Bonn International School vs International School Ruhr

	B Bonn International School Dusseldorf, Germany	I International School Ruhr Dusseldorf, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,763 - 23,088	Fees / year €12,250 - 19,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 19 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1997	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Martin-Luther-King Straße 14, D-53175 Bonn, Germany. The BIS campus is modern, spacious and well equipped, with an excellent IT infrastructure, a Media Centre Library, tournament sports halls, design rooms and labs. The school serves students aged 3–18 from the Bonn region and international communities.	Location Villa Koppers, Moltkeplatz 61, Essen, Germany
Stages	Stages Early Learning (ages 3-6); Primary Years (ages 6-11); Middle Years (ages 11-16); Diploma Years (ages 16-18).	Stages Early Years; Primary Years; Secondary Years
School type	School type The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.	School type Private international English-language day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 800 students from 80 countries; 80 nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix Over 30 nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Learning Support Programme empowers students with diverse educational needs to become confident, independent learners. It includes English language support (EAL) for students joining BIS who do not speak English; a team of trained staff provides in-class and pull-out support as needed; additional fees may apply depending on the plan.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany	Country affiliation Germany
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The official school day begins at 8:20 for all grade levels and ends between 15:15 and 15:30 depending on the grade level. After-school care on campus is available until 18:00, and co-curricular activities run onsite until 19:30.	School day structure Early Morning Care starts at 7:30 and ends at 8:15. After School Activities run until 17:00 every day.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Admission / Application Fees - A one-time Admission Fee applies on acceptance of a place. - Admissions to Early Learning 3, 4 and 5: EUR 2,250. - Admissions to Grade 1 and higher: EUR 4,500. - Admission Fee for each additional child from the same family: EUR 2,250 (one-time). Tuition fees — annual, per-term (approx.), and per-month (approx.) by year group - Annual tuition (shown first) followed by the approximate per-term amount (annual ÷ 3) and approximate per-month amount (annual ÷ 12): - Early Learning 3 (age 3) - Annual: EUR 12,763. - Approx. per term: EUR 4,254.33. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,063.58. - Early Learning 4 (age 4) - Annual: EUR 12,194. - Approx. per term: EUR 4,064.67. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,016.17. - Early Learning 5 (age 5) - Annual: EUR 17,227. - Approx. per term: EUR 5,742.33. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,435.58. - Grades 1–5 (ages 6–11) - Annual: EUR 19,624. - Approx. per term: EUR 6,541.33. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,635.33. - Grades 6–10 (ages 12–16) - Annual: EUR 22,170. - Approx. per term: EUR 7,390.00. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,847.50. - Grades 11–12 (ages 16–18) - Annual: EUR 23,088. - Approx. per term: EUR 7,696.00. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,924.00. Learning support and additional mandatory fees - Additional annual Learning Support Fees apply where a student is placed into the school's Learning Support Programme after assessment: - Tier 0: no additional fee. - Tier 1: EUR 4,000 per year. - Tier 2: EUR 8,000 per year. - Tier 3: EUR 12,000 per year. What is included in the published tuition - The published tuition includes: school day trips, provision of iPads for Early Learning through Grade 7, university and careers advisory, counselling services, English language development, access to science, design and Apple computer labs, books, instruments and core learning materials, and the Co-Curricular Programme. Other costs and optional fees - After-school care (KidzKlub) is available on campus and is charged separately. - Optional activities outside normal school provision (for example some camps, seasonal trips or externally arranged activities) and any specific material or travel costs connected with certain optional programmes may incur additional charges; standard included items are listed above. Boarding - Boarding is not offered. Students attending the school must live with their parents or guardians while enrolled. No boarding fees apply. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing is issued after the admission is confirmed. Payment may be made in one of the following ways: - In full (single payment). - Quarterly or monthly instalments drawn from a German bank account. - In full by a third party payer (company, sponsor). - The school can make bespoke arrangements for invoicing or instalments in consultation with the Accounting Office. Bank details and payment methods - Bank transfer capability is provided; the school's account details are given for transfers (Commerzbank; IBAN: DE15 380400070386444400; SWIFT-BIC: COBADEFFXXX). Payments from German bank accounts are supported for instalments. - The school accepts third-party full payment and supports quarterly or monthly payment plans from a German bank account; specific acceptance of credit cards is not published in the main fee documents available. Refunds and withdrawal (summary of published position) - The publicly published fee schedule provides the Admission Fee and the Annual Tuition levels and notes invoicing and instalment options; a detailed, itemised public refund schedule (for example precise refund percentages by withdrawal date or term-specific invoice due dates) is not published in the main fee sheet. For cases requiring financial assistance, a Financial Assistance Programme with eligibility guidelines exists. Summary of key practical points for parents - One-time Admission Fee on acceptance: EUR 2,250 (EL3–EL5) or EUR 4,500 (Grade 1+); siblings EUR 2,250. - Annual tuition by year-group is listed above; approximate per-term and per-month figures are shown for quick budgeting (annual ÷ 3 or ÷ 12). - Learning Support Fees are charged separately according to tier if placement in the programme is required. - Invoicing occurs after admission; payments may be made in full, by quarterly or monthly instalments from a German bank account, or in full by a third party; bank transfer details are provided for payments. Note on items not publicly specified in the published fee brief - The published fee documents specify admission fees, annual tuition levels and learning support tiers and list what is included in tuition. A detailed public schedule showing exact invoice due dates, a term-by-term official invoice calendar, explicit credit-card acceptance options and a step-by-step refund/withdrawal schedule with refund percentages by withdrawal date are not included in the publicly available fee brief. Fees for specific optional services (exact KidzKlub rates, optional residential trip charges or other one-off charges) are not published in the single-page fee summary and are handled as separate charges. For those specific items and precise payment deadlines, the school's Accounting/Admissions team provides the operational invoice and terms at admission.	Fee details Annual tuition and one-time fees (2025/2026 academic year) - Early Years (EY1–EY3, ages 3–6): EUR 12,250 per year. Additional care options: - Early morning care (07:30–08:00): EUR 675 per year. - After-school care (15:30–17:00; Wednesdays 12:30–16:00): fee depends on booked activities (amounts not listed). - Primary School (Grade 1–5): EUR 17,300 per year. Additional care options: - Early morning care (07:30–08:00): EUR 675 per year. - After-school care (15:30–17:00; Wednesdays 12:30–16:00): fee depends on booked activities (amounts not listed). - Secondary School: - Grades 6–8: EUR 17,650 per year (08:15–15:35; Wednesdays until 12:35). - Grades 9–10: EUR 17,650 per year (08:15–15:35; Wednesdays until 12:35). Exam fees: charged separately according to published IGCSE exam fees. - Grades 11–12 (IB Diploma Programme): EUR 19,000 per year (08:15–15:35; Mondays + Thursdays coaching until 16:00). Exam fees: charged separately according to published IB exam fees. - One-time fee at enrolment / admission: - Admissions fee (one-time): EUR 3,500. Additional charges and inclusions - The published annual tuition amounts include online course books and materials, access to teaching and learning software, subsidies towards some school field trips, and pastoral support included within the school fees. - Exam fees for external examinations (IGCSE and IB) are not included in the annual tuition and are charged according to the examination bodies' published rates. - After-school activity charges are billed separately where applicable; specific per-activity amounts are not shown in the published fee schedule. Boarding - The school operates as a co-educational day school; no boarding fee line items are published. Billing schedule and payment terms - The published 2025/2026 school-fee document lists annual tuition amounts but does not specify a billing schedule, instalment options, invoice timing, or late-payment terms in the published fee overview. (The school calendar for 2025/26 shows an academic structure with a first-semester end date of 30 January 2026 and 180 school days, but that calendar does not define fee instalment dates or payment deadlines.) Other costs not itemised with amounts in the published fee document - No explicit amounts for school uniform, transport/bus fees, catering/meals (if charged separately), insurance, or specific extracurricular activity fees are shown in the published 2025/2026 fee summary. Exam and certain activity fees are listed as charged separately. Refunds - A refund policy (for example, pro-rata refunds on withdrawal, refund deadlines, or conditions for refund of the admissions fee) is not specified in the published 2025/2026 fee document. Fee payment options - The published fee overview for 2025/2026 does not specify accepted payment methods (bank transfer, SEPA, credit card, direct debit, or other). Brief note on gaps in the published fee information - The school's published 2025/2026 fee overview provides clear annual tuition figures by year group and a one-time admissions fee, and it lists early-morning-care pricing where applicable. The published document does not supply per-term instalment amounts, a formal billing schedule, payment-method options, a detailed list of extras (uniform, transport, meal plans) with prices, nor a stated refund policy; exam fees and after-school activity fees are indicated as payable in addition to tuition but specific amounts are not given.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform for Physical Education is worn by students in Grades 1–10: a green BIS logo t-shirt and blue shorts. The clothing is ordered online from Flockinger, with a complete set costing between €26 and €38. Traveling Sports Teams may require a co-curricular tracksuit jacket.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Primary students may pre-order meals from our onsite caterer or bring food from home; Secondary students may pre-order, buy lunch on the day, or bring their own. Weekly menus include vegetarian options, allergens and additives are indicated on menus, and meals cost €5.95 and include a dessert.	Food options School lunches are prepared by a company using fresh produce and regional ingredients wherever possible. Vegetarian alternatives are available daily.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Bonn International School is a registered non-profit association supervised by a Board of Trustees.	Governance and ownership The school is owned by SBW Haus des Lernens AG, a Swiss educational group. IS Ruhr is an IB World School with Primary Years Programme authorization and Diploma Programme authorization; the Middle Years Programme is a candidate.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes: Middle Years Programme (11–16 years) and Diploma Programme (Diploma Years, 16–19 years).	Curriculum details IS Ruhr is an IB World School offering education from early years to the IB Diploma Programme. Primary Years follow the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–11, with inquiry-based and transdisciplinary learning. Grades 6–8 follow an inquiry-based approach and IS Ruhr is a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Grades 9–10 follow the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Grades 11–12 pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). Mittlere Reife is recognised after grade 10 via IGCSE, and Internationales Abitur after grade 12, while the IB Diploma entitles graduates to study at universities worldwide.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Average class size: 18 students.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Average graduation points: 35 out of 45; graduates access universities of their choice.	Exam results IB Diploma results since 2020 surpass the world average. The Diploma Programme is described as a preparation for university worldwide.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates access universities of their choice.	Higher education progression Graduates have access to top German and international universities through the dual Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes. The IB Diploma is generally recognised as a school-leaving certificate in Germany and is widely accepted by universities worldwide.
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 believes students thrive best in a safe, supportive, and valued environment. BIS has a comprehensive programme to address the social and emotional needs of our students. Two Counselors in our Primary School and two in our Secondary School focus on four major components: individual student plans; wellbeing in classroom learning and curriculum; addressing immediate concerns; connecting to resources. Individual student plans support whole-child development and strongly value student voice. In collaboration, our team works to support students' social-emotional development, to enhance overall wellbeing and academic readiness. School Counselors coordinate ongoing meetings and activities to assist students individually in establishing personal goals and developing future plans.	Social & emotional learning Pastoral care is tailor-made by teachers; sessions allow students to clarify learning questions, review progress, and set new learning goals; personality development is part of the coaching.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The Learning Support Programme empowers students with diverse educational needs to become confident, independent learners. Our Learning Support team embraces inclusion and fosters compassion for all. BIS provides a wide spectrum of learning support to eligible students, including those with mild, moderate or intensive needs, within a school-wide intervention system. Admission to the Learning Support Programme is dependent upon balanced classes and the availability of resources. To determine the proper level of educational support, parents provide a psycho-educational evaluation, and the learning plan is tailored to the results. The learning plan may include small-group instruction, in-class support and/or one-to-one instruction.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English Language Acquisition (EAL) supports students who are not proficient in English. Primary EAL classes cover beginner to intermediate levels and are scheduled during homeroom language time, with emphasis on communicative, task-based activities. EAL in-class support helps students gain language skills and confidence, and teachers monitor progress in consultation with the homeroom teacher. The Secondary School offers an EAL Programme for Grades 6-12, with an English-language pathway from MYP Language Acquisition to DP Language Acquisition. A foundational class may be added for students entering with minimal English, and a language needs assessment is conducted on entry. English is the language of instruction.	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction in Early Years; the school provides English as an Additional Language support.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing We believe that students thrive academically and personally in a safe, supported environment. BIS has a comprehensive programme to address social and emotional needs. Two Counselors in Primary School and two in Secondary School focus on four components: individual student plans; wellbeing in classroom learning and curriculum; addressing immediate concerns; and connecting to resources. Counselors collaborate with students to set personal goals and develop future plans, and they coordinate ongoing meetings and activities to support growth. They also lead developmentally appropriate guidance lessons woven throughout the curriculum and liaise with families and external services when needed.	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care supports mental wellbeing through regular sessions, enabling reflection and goal-setting with teachers as part of personal development.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every child are paramount. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and staff, students, parents, and visitors act with vigilance, care and integrity. BIS safeguards through a framework including the BIS Child Protection Policy and BIS Child Protection Procedures, Safe Touch Policy, Intimate Care and Toileting Policy, Whistleblower Policy, and Code of Conduct for all adults. All staff participate in annual safeguarding training, and BIS maintains a closed campus with a dedicated security team. BIS safeguarding leads are trained and ready to respond to concerns.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has a generous campus in a green Bonn suburb. The Waves building houses most Primary School classrooms, the 40,000-volume Media Centre, science laboratories, and Design and Product workshops, with a cafeteria at the heart of Waves. The Agora and Crest buildings serve Secondary students with modern classrooms, music rooms, art studios, a kiln, a Learning Support Suite, a competitive sports facility, exam rooms and a senior lounge. The campus measures 32,470 square meters, providing about 46 square meters per student to learn, play and rest. More than 20% of electricity is generated by solar panels, and the school sits next to Bonn's largest park with the Rhine nearby and the Seven Hills across the river. Most BIS students live within a three kilometer radius, and facilities stay open until 21:00 to support after-school sports, with hot lunches prepared on-site.	Facilities overview IS Ruhr is located at Villa Koppers, Moltkeplatz 61 + 1, Essen. The school opened at Villa Koppers for the 2010/2011 school year. It moved to Moltkeplatz 1 in Essen in 2012, within walking distance of Villa Koppers. In 2017, the Learn Atelier, an autonomous learning environment, opened at Moltkeplatz 1.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has two competition-sized sports halls for volleyball, basketball, floorball and dance. Large playing fields next to the campus are used by football and cricket teams and for sports days and events. These facilities support after-school and extracurricular sports activities through BIS.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Waves building is the heart of our Primary School, containing most classrooms for Early Learning to Grade 5, a 40,000-volume Media Centre, science laboratories, and Design and Product workshops; the cafeteria is located at the center of Waves. The Crest building is home to Secondary Maths, Sciences, Languages and our Learning Support Suite, and includes a senior lounge and exam rooms. The Agora building houses specialist music and arts spaces and classrooms for Humanities and English. An extensive IT infrastructure supports our technology and research curriculum, and five science laboratories serve Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Age-appropriate playgrounds provide space to learn and play.	Academic facilities IS Ruhr offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Years and Grades 1–5 with English as the language of instruction in the primary school. It is authorized to deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. IS Ruhr is a Middle Years Programme (MYP) candidate school for Grades 6–10, pursuing IB World School authorization. Cambridge IGCSE is offered as part of the programme for Grades 9–10.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Co-Curricular Programme offers a breadth of options spanning arts, sports, languages and political debating clubs; students participate in activities during lunchtime, before and after school as well as during school holidays. The Activities Catalogue outlines available activities, and some carry fees. Competitive sports teams travel to play with other international schools as part of BIS activities.	Extra curricular facilities Early Morning & After School Care runs from 7:30 until the start of school (8:15), and After School Care ends at 17:00 (16:00 on Wednesdays). After School Activities include Drama Club, Piano lessons (EY3 only) and Choir. Separate registration is required for Early Morning and After School Care.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Formed in August 1997 through the merger of the American Elementary School, American High School, and British High School, Bonn International School opened with about 300 students. The school has grown to around 800 students. The City of Bonn launched Bonn 2.0 to position Bonn as a center for international business, research and science after the German capital moved to Berlin in 1991, creating the need for an international school for UN families and others in the region. BIS has been an International Baccalaureate World School for more than 25 years, offering the IB Diploma Programme since 1997, the IB Middle Years Programme since 1999, and the IB Primary Years Programme since 2001. The school chose the IB framework from the start and would do so again. The campus was originally divided across three locations; BIS opened three new buildings on a single riverside campus: Waves in January 2006, the Agora in August 2012, and the Crest in January 2017.	History IS Ruhr opened in 2010 with a grand opening at Villa Koppers, Moltkeplatz 61 in Essen for the 2010/2011 school year. It is owned by SBW Haus des Lernens AG, a Swiss educational group, and follows the International Baccalaureate framework. The school moved to larger premises at Moltkeplatz 1 in 2012 and was accredited for the Cambridge IGCSE in 2013 and for the IB Diploma Programme in 2015. It celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2020 and graduated its first entire cohort in 2024. IS Ruhr became an IB MYP Candidate School in 2025 and joined ECIS in 2024.
Community	Community The BIS community brings together students, parents and staff as a single BIS family. The campus is open to parents before and after school, providing opportunities to connect, attend workshops and participate in sports. Our Parent Volunteers enrich campus life as Welcome Family Programme participants, room parents and event coordinators; they also support the Media Centre and trips, and the BIS Board of Trustees is composed of parent volunteers who guide BIS' strategic development. Parent Volunteers run workshops for families and organize English and German language support for new arrivals. BIS Sportverein offers badminton, basketball, fitness and yoga for parents, and running, walking and hiking groups. The school hosts an annual Welcome BBQ in September and International Day in June, along with celebrations such as Halloween, St. Martin's, Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival, plus occasional parent/staff events like discos or a gala.	Community IS Ruhr is a thriving international community of over 30 nationalities. The school encourages involvement from parents in a variety of events held throughout the year to support students' learning and celebrate the school's diverse community. Staff, students and parents enjoy close working relationships that contribute to a caring learning environment.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Volunteers are a key BIS community group who voluntarily give time and energy to BIS. They enrich campus life as Welcome Family Programme participants, room parents, event coordinators and by volunteering in classrooms, trips, on the Media Centre and with co-curricular activities; the BIS Board of Trustees is formed from parent volunteers and guides BIS' strategic development. They run English language workshops for parents and organize German lessons for new arrivals. The BIS Sportverein runs badminton, basketball, fitness and yoga for parents and organizes running, walking or hiking groups. They host events for families including the annual Welcome BBQ in September and International Day in June, as well as seasonal celebrations like Halloween, St. Martin's, Chinese New Year, and the Spring Festival. They also host at least one parent/staff event each year such as a disco night or dress-up gala.	Parent teacher association IS Ruhr Parents' Association is a dedicated group of parents committed to enhancing the educational experience for our children. It is a dynamic community where parents can collaborate, share ideas, and work together to support the school and its students. The association believes that by working together, we can create a positive and enriching environment for our children to thrive. The group coordinates and participates in school events and activities to support the learning community. Interested in joining? Scan the QR code in the IS Ruhr_Parents' Association Flyer 2025-26 to access the membership form.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers Model United Nations as a flagship activity, developing leadership, debate and negotiation skills. The programme includes political debating clubs.	Academic & intellectual The school is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme for ages 3 to 11, the Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9–10, and the Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. English is the language of instruction. The IB and Cambridge curricula emphasize inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning, and students develop 21st-century skills through Approaches to Learning such as critical thinking, research, communication, self-management and social skills.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Theatre and musical performances are part of the programme; All students in Grades 6-8 learn a band instrument and perform in two concerts a year.	Arts & creative After School Activities include Drama Club, Piano lessons (EY3 only) and Choir. These activities develop creativity and provide opportunities for interaction with peers across age groups in a supervised setting.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The programme spans languages to political debating clubs.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A breadth of activities and clubs is offered during lunchtime, before and after school, and during school holidays.	Social & hobbies After School Activities give students the chance to engage with peers after the school day. Drama Club, Piano, and Choir foster collaboration, communication and social interaction in a supervised environment.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service IS Ruhr has a Parents' Association that is a dedicated group of parents committed to enhancing the educational experience. Members collaborate to support the school and its students.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Model United Nations develops leadership, debate and negotiation skills.	Leadership & professional IS Ruhr participates in leadership development and events; the Head of School represented the school at the ECIS Leadership Conference 2025.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are offered with competitive teams that travel to play other international schools; teamwork and sportsmanship are emphasised, supporting physical health and personal wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing IS Ruhr offers Early Morning & After School Care to provide childcare outside official school hours: Early Morning Care starts at 7:30 and ends at 8:15; After School Care ends at 17:00, except Wednesdays when it ends at 16:00. After School Activities run until 17:00 every day except Wednesdays when they end at 16:00.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the school language. German is taught in all grade levels at varying levels of proficiency, including for native speakers. A specialized team focuses on supporting students who join BIS without speaking English. 40 languages are spoken by BIS students, and students are encouraged to speak and read in their mother tongue languages.	Language provision English is the language of instruction. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered in the Early Years and Primary Years for students aged 3 to 12. Cambridge IGCSE is taught in Grades 9 and 10. The Diploma Programme (DP) is taught in Grades 11 and 12. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a candidate school; the school is pursuing IB authorization for the MYP.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards ECIS Membership (2024) – recognition enabling professional development and collaboration within ECIS.
Accreditations	Accreditations International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) – BIS is an IB World School delivering the IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) – BIS is accredited by NEASC; accreditation reaffirmed in November 2024. Council of International Schools (CIS) – BIS is a member of the Council of International Schools. AGIS – BIS is a member of AGIS.	Accreditations IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) authorization (2013) to deliver PYP for Early Years and Primary Years; Cambridge IGCSE provider accreditation and Cambridge International Examinations examination centre (2013); IB Diploma Programme (DP) authorization (2015) to offer the Diploma Programme; Middle Years Programme (MYP) Candidate School (2025); pursuing authorization as an IB World School.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Getting started: information is collected during the application to place your child in the appropriate grade level and guide subject choices. Apply via OpenApply, where you submit all details and upload documents. BIS accepts children year‑round with no application deadline, but admission depends on the availability of places in the requested grade level, and some grades may be full. The 2025‑2026 school year began on August 18, 2025. What you need for your application: a copy of your child's passport, your child's measles immunization record, a confidential recommendation from the child's current school (required for Grades 1–12), and two years of previous school reports. A full application must be completed on the BIS OpenApply site before a review of the student application takes place. Grade level placement may involve age guidelines, and language and mathematics testing may be used; admissions tests in Mathematics, English and/or German may be administered at the Principal's discretion.	Admissions IS Ruhr welcomes new students year-round. Entry is possible at any time, provided age and academic requirements are met. To begin the process, complete the enquiry form on the online platform MySchool; an admissions team member will contact you to continue. During online admission, upload a confidential recommendation from your child's current school (Grades 1–12), three years of previous school reports, a copy of the child's passport, and the immunization record against measles. Admissions by stage: Early Years 1–3 accepts entrants at any time if age and academic requirements are met; Primary Years 1–5 can start at any time if space is available, with all documents received and up to three trial days in the potential class before a final decision; Secondary Years 6–12 can start at any time if places are available, after a placement test in English and Mathematics, followed by trial days and, for Grades 9–12, an interview with the Head of Secondary Years. The final stage is signing the contract and being informed of the start date. Apply now—limited places available. There is a Parent Referral Programme; for 2025–26 there are waiting lists in the Primary Years, so the Early Years Centre is the best route to secure a place.
Scholarships	Scholarships Financial Assistance Programme: BIS offers financial assistance for families who can demonstrate need. Applicants must be legally resident in Germany. Financial Assistance is awarded on the basis of need after submitting the Financial Assistance Application Form and necessary supporting documents for review by the Financial Assistance Committee (Director, Business Manager and others as determined by the Director). Applications should be received by 15 February for the following school year, and a scholarship can also be applied for at enrolment during a school year. Interviews may be part of the process. Scholarships are awarded based on household income, using a table that links income bands and family size to the percentage of support. Financial Assistance covers Admission and Tuition Fees for Early Learning through Grade 12. All applications must be in English and can only be considered once a place application has been submitted and approved. Decisions are final. Recipients are expected to maintain good attendance, strong effort and appropriate behavior.	Scholarships Scholarships/Financial Assistance is available only for students entering Grades 1–12 (not for Early Years). Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are welcome from December to 31 January 2026. Applicants submit an Application Form, a confidential recommendation from their current school (for new students), full academic reports from the past two years, a personal statement, and family tax/financial documentation as requested. Short-listed candidates are invited to an interview at school and must complete an English proficiency test; final offers will be communicated by mid-March 2026. Scholarships/Financial Assistance are reviewed annually and are not guaranteed beyond the first year. Applications must be submitted in English.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist There are waiting lists in the Primary Years; Early Years has spaces, making the Early Years Centre the best way to secure a place.
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