ranges are: - Hortgutschein up to 18:00: monthly EUR 20–243 (income-dependent). - Hortgutschein up to 16:00: monthly EUR 15–182 (income-dependent). - If no Hortgutschein is provided, a flat additional fee of EUR 480 per month is charged for the afternoon programme. Classes 1–3 can take part in the 13:30–16:00 module without needs assessment. Meals (Verpflegung) - All students take part in the school lunch programme; the school charges a monthly contribution by age group. The charges are shown as monthly rates: - Klassen 1–5: EUR 18 per month (afternoon snack). For Grade 1 the listed rate for breakfast + afternoon snack is EUR 30. - Klasse 6: EUR 30 per month (breakfast and afternoon snack). - Klassen 7–12: EUR 99 per month (breakfast and lunch). - The document notes that pupils in Klassen 1–6 receive the midday meal without cost contribution in some cases and that the school provides allergy-sensitive options; the meal programme is operated by the school catering team. Learning materials, exam and other additional costs - Lehr- und Arbeitsmittel (books and core materials): annual flat rate — Klassen 1–6: EUR 250 (due 1 August); Klassen 7–12: EUR 350 (due 1 August). For Abitur and IB Higher Level practical art costs there is an additional one‑off charge of EUR 150 (due 1 August or as stated). Families with gross annual income up to EUR 30,000 are charged EUR 100 per child for these materials. - Other costs billed separately: materials for after‑school activities, external tests/examinations, remedial learning support, class trips, IB examination fees (IB exam fees are charged at the rates set by the IB organization) and similar additional services. Support is available for holders of relevant benefit passes (BuT) where applicable. Sibling discounts and low‑income concessions - Standard sibling discounts on tuition: - 2nd child: 15% reduction - 3rd child: 25% reduction - 4th child and more: 50% reduction - On application and where justified by family circumstances, higher sibling discounts may be granted (e.g., 25% for 2nd child, 50% for 3rd, 75% for 4th and more). - For families with a demonstrated gross annual income of up to EUR 30,000 the school sets a reduced flat tuition: EUR 100 for the oldest child, EUR 75 for the second child, EUR 50 for the third child and EUR 25 for each additional child. These families are fully exempt from the application fee, admission fee and advance payment; school clothing may be discounted or supplied free of charge on application. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed in the school's fee schedule. No boarding fees are charged because the school operates as a day school. Refunds and contract‑end treatment of payments - The advance payment (Vorauszahlung) is offset against the final invoice at contract termination. The fee rules provide for income-based exemptions and reductions but do not list general automatic refunds for term‑time withdrawals beyond the stated handling of the advance payment; additional refund or cancellation terms are handled per the school's contract and finance procedures. Fee payment options and contact for finance - The application process accepts credit card details for payment of the application fee. For contracts, invoices and other payments the school's finance office issues payment instructions; the finance contact is finance@cosmopolitanschool.de. Specific payment channels for tuition (bank transfer, direct debit, credit card, etc.) are confirmed in the school's finance correspondence and contractual documentation. Other practical notes on compulsory items - Official school clothing is compulsory; clothing is available from a designated supplier and through the school's second‑hand shop. Costs vary by item and family needs; discounted or free provision is available for eligible low‑income families on application. | Fee details Application fee - Admission Fee: EUR 800.00. Tuition fees by year group (annual, monthly and per-term equivalents) - Grades 1–6: Annual tuition EUR 12,300.00. Stated monthly equivalent: EUR 1,025.00/month. Equivalent per term (dividing the annual fee by three school terms): EUR 4,100.00 per term. - Grades 7–10: Annual tuition EUR 13,560.00. Stated monthly equivalent: EUR 1,130.00/month. Equivalent per term (dividing the annual fee by three school terms): EUR 4,520.00 per term. - Grades 11–12 (IBDP 1 and 2): Annual tuition EUR 18,240.00. Stated monthly equivalent: EUR 1,520.00/month. Equivalent per term (dividing the annual fee by three school terms): EUR 6,080.00 per term. - Note regarding Grades 1–6: The published fee framework shows that the school originally set a tuition of EUR 13,500.00 for 2025/2026 to be paid in twelve monthly installments (August to July) of EUR 1,125.00 each; because the State of Berlin reimburses part of the cooked-lunch cost, the current payable amount is presented as EUR 12,300.00/year (EUR 1,025.00/month). The monthly lunch-share amount cited is EUR 100.23/month (annual share EUR 1,202.70). Monthly lunch fees for higher grades are shown as EUR 100.00/month (EUR 1,200.00/year) and are included in the listed tuition. Billing schedule and payment terms - The published figures are presented with monthly equivalents and the school notes an example payment plan of twelve monthly installments (August to July) for the stated annual fee in the school-year example. The listed monthly amounts (EUR 1,025; EUR 1,130; EUR 1,520) indicate that tuition is expressed and managed on a monthly basis in the published schedule. Specific invoicing dates, due dates, accepted payment instruments, and penalty terms for late payment are not published in the materials consulted. Boarding fees - Boarding fees: not applicable. The school is operated as a day school (private, non-profit day school). No boarding or boarding fees are published. Other costs and fees - Annual Resource Fees: Grades 1–5 EUR 125.00/year; Grades 6–8 EUR 175.00/year; Grades 9–10 EUR 225.00/year. These resource fees are charged in addition to tuition. - Costs explicitly not included in tuition: fees for special needs support, excursions, field and class trips, after-school activities and clubs, and the school bus service are not included and are charged separately. - School apparel and sportswear: school apparel and sportswear can be ordered via the school's designated supplier. Prices for uniform/apparel are not published in the school fee statements and are payable separately. Sibling discounts and income-related fees - Sibling reductions are published with specific monthly figures (presented with the meal-cost portion covered by the Senate). Examples (monthly figures shown): - Grades 1–6: 1st child EUR 1,025; 2nd child EUR 769; 3rd child EUR 513; 4th child EUR 256. - Grades 7–10: 1st child EUR 1,130; 2nd child EUR 872; 3rd child EUR 615; 4th child EUR 357. - Grades 11–12: 1st child EUR 1,520; 2nd child EUR 1,165; 3rd child EUR 810; 4th child EUR 455. - Families may apply for income-related school fees; an application with evidence of family income is required. Refunds and withdrawal - Withdrawal procedure and notice: parents are required to give written notice when withdrawing a student; parents wishing to withdraw a child at the end of a school year are contractually required to inform the school in writing before the end of April. Specific refund, cancellation, prorating or reimbursement rules tied to mid-year withdrawal or to cancellation of enrolment are not published in the materials consulted. Fee payment options (payment instruments / methods) - The publicly available fee summary and parent handbooks consulted do not publish specific accepted payment instruments (for example: bank transfer/IBAN, SEPA direct debit, credit card, PayPal). Parents are instructed to follow contract and admissions arrangements for payment particulars; explicit payment-method details are not present in the publicly posted fee statements and handbooks examined. Summary of where fees apply and what is additional - Tuition covers instruction and (noted) lunch-share as described for the relevant grades. Resource fees are charged annually by grade band. Excursions, trips, special-needs provision, after-school activities, clubs and bus service are additional costs and billed separately. Sibling reductions and income-related fee arrangements are available and are applied as published. Admission requires payment of an Admission Fee of EUR 800.00. Note on missing details found during review - The public fee statements and parent handbooks provide clear annual and monthly tuition figures, resource fees, sibling reductions and a withdrawal notice requirement, but do not publish detailed invoicing timetables (exact invoice dates and term-by-term billing calendar beyond the stated monthly-equivalents), penalty/late-payment terms, detailed refund or cancellation rules, nor a list of accepted payment instruments. These payment-process and refund specifics are not present in the publicly posted fee material consulted. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements The school is a day school with no boarding facilities. |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement The wearing of the official BCS school uniform is compulsory for all students on school premises. | Uniform requirement — |
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Food options
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Food options BCS operates an on-site catering service, Berlin Cosmopolitan Food Services GmbH, with fresh meals prepared daily. Lunch is mandatory for all students as BCS is a full-day school; the weekly menu typically includes two meat dishes, one fish dish and two vegetarian dishes, plus a salad bar, fresh fruit, and seasonal/local ingredients; dietary needs (gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, etc.) are accommodated. The school is nut-free and pork is avoided for religious reasons; breakfast is provided for secondary students and younger students follow a structured breakfast routine. | Food options A hot lunch is included in the school fees for Grades 1–6; the monthly lunch fee is €100 and is included in the school fees. |
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House system
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House system — | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership The school is run by EBS Europäische Bildungsstiftung gGmbH; the supervisory authority is the Senate for Education, Youth and Economy of Berlin; the school is registered at Amtsgericht Berlin-Charlottenburg (Register No. 105640B). | Governance and ownership The school is a private, non-profit, non-denominational day school and is part of Stiftung Private-Kant-Schulen gGmbH. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details The Berlin Cosmopolitan School implements the Berlin state curriculum and follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The Primary Years Programme anchors the primary curriculum and integrates the Berlin framework with international educational standards through the Program of Inquiry across six transdisciplinary themes. The upper secondary curriculum is bilingual in English and German and offers pathways to the bilingual Abitur or the IB Diploma, with French and Spanish available as additional languages. Mittlerer Schulabschluss is offered at the end of Year 10 via media-based project work, and after Year 12 students can obtain an IB Diploma and the German Abitur. Class sizes are small: primary classes have 18–22 students per class (with up to two classes per year) and secondary classes have a maximum of 22 students per class. The school provides work placements and college counselling, including internships from Year 6 to Year 10 and ongoing guidance through a college counsellor. | Curriculum details Berlin International School uses the International Baccalaureate framework across the school. Primary is authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), enhanced by the Berlin Rahmenlehrplan. The school promotes multilingualism with English and German language development, supported by a multilingual library and integrated Educational Technology. In Grades 6-10, students follow a bilingual Middle Years Programme based on the Berlin Rahmenlehrplan and the school's interpretation of the Middle Years Programme, with intentional vertical alignment with IB PYP and IB DP. In Grades 11-12, the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning and global perspectives. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio Primary: 18–22 students per class with up to two classes per year; Secondary: up to 22 students per class. | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression Graduates are prepared for admission to German and international universities. The school provides college counselling and internships, with a dedicated college counsellor and guidance. After Year 12, students can obtain an IB Diploma and the German Abitur. | Higher education progression Students are prepared for post-secondary education worldwide. They complete the German MSA exam at the end of Grade 10 and then pursue the IB Diploma in Grades 11-12, which is recognized by universities around the world. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented Gifted and talented or exceptionally able students are recognised and included in the mainstream; they may receive differentiated instruction through a Student Support Plan, with input from teachers, SEN staff and families. | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning — | Social & emotional learning The school fosters a multicultural, student- and learning-focused environment that supports emotional and social development through its IB framework and school-wide initiatives. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) — | Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides programs to support diverse learner needs as part of its international and local student body; it operates as a private, non-profit day school. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language — | English as an additional language Multilingualism is cultivated with an emphasis on English and German language acquisition, with language support programs offered as needed. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing — | Mental wellbeing On-campus counselors and a health and welfare officer support students' day-to-day health and emotional well-being. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding — | Safeguarding A safe, supportive environment is a core part of the school culture, with policies aligned to safeguarding and child protection practices. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The City Campus is in central Berlin-Mitte, spanning Rückerstraße and Mulackstraße. The main building at Rückerstraße 9 is a listed historic building that shapes the character of the campus. The City Campus includes modern learning spaces such as art and music rooms, science laboratories, an IT room, a dance studio, and a recreation and climbing room. A Creative Art Room and a games room on the ground floor support creativity, exercise and social interaction, and the library supports independent work, research and reading. A Maker Space provides space to tinker and program for robotics and other hands-on learning. | Facilities overview Berlin International School is located on Campus Lentzeallee in southwest Berlin. It is an IB World School and a state-recognized private school that provides student-centered learning to international and local students. The school operates as a private, non-profit, non-denominational day school and is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and Middle States Association (MSA-CESS). Health and well-being staff, including school counselors and a health and welfare officer, are on campus to support students. The school offers after-school care (ASA) and a range of after-school activities, along with a library, technology resources, and arts and sports programs. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Basketball is a major activity with intramural play and a partnership with ALBA Berlin for competitive teams. The program also includes football (soccer), girls' football, gymnastics, running and other clubs such as flag football and dance. There are more than 100 pupils in afternoon basketball clubs. The adventure playground City of Children provides outdoor activities near the school. | Sports facilities Sports form a major part of BIS's extracurricular programme with a wide variety of athletic offerings and competitions. There are opportunities to participate in events such as the German International School Sports competition. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities City Campus offers modern learning spaces for diverse talents, including art and music rooms, science laboratories, an IT room, a dance studio, a recreation and climbing room, and a library. The City Campus Maker Space supports robotics and independent learning, and upper secondary has dedicated rooms for concentrated study. Nature Campus Müggelsee provides bilingual and transdisciplinary primary teaching with direct experiences in nature, forest days and environmental projects. Forest School in Prenden has a long-standing forest-based program with weekly forest days. | Academic facilities Technology is integrated across the curriculum with iPads, Smartboards and multimedia labs. The library provides resources to support curriculum and to encourage the development of intellectual curiosity and a joy of reading. The school cultivates multilingualism with an emphasis on English and German language acquisition. Students are prepared for post-secondary education in colleges and universities worldwide through the IB Diploma pathway. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities The library has English and German books, a growing reference section, laptops for research and a quiet study area open before and after school. Extracurricular programme includes remedial classes, expert clubs, music, dance, science, sports, art, crafts and languages. Basketball has a strong presence with over 100 pupils in afternoon clubs and a partnership with ALBA Berlin. Foreign language clubs include Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Creative and practical clubs include Print Maker, Woodwork and Creative Filmmakers, and the City of Children adventure playground offers outdoor activities. | Extra curricular facilities Arts are an integral part of BIS with opportunities in music, visual arts, dance and drama. After-school care and a range of after-school activities enrich students' lives. The sports program offers diverse athletic activities and participates in competitions such as the German International School Sports competition. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History The Berlin Cosmopolitan School (BCS) is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 by Yvonne Wende as the Initiative for Education and Talent Promotion, focusing on international education. In September 2004, the first bilingual German-English kindergarten opened in Berlin-Mitte, the foundation stone of today's Berlin Cosmopolitan School. The primary school opened in 2007, and the campus moved to Rückerstraße 9 in 2008; the secondary school started in 2009. In 2013, BCS was accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School for the Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme. The school has achieved the best Abitur average in Berlin in 2016 and 2019, and celebrated 20 years in 2025 with ongoing developments such as a redesigned library, new cafeteria, and a Nature Campus, while continuing IB/Abitur success. | History Berlin International School was founded following the Bonn/Berlin resolution that moved embassies and international structures to Berlin by 1999. In 1997 the Senate asked Horst Seidel to found an international school. Five months later, Seidel and Andreas Wegener opened the Berlin International School with 12 teachers and 20 students. The school is part of Stiftung Private-Kant-Schulen gGmbH and has grown to serve 996 kindergarten to International Baccalaureate students from over 70 nations. |
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Community
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Community BCS maintains an active, international school community with a range of clubs and community groups. The Community section includes Official School Clothing, Friends of Cosmo, and Music Friends of BCS. The school also hosts major events such as the annual Summer Show and other performances that involve students from kindergarten to upper school, as highlighted in the 2025 Summer Show recap. The Summer Show is described as a festival of music, dance, art and community spirit. | Community Berlin International School is an authorized IB World School and a state-recognized private, non-profit, non-denominational day school serving international and local students; it is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and Middle States Association (MSA-CESS). It is part of Stiftung Private-Kant-Schulen gGmbH and plays an active role in the life of this educational institution. The school embraces multicultural diversity and fosters an international mindset and a shared partnership between students, families and the school. The community includes students from more than 70 nations, and events bring together students, parents, staff, alumni and representatives from politics and society; the 25th anniversary in 2023 drew more than 200 participants. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association Friends of Cosmo (F.O.C.) is the PTA-equivalent at Berlin Cosmopolitan School. It is a group of parents who mobilize assets and networks to drive school projects for the benefit of our children and the wider community. Projects include Career Day, the Cosmo Charity Soirée, and DigiBox. F.O.C. hosts quarterly gatherings in Berlin-Mitte; members access a closed LinkedIn group and a WhatsApp group. The membership costs €10 per month and donations are deductible as contributions to Cosmopolitan School Campus gGmbH; applications can be submitted online. Contact: friendsofcosmo@cosmopolitanschool.de. | Parent teacher association — |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school has a library with a growing collection of English and German books across genres and a reference section with laptops for student research. Debate/Model UN and Creative Writing clubs develop critical thinking and communication, and Mathematics/Problem-Solving activities challenge students to think creatively. | Academic & intellectual The school offers an extensive after-school activities program from Primary through Secondary, with approximately 30 classes taking place after school each day. Weekend workshops complement the program. Older students can participate in Speech and Debate, Chess Club, programming or Model United Nations. These activities develop management and collaboration skills and provide social opportunities within the international BIS community. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative The school has music and performing arts opportunities including Jazz & Improv Ensemble, Recorder, Sing-along Club and Soul Sessions, with Junior Performance Class and Creative Filmmakers. Visual arts and crafts include Woodwork, Sewing, Print Maker, T-Shirt Print and World Masks to broaden artistic expression. | Arts & creative The arts program provides a wide range of opportunities beyond music and visual arts. Students explore dance, drama and other creative pursuits. The program supports artistic expression and collaboration as part of school life. These opportunities complement the core curriculum. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language The school has Foreign Language Clubs for Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish, integrating language practice with culture through games, stories and cooking. These clubs offer opportunities to explore language and culture beyond core classes. | Cultural & language The school cultivates multilingualism with an emphasis on English and German language acquisition. The community includes 70+ nationalities. Extracurricular offerings include Model United Nations, among other clubs, supporting international understanding and cross-cultural exchange. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies The school has Games, Balance & Social Clubs and an adventure playground called City of Children, offering hands-on play, crafts and outdoor activities. These clubs provide social experiences and informal interests beyond academics. | Social & hobbies On any given day, approximately 30 after-school classes are offered with weekend workshops. Sports clubs and creative art activities foster social interaction and teamwork. Students build friendships within the BIS international community. |
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Community & service
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Community & service The Cosmopolitan Events Company is a student-run organisation that plans and runs school-wide events, teaching marketing, finance and management. It partners with MitMachMusik to provide music lessons for refugee children in Berlin. | Community & service — |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional The school has leadership opportunities through participation in Cosmopolitan Events Company, developing project management and teamwork skills. | Leadership & professional — |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing The school has a broad sports program including Football, Girls Football, Gymnastics and Judo, plus Self-defence, Parkour, Skateboarding and dance, fostering teamwork, fitness and resilience. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport forms a major part of the BIS extracurricular programme with a wide variety of athletic offerings and competitions. Health and Well-Being: School counselors and a Health & Welfare Officer are on campus to support students' day-to-day health and emotional needs. After School Care is provided through ASA, with additional after-school activities to enrich student life. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision English is the primary language of communication and instruction. German is the second language and is taught according to the Berlin Rahmenlehrplan, with German Language Development (GLD) support for learners. BCS strives for bilingualism by the end of the tenth grade, preparing students for the MSA and the option to pursue either the Abitur in German or the IB Diploma Programme. Language Development (LD) supports English, German, Spanish and French at three levels, and mother tongue materials and clubs support multilingualism; over 70% of students speak English as an additional language. | Language provision The school cultivates multilingualism with an emphasis on English and German language acquisition. For admission, knowledge of English and/or German is advantageous but not a basic requirement, and very good English skills are needed at higher grade levels to follow the lessons. English proficiency is assessed during entrance testing, and language support programs for English and German at different levels help students compensate for language deficits. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching BCS is bilingual, with English as the primary language of instruction and German taught as a second language. All classroom teachers are native English speakers or fluent in English. The school aims for bilingualism by the end of the tenth grade, preparing students for the German MSA and for either the German Abitur or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs English immersion begins in the Early Years programme. German Language Development (GLD) support is available for lower-level learners, with five forty-five minute German lessons per week. Language Development (LD) provides three levels of support for English, German, Spanish and French. The programme also offers mother tongue language clubs and reading materials in multiple languages through the media centre. | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards No awards information is published on the provided pages. |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations Berlin International School is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and to operate a bilingual Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It is a state-recognized private school in the State of Berlin and fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and Middle States Association (MSA-CESS). It is part of Stiftung Private-Kant-Schulen gGmbH. 70+ nationalities are represented; 2018 CIS reaccreditation is noted; 98% of students pass the IBDP; the school reports an average IBDP score of 35 for 2025. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Application. Families interested in sending their children to Berlin Cosmopolitan School should complete the online application form. There is a non-refundable application fee for primary and secondary school of 50 EUR due at the time of application. You must complete the first page to receive your login details, and you will not be able to edit the application after submission. After submitting, you will receive an email with your login details and you can check the status of your application; the school can accept only complete applications with all required documents. 2. Kindergarten & Preschool documents. For Kindergarten & Preschool, provide a photo of the applicant(s) (passport/face photo) in JPEG or PNG format. If applicable, upload a document proving sole custody. Children must be at least one year old before entering Kindergarten; applications from parents with unborn children cannot be accepted; submit after birth. You can start the application process, save it, and continue later if you do not have all required documents. 3. Primary & Secondary information. For Primary School & Secondary School, provide a photo of the applicant(s) in JPEG or PNG format. Submit the 2 most recent school reports translated into English or German (PDF); Grade 1 applicants must include a letter of recommendation or evaluation from a teacher or kindergarten director. Include credit card details for payment of the application fee and, if applicable, upload any sole custody documents. 4. What happens after you submit. The information you submit will be reviewed. Waiting List: Students are placed on the waiting list until a change of status occurs; no specific timeframe is given; check your personal dashboard for updates; priority is given to siblings; the admissions process does not use a numbering system. Meeting & Trial Day: If a place becomes available, primary and secondary applicants are invited to an entrance test and, if necessary, a meeting and a trial day; Kindergarten applicants are invited to an introductory interview. Offer: After assessment, a place may be offered; if no places are available, the child is moved to the top of the waiting list; a contract is sent with seven working days to review and return; contracts become valid after the voucher is handed in. 5. Confirmation. Upon signing and returning the contract and completing required documents, your child is enrolled. Do not contact the school office for details of your application status; use your personal login for updates. The application is valid for one year, after which all information is deleted for data protection. | Admissions 1. Begin the admissions process by submitting the application form online. Include the filled in form with signatures by both parents (or proof of sole custody) and copies of recent report cards and the birth certificate. Email the package to the Admissions Officer, Ms. Melanie Sommer-Joest. Documents are then received by the Admissions Officer for processing. 2. The documents are assessed by the Admissions Officer. If additional information is required, applicants are contacted. The Admissions Officer reviews the submission to determine whether the application is complete. This step ensures all required materials are in order before moving forward. 3. If application form and documents are in order, the child is placed either directly on the list of applicants, or on a waiting list. This placement occurs after the documents are reviewed by the Admissions Officer. The next stage proceeds with testing or trial days as described in the admissions process. 4. Entrance tests are carried out for applicants for Grade 6 upwards; trial days are carried out for Grades 1-5 applicants, if they help with the admission decision. Tests assess readiness for Grade 6+, and trial days offer non-test assessment for younger applicants. These assessments inform the next step in the admissions process. 5. A place is offered. The offer represents an admission decision for the applicant. The family can then proceed to the acceptance step. 6. The place is accepted. Acceptance confirms the applicant's intent to enroll. After acceptance, the process continues toward formal enrollment. 7. A school contract is issued for signing. The contract sets out enrollment terms and conditions. Signing the contract formalizes the enrollment. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships — | Scholarships Income Related School Fees: Families can apply for income-related school fees. An application form plus complete and reliable evidence of family income should be sent to the Management Office. For further information please contact gf@private-kant-schulen.de. Sibling Reductions: B.I.S. offers sibling reductions. The reductions are applied per child and vary by grade level: for Grades 1–6 the reductions are 1st child 1,025 EUR, 2nd child 769 EUR, 3rd child 513 EUR, 4th child 256 EUR; for Grades 7–10 the reductions are 1st child 1,130 EUR, 2nd child 872 EUR, 3rd child 615 EUR, 4th child 357 EUR. Corresponding additional agreements are issued by the Admissions Office when the contract is concluded. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist Waiting List: Students are placed on the waiting list until a change of status occurs; no specific timeframe is given; check your personal dashboard for updates; priority is given to siblings; the admissions process does not use a numbering system. | Waitlist The school uses a waiting list. If a place is not immediately available, applicants may be placed on a waiting list. A place on the waiting list indicates ongoing consideration for enrollment, depending on availability. |
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