Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus vs Platanus School Berlin

	B Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus Berlin, Germany	P Platanus School Berlin Berlin, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €1,200 - 14,400	Fees / year €1,200 - 6,360
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), German Curriculum	Curriculum German Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 2003	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Rückerstraße 9, 10119 Berlin; Invalidenstraße 130, 10115 Berlin; Müggelheimer Damm 145, 12559 Berlin	Location Platanus Schule Berlin is located at Berliner Straße 12, 13187 Berlin, Germany. The building is the former Pankow Post Office, a listed historic property housing the school. It lies in the Berlin-Pankow district with access to local public transport links. The school comprises a bilingual kindergarten and a Gemeinschaftsschule offering primary and secondary education, with an upper secondary level approved to start in August 2024.
Stages	Stages Early Years; Primary School; Primary Years Programme; Secondary School; Secondary School Programme	Stages Kindergarten; Primary and Secondary School (Years 1–10). Upper secondary level (Years 11–13) approved to start in August 2024.
School type	School type Non-profit international school; IB World School	School type Bilingual Gemeinschaftsschule (community school) and state-recognised private school with a STEM (MINT) focus.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Academic & Social Emotional Support; English as an Additional Language; German Language Development	Additional learning support Erzieher*innen provide class-based support, including language acquisition and assistance during Ganztag and study periods; the school emphasises individual attention and small classes as part of its learning support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany	Country affiliation Germany
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Ganztag provides full-day learning from morning to afternoon with a rhythmised daily routine. Each class is supported by a Class Erzieher*innen during lessons and in the Ganztag, with over 30 clubs offered and meals in the canteen. All-day care runs from 6 am to 6 pm for Years 1–6 as part of an extended program.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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 fees - Trial days/assessment: a fee of EUR 30 is charged per trial day for students invited to trial lessons or trial days. Tuition fees (Years 1–13) - Tuition is income-based and the same for all students in Years 1 to 13; the school calculates the monthly tuition from the family's joint annual gross income and bills the yearly contribution in 12 monthly instalments. - Representative monthly tuition amounts by annual gross income band (monthly amount — equivalent annual amount): - Up to EUR 30,000 — EUR 100 per month (EUR 1,200 per year). - Up to EUR 45,000 — EUR 236 per month (EUR 2,832 per year). - Up to EUR 60,000 — EUR 295 per month (EUR 3,540 per year). - Up to EUR 75,000 — EUR 353 per month (EUR 4,236 per year). - Up to EUR 90,000 — EUR 412 per month (EUR 4,944 per year). - Up to EUR 120,000 — EUR 471 per month (EUR 5,652 per year). - EUR 150,000 and above — EUR 530 per month (EUR 6,360 per year). - Discounts and minimums: - Loyalty discount: a EUR 50 monthly loyalty discount applies from the 5th year of a child's affiliation to the kindergarten and/or school; the monthly fee remains at least EUR 100 per child even after discounts. - Sibling discount: the second-oldest and each additional child pay 50% of the income-based monthly tuition (calculated without the loyalty discount for the eldest child). Only one of the two discounts (loyalty or sibling) applies to a single child. - Note on increases: the published fee schedule shows an indexing/increase plan; parents should expect scheduled annual increases as set out in the published fee framework. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is charged as a yearly contribution and billed in 12 monthly instalments. - The first monthly instalment is due at the start of the school year (beginning of August) and the final instalment is due by the start of July of the following year; instalments are payable monthly across the school year. - Additional payment schedules: - The collective fund (Sammelkasse) of EUR 285 per school year is normally due at the beginning of the school year or can be paid in monthly instalments on request. - Cost-sharing for before-and-after-school care (primary level) is determined separately under Berlin regulations and is due on the official start of the school year (early August) through to early July. Typical parental shares for after-school care range approximately EUR 16 to EUR 194 per month (dependent on income, sibling status and hours). Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Platanus operates as a day kindergarten and a day primary/secondary community school with before- and after-school care options rather than residential boarding. Other costs and recurring fees - Collective fund (Years 1–13): EUR 285 per school year to cover teaching and learning materials, class funds, entrance fees and a solidarity contribution; due at the school-year start or payable in instalments on request. - Lunch/catering: - Primary Level (Years 1–6): lunch costs are waived under the Berlin Senate free-lunch regulation (no parental lunch charge). - Secondary Level (Years 7–13): optional lunch at EUR 81.10 per month. - Before- and after-school care (primary level): separate contract and separate fees apply; parental cost-sharing is set by Berlin youth services and varies by income/siblings and hours used (approx. EUR 16–194 per month as a guide). - Class trips and excursions: costs vary by year group and duration and are charged in addition to tuition. - Clubs and extra-curricular partner activities: participation fees apply; example rate published is EUR 40 per 15 minutes of club duration per school year (e.g., approx. EUR 160 for a weekly 60-minute club across the school year). - Locker hire: listed as cost-free as of recent entries for students from Year 3. - Kindergarten-specific contributions (where relevant): voluntary monthly co-payments for kindergarten facilities and concept support currently around EUR 50 per month; the Berlin Senate charges a lunch contribution of EUR 23 per month for kindergarten lunches and an additional snack provision fee is shown at EUR 25 per month. - Trial-day insurance/attendance: trial days are charged (EUR 30 per trial day) and trial-day attendance is covered by school insurance while on campus. Refunds and fee adjustments - Refunds and fee adjustments are governed by the school's fee regulations and the enrollment contract. The school's fee rules include a hardship provision (Härtefallregelung) under which families may apply for reductions or exemptions in justified cases (for example, low gross annual income). The collective fund can be waived in some cases (e.g., BuT pass recipients or hardship). Fee payment options - Payment mechanisms are handled through the school's contracting and payment processes; the school and its parent association use SEPA direct-debit mandates for recurring payments and the parent association documents state that cash or invoicing is not used for membership payments. The enrollment contract and contractual documentation specify the exact payment method to be used for tuition and related charges. Summary of immediate amounts to expect on enrolment - Possible one-off/early charges at or before admission: trial-day fee(s) if applicable (EUR 30 per trial day); collective fund (EUR 285) due at school-year start unless otherwise agreed; first monthly tuition instalment due at the start of the school year (monthly amount depends on family income band).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements No boarding; all-day care is offered (Ganztag) with before-and-after-school care from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The wearing of the official BCS school uniform is compulsory for all students on school premises.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	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 Catering provides meals; all students in Years 1 to 6 must attend lunch; in primary the lunch is waived due to Berlin's free lunch regulation; in Years 7 to 13 lunch is optional and costs 81.10 EUR per month. The meals consist of a warm lunch including a salad bar and fresh fruits; a water dispenser is available throughout the day. The lunch is delivered by the catering company Löwenzahn.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	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 Platanus Schule Berlin is privately run by Platanus Bildungs gGmbH. The Executive Board comprises Dr. Karen Krüger (Primary and Secondary I/II) and Kristin Wendorf (Kindergarten). Shareholders are Dr. Karen Krüger, Kristin Wendorf, Sabine Schoenermark, and Sylke Mouroum. The nonprofit association Platanus & Friends supports teaching projects and clubs and organizes events for the school community.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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 Platanus Schule Berlin is a bilingual educational institution (German/English) with a kindergarten and a primary and secondary school in Berlin-Pankow. It has a MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology) focus across the primary and secondary levels. The kindergarten and school are a state-recognised private school from Year 1 to Year 10 and are undergoing recognition for the upper secondary level (gymnasiale Oberstufe – Years 11 to 13), with approval to start in August 2024. It is housed in the heritage-listed former Pankow Post Office and uses adjacent buildings for learning. The Platanus Gemeinschaftsschule offers Grades 1 to 13 with small classes of up to 25 students. Immersive bilingualism and personal attention are key features of the early years.
Student teacher ratio	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 Small classes with max. 25 students.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	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 —
Gifted and talented	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 —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school supports students' personality development and social behaviour through lessons and the Co-Curricular Enrichment Program. Teachers and educators guide this development in lessons and through the Co-Curricular Enrichment Program, and a secure, supportive environment is maintained to help all students feel a sense of achievement.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning is designed with internal differentiation, Team-Teaching and Support-Teaching, plus small-group work and cross-curricular projects to accommodate diverse learning needs and provide appropriate challenge. The school emphasizes inclusive education and ongoing assessment to support each learner's development.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school is bilingual German-English. All students must be able to speak German or English at native level for admission. German-speaking students study English as a first foreign language from Years 3 to 10, and English is taught as a first foreign language at Year 11 at a high level. English-speaking students study German as a first foreign language with progression to higher levels (German at least B2 by Years 7–10 and at least C1 by Years 11–13). From Year 7, Spanish is taught as a second foreign language, with French offered as a beginners' course.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding During the admission process, a safe and supportive atmosphere is provided for a get-to-know-you visit and trial days, with attention to physical and cognitive development, social interaction, and language development. A personal meeting with the child and parent, and the possibility of trial days, help ensure a secure and welcoming environment. The school communicates with families and provides ongoing support throughout the onboarding process.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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 The school's main building is a listed historic building dating back to 1923, originally used as a post office, with renovations preserving its historic charm while creating modern, bright classrooms, subject rooms and common areas. Each class has its own dedicated classroom, and Grades 1–4 have an additional all-day care room nearby for learning, relaxation and play. The campus includes fully equipped subject rooms for science, music and art, as well as a computer lab, a school library, a workshop and several group rooms. Lunch is served in a large cafeteria with an outdoor terrace. The campus comprises a Second House with four bright classrooms for secondary students and a neighboring Berliner Straße 13 building with two classrooms and a Student Lounge for Grades 7–10; the Upper School House nearby provides quiet learning spaces, modern course rooms, a multifunctional room/cafeteria and a garden.
Sports facilities	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 The school has a sports hall on the third floor for indoor physical education and events. PE in good weather takes place at Kissingen Stadium about one kilometer away. The schoolyard features a sports pitch for PE, extracurricular activities and break times, plus climbing and play equipment, a ball cage, table tennis tables, benches and an outdoor chill-out lounge.
Academic facilities	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 The school has fully equipped subject rooms for science, music and art. It also has a computer lab, a school library, a workshop and several group rooms. The Second House provides four spacious classrooms for secondary students. The Berliner Straße 13 building houses two additional classrooms and a Student Lounge for Grades 7–10. The Upper School House on Benjamin-Vogelsdorff-Straße 1 offers quiet learning spaces, modern course rooms, a multifunctional room that doubles as a cafeteria and a garden. Platanus Kindergarten offers bright group rooms and spaces for movement, learning, reading, music and creativity, plus a garden with two play areas and a workshop for planting and caring for herbs, vegetables and flowers; it also has child-friendly sanitary facilities.
Extra curricular facilities	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 The Diplomats Club offers secondary students a chance to explore international relations, cultures, and diplomacy beyond the classroom. The school hosts a Duke of Edinburgh International Bronze Award ceremony for students in Grades 10 and 11. Summercamp on Rügen provides a week-long outdoor learning experience for students. The Green Space garden offers environmental learning with fruit trees, raised beds and pollinator-friendly plants.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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 The school is a bilingual educational institution (German/English) with a kindergarten and a primary and secondary school with a MINT focus (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology) in Berlin-Pankow. It is a state-recognised private school from Year 1 to Year 10 and is undergoing the usual recognition process for the upper secondary level (gymnasiale Oberstufe – Years 11 to 13) in the school years 24/25 to 26/27; the upper secondary level was approved to start in August 2024. Under the roof of a venerable and listed house—the former Pankow Post Office—and in adjacent buildings, learning spaces accommodate natural curiosity and individual needs.
Community	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 The school operates in an international and caring bilingual community in Berlin-Pankow. Open House events invite families to meet the team and get a personal impression, and a 360° panoramic tour is available. The Diplomats Club offers secondary students opportunities to explore international relations and diplomacy beyond the classroom, a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award ceremony was held at the Red Town Hall, and a Summer Camp on the island of Rügen provided an unforgettable week for students.
Parent teacher association	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 The nonprofit Platanus & Friends is a group of parents, teachers and educators who work on a voluntary basis in the interests of all Platanus children. Platanus & Friends support teaching projects and clubs, organise events and celebrations and are committed to making both the school and kindergarten look beautiful.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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 Ganztag is a co-curricular enrichment program that extends learning beyond the regular timetable, organizing the school day into structured activities. It offers over 30 clubs for all age groups, including Advanced Maths Skills, Coding, Construction, Robotics, and Create Your Website, with options in English and German. In Years 7 to 10, clubs provide age-appropriate challenge, integration with subject learning, and targeted support such as homework help and project work. The program also runs STEM-focused activities and participates in external competitions, including the Climate Future Conference, the Girls' Technology Congress, the World Robot Olympiad, the Math Olympiad, and HEUREKA.
Arts & creative	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 Arts and creative opportunities include Art Club, Junior & Senior Choir, Ceramics, K-Pop Dancing, Origami, and Wood Workshop, with many activities offered in English or German. The clubs extend creative practice beyond regular lessons and often lead to performances or exhibitions at school events. They emphasize hands-on making, imagination, and collaborative creation. The Library complements these offerings by supporting reading and creative exploration.
Cultural & language	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 Cultural and language engagement includes Oware & Afro Club, which teaches board games rooted in African culture and aims to develop multicultural understanding, with sessions delivered in English. Tastes from around the world introduces international cooking, expanding cultural awareness through seasonal dishes and shared cooking activities. These clubs foster intercultural exchange and global awareness as part of the after-school program.
Social & hobbies	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 Library access is open for reading three times a week, with opportunities to borrow books and read in a quiet setting. Board and Card Games encourages strategic thinking through weekly group games, offered in English. The Chess Club promotes logical and strategic thinking, while the Homework Room provides supervised time for completing assignments. These clubs complement social interaction and informal interests in the school community.
Community & service	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 Duke of Edinburgh Award is a formal part of the program, with eleven students from Grades 10 and 11 receiving Bronze certificates at a ceremony at the Red Town Hall. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is a globally recognized youth development program that emphasizes volunteering, physical activity, skills, and expeditions. Participants develop perseverance, teamwork, and social responsibility as they pursue the Award, with some continuing toward the Silver level.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school has leadership opportunities through participation in Cosmopolitan Events Company, developing project management and teamwork skills.	Leadership & professional The Diplomats Club provides a platform for exploring international relations, cultures, and diplomacy beyond the classroom. The club involves direct engagement with diplomatic institutions and professionals, and recent visits have included Germany's Federal Foreign Office to gain real-world insights into diplomacy and career paths in international affairs.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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 A wide range of wellbeing and athletic activities are offered, including Fitness & Self Defence, Football, Badminton, Volleyball, Climbing, and Yoga. These programs promote physical fitness, balance, and mindfulness as part of a holistic approach to student development.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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 German and English are the languages of instruction across the kindergarten, primary, and secondary levels. The kindergarten provides early bilingual education in German and English. From Year 1 to Year 10, the school is a state-recognised private school; the upper secondary level (Years 11–13) was approved to start in August 2024. A MINT focus (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology) is integrated into the curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	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 The school is bilingual in German and English, and offers a kindergarten, plus primary and secondary schooling. It emphasizes a MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology) focus. Immersive bilingualism is used in early education.
Immersion programs	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 Immersive bilingualism is central to the program, with German and English used for instruction and daily life from kindergarten onward. Immersion begins in the kindergarten and continues through primary and secondary levels. The focus is on developing proficiency in both languages across the curriculum.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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. Submit online application via the online application portal. The enrolment period for the new school year begins on August 1 of the preceding year. If places are available, admission during the current school year is possible for students with the necessary linguistic and academic aptitude. The school is a state-recognised private school from Year 1 to Year 10. 2. After the online application, the school reviews the complete documents and conducts a pre-selection. Because applications exceed places, not all applicants are invited to an interview. If the child meets the admission criteria, the child is invited to a get-to-know-you appointment, several trial days or a trial week, depending on the grade; a meeting with the parents also takes place. A decision on admission is made afterwards. 3. For the start of the 2026/27 school year, 50 places are offered in two Grade 1 classes. The preliminary selection from all submitted applications takes place after the Open Day. All applications received by October 17, 2025 are considered; applications submitted after this date can only be placed on the waiting list. 4. Introductory meetings are held in November 2025, and the allocation of school places occurs shortly afterwards. If a place is offered, the school will contact you by email or phone. If offered, you will receive contract documents by email and must schedule an appointment with the school office to sign the enrollment contract. The process is designed to allow the school and families to get to know each other. 5. Admission to Year 7 is limited to high-achieving students with a Gymnasium recommendation; final decisions are communicated by June 2026. Admission to Year 11–13 is possible only if all official requirements of the Berlin school authority are met. The decisions follow the current Berlin School Act and related regulations. 6. For applications in all current grades and available school places, the school will contact you as quickly as possible to determine whether your child can be invited to trial days. If a place is not available, your child will be placed on the waiting list. This process continues until a decision is reached. 7. For future first graders, an introductory visit is organised in autumn prior to the start. Your child spends a morning at our school with a small group of around 11 children, together with teachers and educators. The activities focus on physical and cognitive development, social interaction, and language development. 8. For students wishing to transfer into an already existing class, several trial days or a full trial week are offered. There are short written assessments in German, Mathematics, and English, followed by a personal interview and participation in lessons; feedback is gathered from teaching staff at the end of the trial. 9. What does waiting list mean? If there is no place available, the application will be placed on the waiting list. A waiting list is not a rejection, nor a guarantee of admission. Admission depends on class balance and capacity; if a place becomes available, the school will contact you by email or phone. No binding information about when a place might open up is provided.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	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 Waiting list: If no place is offered, the child's application goes on the waiting list. A place on the waiting list is not a rejection, nor a guarantee of admission. Admission depends on class balance and capacity; if a place becomes available, the school will contact you by email or phone. The school cannot provide binding information about when a place might open up.
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