Berlin International School vs Berlin Metropolitan School

	B Berlin International School Berlin, Germany	B Berlin Metropolitan School Berlin, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,425 - 18,240	Fees / year €9,430 - 18,216
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, German Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 900	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English, German
Opened	Opened 1998	Opened 2004
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Lentzeallee 8/14, 14195 Berlin, in southwest Berlin (Campus Lentzeallee).	Location Central Berlin campus at Linienstraße 122, 10115 Berlin. The school is described as the largest international school in the center of Berlin with its campus in central Berlin.
Stages	Stages Primary (Grades 1–5); Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10); IB Diploma (Grades 11–12).	Stages Kindergarten through Grade 12.
School type	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.	School type Private international day school (gGmbH) offering both German state curriculum and international qualifications; it is an IB World School and a Cambridge International School.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 70+ nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix Over 1,000 students from 65 countries attend.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Language support programs for English and German at different levels to compensate for language deficits.	Additional learning support The school has a dedicated Student Support team including a school nurse, speech therapist, integration specialists, and support teachers; a school counselor and a child protection officer work with families to provide expertise and professional recommendations.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany; State of Berlin.	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Non-denominational.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The whole-day program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a bus service.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Admission / Application fees - One-time admission fee: EUR 1,500 per child, payable when the contract is finalised. The admission fee is non-refundable. For families with a gross annual income below EUR 40,000 the one-time admission fee is the same amount as the monthly tuition fee for that family. Tuition fees (Grades grouped and shown per month, per academic year, and per academic term) Note: BMS calculates tuition on an income-adjusted basis: monthly tuition is set by the family's gross annual income and by the child's grade band. Tuition is collected monthly by direct debit; yearly and per-term figures below are derived from the published monthly rates (monthly × 12 = annual; annual ÷ 3 = per academic term). The published grade bands are Grades 1–6, Grades 7–10 and Grades 11–12. - Income From EUR 30,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 210 / month — EUR 2,520 / year — EUR 840 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 210 / month — EUR 2,520 / year — EUR 840 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 210 / month — EUR 2,520 / year — EUR 840 / term. - Income From EUR 32,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 270 / month — EUR 3,240 / year — EUR 1,080 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 270 / month — EUR 3,240 / year — EUR 1,080 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 270 / month — EUR 3,240 / year — EUR 1,080 / term. - Income From EUR 35,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 330 / month — EUR 3,960 / year — EUR 1,320 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 330 / month — EUR 3,960 / year — EUR 1,320 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 330 / month — EUR 3,960 / year — EUR 1,320 / term. - Income From EUR 40,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 360 / month — EUR 4,320 / year — EUR 1,440 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 360 / month — EUR 4,320 / year — EUR 1,440 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 360 / month — EUR 4,320 / year — EUR 1,440 / term. - Income From EUR 50,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 430 / month — EUR 5,160 / year — EUR 1,720 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 430 / month — EUR 5,160 / year — EUR 1,720 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 540 / month — EUR 6,480 / year — EUR 2,160 / term. - Income From EUR 60,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 470 / month — EUR 5,640 / year — EUR 1,880 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 660 / month — EUR 7,920 / year — EUR 2,640 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 680 / month — EUR 8,160 / year — EUR 2,720 / term. - Income From EUR 70,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 580 / month — EUR 6,960 / year — EUR 2,320 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 720 / month — EUR 8,640 / year — EUR 2,880 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 790 / month — EUR 9,480 / year — EUR 3,160 / term. - Income From EUR 80,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 610 / month — EUR 7,320 / year — EUR 2,440 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 760 / month — EUR 9,120 / year — EUR 3,040 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 850 / month — EUR 10,200 / year — EUR 3,400 / term. - Income From EUR 90,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 640 / month — EUR 7,680 / year — EUR 2,560 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 800 / month — EUR 9,600 / year — EUR 3,200 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 910 / month — EUR 10,920 / year — EUR 3,640 / term. - Income From EUR 100,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 665 / month — EUR 7,980 / year — EUR 2,660 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 865 / month — EUR 10,380 / year — EUR 3,460 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 965 / month — EUR 11,580 / year — EUR 3,860 / term. - Income From EUR 110,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 690 / month — EUR 8,280 / year — EUR 2,760 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 930 / month — EUR 11,160 / year — EUR 3,720 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 1,020 / month — EUR 12,240 / year — EUR 4,080 / term. - Income From EUR 120,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 738 / month — EUR 8,856 / year — EUR 2,952 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 1,015 / month — EUR 12,180 / year — EUR 4,060 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 1,102 / month — EUR 13,224 / year — EUR 4,408 / term. - Income From EUR 130,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 769 / month — EUR 9,228 / year — EUR 3,076 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 1,077 / month — EUR 12,924 / year — EUR 4,308 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 1,159 / month — EUR 13,908 / year — EUR 4,636 / term. - Income From EUR 140,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 795 / month — EUR 9,540 / year — EUR 3,180 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 1,148 / month — EUR 13,776 / year — EUR 4,592 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 1,220 / month — EUR 14,640 / year — EUR 4,880 / term. - Income From EUR 150,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 820 / month — EUR 9,840 / year — EUR 3,280 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 1,220 / month — EUR 14,640 / year — EUR 4,880 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 1,282 / month — EUR 15,384 / year — EUR 5,128 / term. - Income From EUR 160,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 851 / month — EUR 10,212 / year — EUR 3,404 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 1,251 / month — EUR 15,012 / year — EUR 5,004 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 1,312 / month — EUR 15,744 / year — EUR 5,248 / term. - Income From EUR 170,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 882 / month — EUR 10,584 / year — EUR 3,528 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 1,282 / month — EUR 15,384 / year — EUR 5,128 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 1,343 / month — EUR 16,116 / year — EUR 5,372 / term. - Income From EUR 180,000 - Grades 1–6: EUR 913 / month — EUR 10,956 / year — EUR 3,652 / term. - Grades 7–10: EUR 1,312 / month — EUR 15,744 / year — EUR 5,248 / term. - Grades 11–12: EUR 1,374 / month — EUR 16,488 / year — EUR 5,496 / term. (Income bands, monthly rates and the method for calculating an income-adjusted rate are published by the school; if no income documentation is supplied the maximum rate for the relevant band applies.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing frequency and collection method: tuition and any agreed additional fees are collected monthly by SEPA direct debit. The SEPA mandate authorises monthly withdrawal; the school withdraws on the 3rd day of each month (if the 3rd is a weekend or public holiday the withdrawal occurs on the next working day). Account-holder charges arising from insufficient funds are payable by the account holder. - Contract term and notice: the standard school contract is ongoing and is automatically extended for one year (August 1 to July 31) unless cancelled in writing with three months' notice; in cases of sudden moves the notice period can be reduced to one month (contract details and exceptions are set out in the school contract). A holding (retainer) option exists to keep a place while abroad; a holding fee applies. Sibling discounts - Second child: 15% reduction on tuition. - Third child: 25% reduction on tuition. - Fourth and subsequent children: 100% (no tuition charged). Media fees, lunches and other recurring charges - Analog media fee (textbooks and classroom materials): - Grades 1–6: EUR 300 per year — due 1 October. - Grades 7–10: EUR 400 per year — due 1 October. - Grades 11–12: EUR 500 per year — due 1 October. - Digital media fee (digital infrastructure, software subscriptions etc.): - Grades 1–6: EUR 300 per year — due 1 February. - Grades 7–10: EUR 400 per year — due 1 February. - Grades 11–12: EUR 500 per year — due 1 February. - Early Learning Center lunches: EUR 23 per month, collected monthly. Primary school lunches are provided free of charge. Secondary students ordering cafeteria meals are invoiced directly by the external caterer (Dussmann); the published cost for Secondary lunches is EUR 5.10 per day and is billed by the caterer. Class trips and external examination fees (IGCSE, IB) are invoiced separately and are not included in tuition. Holding/temporary enrolment - Holding fee: a holding option is offered (minimum two months, maximum one year) to reserve places; when the contract is placed on hold a monthly holding fee of 25% of the monthly tuition is charged. Temporary short-term enrolment is possible subject to space and is charged separately. Low-income provisions and fee waivers - Families with combined gross annual income below EUR 30,000 are eligible for a specific reduced fee scale for the oldest child and further reductions for additional children; in those cases admission fees are not charged. Teaching–materials costs may be reduced or waived for families receiving designated social benefits; individual financial aid and case-specific solutions are available. Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable. Berlin Metropolitan School operates as a day school (no boarding provision). Other one-off or variable costs - External exam fees: IGCSE and IB Diploma examination fees are charged by the exam authorities and passed on to parents as separate invoices. - Class trips, camps and additional extracurricular activities: invoiced separately as all‑inclusive one‑time charges. - Uniforms and school clothing: BMS clothing is sold via the school's authorised supplier; uniform purchases are additional and are handled through that external shop (vendor payment options vary by vendor). Refunds and fee adjustments - Admission fee: non-refundable. - Tuition adjustments: if a family's declared income is subsequently found to be incorrect or incomplete, tuition may be recalculated retroactively and the difference charged. - In the event of contract cancellation, standard contract notice periods and the contractual terms determine final invoicing and any refunds or outstanding charges. Fee payment options and bank details - Primary payment method for school fees: SEPA Direct Debit mandate (monthly collection). Fees are usually withdrawn on the 3rd of each month. The SEPA mandate includes the school's bank details and creditor identifier for direct debit. - Bank transfer / account details: the school's bank and IBAN/BIC are used for administrative transfers and are provided in the school's payment/SEPA documentation. External providers (uniform supplier, caterer) accept their own payment methods (for example card or online payment) according to the vendor's terms. Key practical points for parents - Tuition is income-based and requires submission of income documentation to receive an income-adjusted rate; without documentation the maximum published rate applies. - Fees are collected monthly by SEPA direct debit (withdrawal on the 3rd). - Expect separate invoices for class trips, exam fees and some extracurricular charges; media fees and lunch charges follow the annual due dates listed above.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school with no boarding facilities.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement There is no school uniform; BMS apparel and House apparel can be purchased through the online shop.
Food options	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.	Food options In the Early Learning Center, meals are provided in the relevant group rooms and include fruit for breakfast, a warm lunch, and an afternoon snack. Primary and Secondary lunches are provided in the school's cafeteria, with a warm meal and a choice of two to three dishes, a salad bar, and unlimited fruit; Primary lunches are free of charge, while Secondary lunches are offered via a paid contract with the catering partner (Dussmann).
House system	House system —	House system The school has a four-house system: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. It runs from Grade 1 to Grade 12; students represent their house in competitions and public events, and may take on leadership roles such as House Captain or Vice-Captain.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a private, non-profit, non-denominational day school and is part of Stiftung Private-Kant-Schulen gGmbH.	Governance and ownership The school is owned and governed by Berlin Metropolitan School gGmbH.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Based on the Berlin Framework Curriculum (Berliner Rahmenlehrplan) and the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Primary School uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based program. The main subjects are Math, German, and English. Language learning is a central goal; German and English are taught as core subjects and are supported by German as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language programs; English is the main language of instruction. Language support is delivered by in-house experts through small-group or one-on-one sessions. Additional subjects include Art, Music, Theater, Physical Education, and Social Studies. The curriculum emphasizes developing skills and values such as solutions-based thinking, critical reflection, research, public speaking, teamwork, intercultural understanding, and authentic self-expression, and it incorporates the IB Learner Profile and a Programme of Inquiry with six transdisciplinary themes.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Class size is 22–24 students in Primary and Secondary. Total enrollment is 1,135 students.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Secondary students prepare for Mittlerer Schulabschluss (Berlin State Grade 10 Leaving Certificate), the Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9-10, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11-12. The IB Diploma results are above the IB world average, and a wide variety of subject options are offered within both the IGCSE and the IB DP.
Higher education progression	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.	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at universities across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The 2025 cohort achieved 100% university placement with graduates receiving their first or second university placement choice; examples of universities listed include Yale University, The University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, and other institutions across Europe and North America.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
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.	Social & emotional learning The school supports students' social and emotional development through a dedicated team including a Head of Learning Support, a School Counselor, a School Nurse, and Support Teachers.
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.	Special educational needs (SEN) A Head of Learning Support, a School Counselor, a School Nurse, and Support Teachers provide learning support for students with learning needs.
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.	English as an additional language EAL (English as an Additional Language) and GAL (German as a Second/Additional Language) are provided to support language development in English and German.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing On-campus counselors and a health and welfare officer support students' day-to-day health and emotional well-being.	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care and mental wellbeing are supported by a dedicated student support team, including counselors and two designated Child Protection Officers who coordinate with Senior Leadership and external services.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding A safe, supportive environment is a core part of the school culture, with policies aligned to safeguarding and child protection practices.	Safeguarding Two designated Child Protection Officers lead safeguarding, working with Senior Leadership and counselors; safeguarding processes are aligned with external services provided by the Berlin Senate for Education.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview Berlin Metropolitan School is centrally located in Berlin Mitte. It is an all-day K-12 campus. The school has two libraries and two science labs. The digital infrastructure includes Apple MacBooks and iPads, a library with stationary iMacs, and every classroom is equipped with display technology; Office 365 accounts are provided to all students. Language immersion supports German and English, with two educators per class guiding both languages.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities Sports offered include basketball, capoeira, and parkour.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities The school has two libraries and two science labs. It provides a robust digital infrastructure with Apple devices, and the library offers resources to support projects with iMacs in the library. All classrooms are equipped with display technology, and students have Office 365 accounts. The campus is centrally located in Berlin Mitte.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities There are 75 clubs. The club program includes ARTS (Ballet, HipHop, Theater); LANGUAGES (Mandarin, Spanish); SPORTS (Basketball, Capoeira, Parkour); STEM (Coding, Science Explorers, Arduino). The After School Program offers clubs, workshops, and sports. Class excursions and camps provide hands-on learning at museums, theatres, and international destinations.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Berlin Metropolitan School is the oldest and largest international school in Berlin Mitte. It was founded as a private school in the former East Berlin in 2004, initially housed in spaces between Schönhauser Allee and Friedrichstrasse. By the end of 2006, BMS changed hands in close partnership with the parent initiative, and after negotiations with the Berlin state government in 2007, the school grounds and buildings were acquired. Grounds and buildings expanded with a back courtyard building in 2016 and a 2021 building project added modern learning spaces, two libraries, an auditorium and a rooftop terrace. Today more than 1,100 students from 69 nations attend the school, taught by an international team of around 200 staff.
Community	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.	Community Shared experiences and school traditions shape our students, with a calendar of theme weeks, project weeks, house initiatives, and student-led events. National and international celebrations enrich the program and connect learning to local and global events. School life includes musical and theatrical performances, assemblies, concerts and sporting events. Wider community events invite families to celebrate our school and city culture.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Our school community consists of committed families who share our values and actively contribute to the international learning environment. All BMS grades have elected parent representatives who work closely with the respective school principals in each section. MET@BMS is the Parent Engagement Team, a group of actively involved parents who support the school community. MET@BMS provides opportunities for parents to come together, participate in events and activities offered in Berlin, and build a strong community identity. The program emphasizes transparent communication between home and school, with regular updates on the learning success of students and on strategic school development.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual The Co-Curricula Educational Program (CCEP) extends learning beyond the classroom for Primary School Grades 1-6. All Primary School students from Grade 1-6 can participate in the diverse after-school activities and the Hort program offers. A team of 24 educators guides the after-school program, providing an engaging program each day after classes are over and aligning activities with students' interests. The program complements a student-centered, holistic approach and supports social and emotional development through the In-Class Assistance Program (ICA).
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative Secondary School offers a wide range of arts and creative clubs as part of the enrichment program. Examples include Drama Performance Club (Gr. 7-12), Art Catch Up, Art Club, and Creative Writing, with Guitar and other music-related activities as well. The program also includes Book Club and film-oriented activities, with registration via SOCS. Clubs foster creative collaboration and personal expression as part of the after-school enrichment.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language The Berlingual is a student-led editorial magazine in our Secondary School. The magazine is completely student-driven and managed by a ten-member editorial team, producing monthly editions that reflect the school community and global perspectives. Model United Nations involves simulations and conferences online and around the world, where students study the United Nations and diplomacy. The club develops research, public speaking, and diplomatic skills while engaging with international issues.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies Clubs are scheduled via SOCS and published at the start of each school year. Some clubs are created and led by students, fostering leadership and collaboration. Activities include arts, academics, film, choir, sport, as well as hobby and board-game groups. Scheduling and participation support social engagement and extracurricular involvement beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service SDG Club members meet weekly to discuss issues related to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and organize projects to address local, national, and global issues. The club runs panel talks, practical activities, discussions, and workshops, and publishes articles in a monthly newsletter. The club's mission is to promote awareness of the SDGs and to inspire action within BMS and the wider community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Berlingual is student-led, with a ten-member editorial team producing monthly editions. The Berlingual magazine provides a voice for students and strengthens school bonds. Model United Nations develops leadership through research, public speaking, and diplomacy, with opportunities to chair committees at conferences. These activities offer practical platforms for collaboration and representation within the student body.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Hort & In-Class Assistance program includes social and emotional support through the In-Class Assistance Program. All Primary School students can participate in after-school activities, free play, collaborative projects, clubs, music sessions, and team sports, with opportunities to compete nationally and internationally. The after-school program is an extension of the school day and aims to create an inspiring and creative environment where students grow in both intellect and character.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision Language of instruction is English and German. Other compulsory languages are French or Spanish from Grade 7-8. Other languages in the co-curricula program include Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish, and German as a Foreign Language. Language support is provided by in-house experts through German as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language programs.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Bilingual teaching in English and German is provided across Early Learning and Primary School; German and English are the main subjects and are supported by German as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language programs.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Immersion includes bilingual English–German instruction, and language clubs in Mandarin Chinese, German, Spanish, and French.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards No awards information is published on the provided pages.	Awards —
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.	Accreditations The school is a member of CIS; AGIS; ECIS. It is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and Cambridge Assessment International Education, and by the Senate Administration for Education, Youth and Sciences Berlin.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Step 1: Application. If you are interested in enrolling your child, fill the online application form. For admissions from the 2nd grade and above, send the last two report cards with the application. If any transcripts are not in English or German, include a free translation and the corresponding grade key in English or German. Families can also participate in virtual Open House sessions or on‑site events to learn about the program. 2. Step 2: Conversation and School Visit. If a place is available and the child meets entry requirements, you will be invited to a conversation and a school visit. If you are not local, the conversation can be conducted online via MS Teams. Plan about one hour for the meeting and school tour, and bring documents showing the child's previous schooling to help support their needs. 3. Step 3: Evaluation. Academic leadership evaluates the submitted documents and past academic results. When available and necessary, students may be invited to Play-Dates or Trial Days to help assess their level. Secondary School students will also have an interview with a member of the academic leadership and take a placement test. 4. Step 4: Admission decision. After completing the admissions process, you will be informed whether a place can be offered. If an offer is made and accepted, a school contract is issued and you will have a reasonable deadline to return the signed contract along with the required documents. 5. Step 5: Welcome to BMS. The team welcomes you and your child on the first day, and a buddy is assigned to help your child settle into the school community.
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.	Scholarships Financial assistance is available. Details about financial support are provided in the school's financial assistance resources.
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist —
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