Cologne International School vs International School of Düsseldorf

	C Cologne International School Dusseldorf, Germany	I International School of Düsseldorf Dusseldorf, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €19,585 - 23,690	Fees / year €19,100 - 21,570
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 950
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 1968
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The campus is located at Rudi-Conin-Straße 10, 50829 Köln, in Cologne's Butzweilerhof area. It sits at the end of Rudi-Conin-Straße. It is about 20 minutes by public transport from Cologne Central Station (Tram 5, stop IKEA am Butzweilerhof) and 3 minutes from highway A57. A daily shuttle connects the old Widdersdorf campus with the new CIS site.	Location ISD is located in the heart of Düsseldorf, Germany. The main campus is Niederrheinstrasse 336, 40489 Düsseldorf, Germany. It is a K-12 IB flagship school in the heart of Düsseldorf.
Stages	Stages Primary Years Programme (Grades 1–5); Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10); Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).	Stages Kindergarten / Early Years Programme; Elementary School; Senior School (Middle Years Programme; Diploma Programme). ISD provides a full IB programme from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
School type	School type The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum with an on‑campus Boarding House.	School type IB World School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Language support is available for newcomers to English or German; small class sizes and individualized attention.	Additional 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 —
Bus service details	Bus service details Daily shuttle between the old Widdersdorf campus and the new site.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Admission Fees - First child total: EUR 5,750.00. This is composed of: - ADM 1 (Application fee): EUR 750.00, payable before the admission meeting and refundable if the student is not accepted. - ADM 2 (Admission fee): EUR 5,000.00, payable after signing the school contract and non-refundable. - Sibling rate (application + admission combined): EUR 4,500.00. Tuition fees by school level (annual, monthly and equivalent per term) - Primary Years Programme (Grades 1–5): - Annual tuition: EUR 19,585.00. - Monthly tuition (payment plan): EUR 1,716.00 (due 1st of each month when using monthly instalments). - Equivalent per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 6,528.33 per term. - Payment notes: annual payments are due 1 August 2025; fees may alternatively be paid in 12 monthly instalments (monthly payments may incur interest). - Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10): - Annual tuition: EUR 21,915.00. - Monthly tuition (payment plan): EUR 1,920.00 (due 1st of each month when using monthly instalments). - Equivalent per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 7,305.00 per term. - Exams connected to the NRW “Mittlerer Schulabschluss” are charged at EUR 105.00 per subject where applicable. Monthly instalments may incur interest. - Pre-IB Diploma Programme (Grade 10): - Annual tuition: EUR 22,115.00. - Monthly tuition (payment plan): EUR 1,934.00 (due 1st of each month when using monthly instalments). - Equivalent per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 7,371.67 per term. - Exams connected to the NRW accreditation are charged at EUR 105.00 per subject. Monthly instalments may incur interest. - IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12): - Annual tuition: EUR 23,690.00. - Monthly tuition (payment plan): EUR 2,076.00 (due 1st of each month when using monthly instalments). - Equivalent per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 7,896.67 per term. - IB examination fees: per-subject exam fees apply for diploma candidates (see Additional Costs for the 2025/26 per-subject figure). Monthly instalments may incur interest. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition invoices are due on 1 August 2025 for the listed annual amounts. Monthly instalment payments are due on the 1st of each month when selected. - School fees can be paid either by a single annual payment or in 12 monthly instalments; monthly instalments may incur interest. - Boarding charges (where applicable) are billed annually after enrolment; the security deposit is a one-off charge due after enrolment. - The school lunch program is charged for the full school year; average days of absence are included in the calculation and a pro‑rata refund will be made only if more than 15 days are missed. - For already booked class trips, reimbursement is not possible in case of non-participation. Boarding fees and related charges - Accommodation categories (annual): - Category A (single room with ensuite): EUR 25,380.00 per year. - Category B (single room with shared bathroom): EUR 24,300.00 per year. - Category C (double room with ensuite): EUR 22,140.00 per year. - Security deposit (one-off after enrolment): EUR 2,000.00. - Insurance (annual): EUR 702.00. Footnote: liability, accident and health insurance is structured as EUR 39.00 per month for the 1st–18th month and EUR 57.00 per month from the 19th month onwards; the annual figure is shown as EUR 702.00. Other costs and ancillary fees - Lunch and meal plans (shown as monthly instalment / single annual payment): - Grades 1–5 lunch: EUR 110.00 per month / EUR 1,310.00 per year. - Grades 1–5 lunch & breakfast: EUR 184.00 per month / EUR 2,196.00 per year. - Grades 6–12 lunch: EUR 119.50 per month / EUR 1,420.00 per year. - Grades 6–12 lunch & breakfast: EUR 196.00 per month / EUR 2,340.00 per year. - Bus shuttle (Widdersdorf–Butzweilerhof): EUR 115.00 per month / EUR 1,365.00 per year. - Clubs: EUR 60.00 per club per semester (45 minutes) or EUR 120.00 per club per semester (90 minutes). - Late supervision (up to 17:00–17:30): EUR 50.00 per club/semester. - Class trips: primary expected under EUR 150.00; secondary generally over EUR 150.00 (individual trip costs vary; booked trips are not refundable if you do not participate). - Exams and assessment fees (2025/26 examples): - MYP5 e-Assessment fee (2025/26): EUR 59.00 per subject. - IB Diploma exam fee (2025/26): EUR 92.00 per subject. - Where applicable, NRW accreditation exams are charged at EUR 105.00 per subject. - Language classes for parents: EUR 136.00–216.00 (course-dependent). - School supplies: standard supply lists are used; a school T‑shirt and other classroom supplies appear on the supply lists provided to families (no separate compulsory uniform fee is listed). Refund information (explicitly stated items) - The application fee (ADM 1: EUR 750.00) is refundable if the student is not accepted. - The admission fee (ADM 2: EUR 5,000.00) is non-refundable. - Lunch program: if more than 15 days of lunch are missed in a school year, a pro‑rata refund of the lunch fee will be made. - Class trips: reimbursement is not available in the case of non-participation in already booked trips. - Exam fees are invoiced when due and are charged per subject; individual exam refunds are handled according to the invoicing and exam policies in force for the year. Fee payment options - Primary payment method shown: bank transfer (SEPA) using the school's bank details. Example bank payment information published on school forms and administrative documents: IBAN DE31 3705 0299 0181 2701 57, BIC COKSDE33 (Kreissparkasse Köln). - Instalment option: 12 monthly instalments are available for tuition; monthly instalments may incur interest. - Application and admission payments: the application fee is payable before the admission meeting and the admission fee is payable after signing the contract; the boarding security deposit and the first-year boarding charges are payable after enrolment. Summary of key figures (EUR) - Application & admission (first child): EUR 5,750.00 (ADM1 EUR 750 refundable if not accepted; ADM2 EUR 5,000 non-refundable). - Tuition (annual): Primary EUR 19,585.00; Middle Years EUR 21,915.00; Pre‑IB (Grade 10) EUR 22,115.00; IB Diploma (Grades 11–12) EUR 23,690.00. - Boarding (annual): Cat A EUR 25,380.00; Cat B EUR 24,300.00; Cat C EUR 22,140.00; Security deposit EUR 2,000.00; Insurance EUR 702.00 annually. - Typical ancillary annual examples: lunch (Primary) EUR 1,310.00; bus EUR 1,365.00; clubs per semester EUR 60.00–120.00; IB exam fee per subject (2025/26) EUR 92.00.	Fee details Application fees - A one-time, non-refundable Admission Fee (Admission Contribution) of €6,500 is required on confirmation of a place. - A non-refundable application/enrolment processing fee of €100 will be charged during the enrolment process starting 1 August 2025. Tuition fees (annual) by year group - Pre-school (3yo, Reception, Prep): €20,320 per year. - Grades 1–2: €20,320 per year. - Grades 3–5: €21,130 per year. - Grades 6–8: €22,740 per year. - Grade 9: €24,270 per year. - Grade 10 (includes MYP e-Assessment): €24,610 per year. - Grade 11: €27,010 per year. - Grade 12 (includes a graduation contribution): €27,450 per year. Note on per-term charging and pro‑rata adjustments - Tuition figures above are stated as annual contributions. Tuition is adjusted pro rata for students who begin or leave during the school year according to the school's published arrival and departure percentages. For students arriving after the start of the year, the contribution percentages by month apply (August and September 100%; October 95%; November 85%; December 75%; January 65%; February 55%; March 45%; April 35%; May 25%; June 15%). For students leaving during the school year, legally effective termination with three full months' notice produces reimbursements of 50% if termination is effective 31 December, 20% if effective 31 March, and 0% if effective 30 June. Because the school issues annual contributions and applies pro‑rata rules for mid‑year moves, separate published per‑term fee figures are not provided. Billing schedule and payment terms - The ISD financial year runs from 1 August to 31 July. Annual contributions are invoiced and must be paid no later than 30 days after receipt of the invoice. The Admission Contribution becomes due on issuance of its invoice and the student's start date can only be set after that payment has been received. Students who arrive or leave during the course of the school year will have tuition adjusted in accordance with the contract and pro‑rata schedule. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. ISD operates as a not‑for‑profit, independent, co‑educational day school; there are no boarding fees. Other costs and optional fees - After‑school activities and private programmes: Costs vary by activity and tutor (extra‑curricular activities, arts festivals, competitive sports team fees, private music lessons). - After‑school care (Cub Club): charged per day; the listed 2024–25 rate is €15 per day. - Cafeteria lunches: subsidised hot lunches are available; 2024–25 sample prices were €4.17 (Reception–Grade 2), €5.56 (Grades 3–5), and €5.95 (Grades 6–12). - Summer camps: typical five‑day camps in recent years cost around €250. - Mother‑tongue courses, private music lessons and certain trips/festival attendance are additional and priced individually. Refund information - The Admission Fee (Admission Contribution) is one‑time and non‑refundable. Annual tuition reimbursements for students who leave during the school year follow the published schedule: 50% reimbursement if termination is effective 31 December, 20% if effective 31 March, and 0% if effective 30 June (termination requires three full months' notice). Tuition for students who join after the academic year starts is charged on a pro‑rata basis according to the monthly percentage scale. Fee payment options - The school accepts payment by bank transfer to the ISD accounts specified on invoices; the official contribution schedule provides the bank names, IBAN and SWIFT/BIC details to be used for euro transfers. Payments are required in EUR unless otherwise stated on the invoice. Families must follow the invoice details when making payments. Brief summary of findings and limitation - The school publishes annual tuition by grade and a one‑time Admission Fee; it invoices annual contributions and applies pro‑rata rules for mid‑year arrivals and departures. The school's published materials do not provide a separate official per‑term fee table; per‑term amounts are therefore not directly published and would be calculated from the annual contribution or determined by the school's invoice schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is offered on campus for students aged 15+ (Grades 9–12). Rooms are available as Category A (single with private bathroom), Category B (single with shared bathroom, two singles share one bathroom), or Category C (double with private bathroom) with supervision provided by a boarding team; meals are served daily with all students eating together, and every second Friday there is a trip to explore Cologne.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school has no uniform requirement. A dress code applies to all students. For sports, ISD teams wear the ISD sports uniform, which can be purchased from the ISD Store.
Food options	Food options Healthy meals are served daily, and all students eat together.	Food options Subsidised hot lunches are available in the elementary and senior school cafeterias via the lunch card system. Fresh vegetables, side salads, and fresh fruit accompany meals, with a full vegetarian option each day. Packed lunches are welcome, and the senior school cafe offers sandwiches, panini, fruit salads, and other snacks; purchases are made with the lunch card.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is operated by Internationale Friedensschule Köln GmbH.	Governance and ownership The ISD Board of Trustees governs the school. The Board consists of seven elected members, up to three appointed members, and up to three ex-officio members, with ex-officio including the school director and a representative from the US Consulate General in Düsseldorf.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers the International Baccalaureate Continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Grades 1-5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6-10, and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11-12. There are dedicated spaces for PYP, MYP, and DP. The primary school is bilingual, with instruction in German and English; from Grade 6 onward instruction is primarily in English to prepare for international qualifications. Placement tests and individualized support (EAL/DaZ) are provided for learners from diverse language backgrounds.	Curriculum details The school has a full IB Continuum curriculum, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Elementary School, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in the Senior School, and the Diploma Programme (DP) in the Senior School. The PYP covers eight years of schooling from age 4 to 11 and is inquiry-based. The MYP includes eight core subjects, life-skills classes, and interdisciplinary electives; in Grade 10 students complete a Personal Project and participate in Service as Action. The DP comprises six subject groups (Studies in Language and Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; and the Arts) plus the Diploma Programme Core (Theory of Knowledge; Extended Essay; Creativity, Activity, Service). ISD offers about 54 DP courses and more than 90% of students in Grades 11–12 are enrolled in the Diploma Programme.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes of 12 to 22 students per class.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Diploma Programme results (2025) show strong performance: 44/45 is the maximum score achieved; 22% of DP students earned 40+ points; the average score across DP students was 35 (world average 30.6); 57% scored more than 35; 43% of diplomas awarded were bilingual; more than 90% of students in Grades 11–12 are enrolled in the Diploma Programme.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates earn the IB Diploma and gain admission to leading universities worldwide.	Higher education progression Graduates are admitted to top universities worldwide, with Class of 2025 offers across diverse majors at institutions in Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and more; ISD notes admissions to universities in the QS World University Rankings top 200, Times Higher Education world rankings, and Russell Group universities. More than 90% of students in Grades 11–12 are enrolled in the Diploma Programme, and ISD provides counselling to support university admissions.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Honors Program.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Daily social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven into the curriculum, helping students develop resilience, empathy and self-confidence alongside academic skills. The approach reflects a holistic view of education that supports the whole child. Teachers integrate SEL across lessons to foster ongoing social and emotional development. The program aims to prepare students for life after school.	Social & emotional learning ISD provides support for physical, emotional, and social wellbeing for students, parents, and staff. A team of school counsellors offers comprehensive support at all grade levels. Life Skills for grades 6-10 deliver a flexible, experiential curriculum focused on adolescents' social, emotional, and personal growth. Pastoral Care includes counselling in the Elementary and Senior Schools to promote educational, emotional, and social welfare and to support transitions and social skills. SMART Moves Ambassadors help new students integrate socially, and transition mentoring provides one-on-one support for newcomers.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school offers inclusive admission and provides individualized support to meet diverse learning needs, including EAL/DaZ. Inclusion work strives to remove barriers to learning and to recognise learner variability. The Inclusion Team plans personal learning goals and supports students with different backgrounds and abilities. The bilingual environment supports language development as part of inclusion. These measures help every student grow, achieve and succeed.	Special educational needs (SEN) ISD guides and encourages students to meet their potential while acknowledging and addressing learning differences. Targeted support is provided and strategies are taught to transfer learning across classroom settings. An individualised education plan (IEP), containing learning goals broken down into learning outcomes, is developed for each student. A referral process yields a full psycho-educational assessment with recommendations for specific accommodations and modifications. ISD regularly collaborates with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals to design the best possible support plan. The program includes activities to develop memory, organisation, and study skills, health and well-being, and literacy and numeracy.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Placement tests and individualized support (EAL/DaZ) welcome students of all language backgrounds and ensure everyone feels comfortable from day one in the bilingual environment. The school provides ongoing EAL support to develop language proficiency for academic success. The bilingual setup supports language development and intercultural communication.	English as an additional language The English as an Additional Language (EAL) team supports students whose first language is not English to acquire the linguistic competence needed to succeed in mainstream classes. EAL is delivered in an authentic, comprehensible environment that is challenging. The curriculum recognises diverse backgrounds and provides a progressive course focusing on the structures and functions of language with emphasis on communication. Students are assessed on participation, oral work, and teacher observation. Students can exit the programme when fluency and accuracy reach the required standard to succeed in the mainstream classroom. Students are encouraged to access their mother tongue to support content while learning.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The campus is open, friendly and safe for the whole community. Students have personal mentors and have access to learning support and counseling. The school emphasizes wellbeing through student support and partnerships with families, including community events and workshops. Approaches to Learning focus on developing self-management, social, communication, research and thinking skills to support mental wellbeing and personal growth.	Mental wellbeing ISD provides levels of support focusing on physical, emotional, and social wellbeing for students, parents, and staff. A team of school counsellors offers comprehensive support at all grade levels. Life Skills for grades 6-10 focus on wellbeing, including mental, social, emotional and physical health. The Counselling Department mission is to develop each student's academic, social, and emotional competencies through a developmentally appropriate counselling and Life Skills curriculum. Pastoral Care includes elementary counselling to promote welfare and transitions, and senior-school counselling to address life events and other concerns.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Child Protection is a fundamental priority as part of the safeguarding process. All staff receive annual training and share concerns with the Child Protection Officer, who works closely with school leadership to ensure student safety and wellbeing. The facilities are designed with safety in mind, featuring breakout rooms, a dedicated library space and calm areas for quieter study or social interaction.	Safeguarding ISD is committed to safeguarding and providing a safe, welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. ISD Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures are established in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and local German law. Child protection work is informed by the International Task Force on Child Protection, a branch of the Council of International Schools. ISD has appointed a Safeguarding Lead and two Safeguarding Coordinators to promote the education and training of staff as related to child protection under German school law and to ensure that all suspicions of abuse are promptly reported and appropriately responded to.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Cologne-Butzweilerhof campus is designed around student wellbeing, modern learning, and community values. Learning spaces include light-filled classrooms, collaborative spaces, and quiet corners that support different learning styles. There are dedicated spaces for PYP, MYP, and DP, plus science labs, art rooms, and maker spaces to support hands-on learning. A full indoor gym and expansive outdoor play areas keep students active as part of daily life. The campus is environmentally friendly, with a sustainable design and a photovoltaic system that helps meet energy needs. An on-campus Boarding House accommodates up to 20 international students, making CIS the only school in Cologne to offer on-site boarding.	Facilities overview ISD's 10-acre campus houses senior school and elementary buildings, multiple purpose-built playgrounds, and a strong outdoor learning programme that has transformed green spaces into learning gardens. The senior school Sports and Community Centre contains modern practice courts for basketball and volleyball and two competition-size basketball courts with spectator seating. The campus also features three libraries, seven science laboratories, five computer rooms, a design technology room, centres of excellence for visual and performing arts, a 350-seat theatre, and three cafeterias. The ISD sports fields are nearby and host national and international teams.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities There is a full indoor gymnasium and spacious outdoor play areas for physical education. PE classes use the gym and outdoor spaces for team games and after-school sports. Students stay active through regular athletic activities in these spaces. The facilities support a broad range of sports and fitness opportunities.	Sports facilities ISD offers a comprehensive sports programme and participates in NECIS competitions, including soccer, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, swimming, and track and field for middle and high school students. The Senior School Sports and Community Centre has modern practice courts for basketball or volleyball and two competition-size basketball courts. The ISD Sportsverein (Sports Club) provides competitive opportunities across football, basketball, volleyball, swimming and track and field. After-school activities and nearby ISD sports fields support a broad athletic program.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Dedicated spaces for PYP, MYP, and DP provide tailored environments for each program. Science labs, art rooms, and maker spaces support hands-on learning in science and the arts. Light-filled classrooms and collaborative spaces enhance daily learning. The campus uses a sustainable design, including a photovoltaic energy system that covers a substantial share of energy needs.	Academic facilities Three libraries, seven science laboratories, five computer rooms, a well-equipped design technology room, and centres of excellence for the visual and performing arts. The campus also includes a 350-seat theatre.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include sports such as tennis, athletics, football and basketball. Creative arts options include theatre, art and crafts, and video production. Language clubs cover Spanish, French, German and English. Music programs include choir, big band, and music theatre.	Extra curricular facilities ISD offers more than 90 co-curricular options, including robotics, coding, and chess; ceramics, digital art, jewellery making, and ukulele; and Mother Tongue Programme in Dutch, Farsi, Finnish, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish. Martial arts, dance, and gymnastics are available. Cub Club provides after-school care for elementary students from 15:45 to 18:00, with full-day and half-day care on select non-student days.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school was established in July 2005 as Profilschule Weltvision gGmbH. It was renamed to Internationale Friedensschule Köln gGmbH on May 15, 2006. CIS opened in Cologne-Widdersdorf in August 2007 with 44 students. It was authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme in 2012. In November 2022, CIS relocated to a sustainable 19,000 m² campus in Cologne Butzweilerhof, with a boarding house for up to 20 students, and on December 24, 2024 it was designated an IB Continuum School offering PYP, MYP, and DP.	History Founded in 1968, the International School of Düsseldorf is a not-for-profit, independent, co-educational day school located in the heart of the international community of Kaiserswerth. ISD has a proud tradition of providing an innovative, holistic education that encourages all students to be successful and responsible in a rapidly evolving world. Student well-being is the foundation for success at school and beyond. Our exceptional faculty work collaboratively to provide a challenging and supportive environment where all students are encouraged to discover their passions and develop their talents. We work in partnership with parents recognising the important role that families play in the education of their children, with the goal of inspiring all students to become confident, creative and compassionate lifelong learners in an inclusive international community.
Community	Community Thinking internationally and multilingual communication are at the heart of the school\'s identity. The school emphasizes empathy and cross-cultural collaboration to prepare students to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world. The vision is to contribute to a better world by inspiring a passion for learning and the drive to make a difference. The campus is a modern, sustainable space on a 19,000 m² site in Cologne Butzweilerhof.	Community ISD fosters a welcoming, supportive community for expatriate families and staff, helping members feel at home and connected. Community events are planned by students, staff, and many parent volunteers and reflect the diversity and multiculturalism of the ISD community. International Markets are a popular monthly event where parents and partners display and sell food and items reflecting their talents and cultural heritage. The International Fest is ISD's largest community gathering since 1980, with more than 25 booths, an international village, stage performances, and a Parade of Nations.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school has a PTA.	Parent teacher association The ISD Annual Fund provides additional financial support to the school. It is supported by parent volunteers and the Philanthropy & Fundraising Committee. Funds support a wide variety of projects and initiatives, enabling the school to do more. Friends of the Arts is a parent volunteer group that helps bring ISD's creative productions to life, including designing costumes, building sets, managing front-of-house, and supporting event logistics. Volunteers contribute to campus events and activities through various volunteer programmes.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations is offered as part of the clubs. An Honors Program is offered. The clubs are available from grades 1 through 12.	Academic & intellectual ISD offers a rich and varied co-curricular programme designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and instil a lifelong love of learning. STEM-focused clubs include robotics, coding, and chess to develop problem-solving and critical thinking. A broad range of activities beyond sports and the arts supports transferable skills such as collaboration, resilience, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. There are over 90 options to choose from.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music clubs include choir, big band, and music theatre. Theatre, arts and crafts, and video production are available within the creative arts program. Moviemaking is featured in the holiday camps.	Arts & creative ISD offers extensive arts and creative opportunities, including ceramics, digital art, jewellery making, and ukulele. The Performing Arts and Theatre programme lets students explore acting, movement, voice, and production, with collaborative, hands-on learning and opportunities for public performances. The Sound & Lights Programme trains students in lighting design, live sound, and stage management and is supported by Friends of the Arts volunteers who contribute to costumes, sets, and event logistics.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language clubs include Spanish, French, German and English. They are offered through the school's primary and secondary club programs. The clubs are presented as part of after-school activities that extend learning beyond the classroom.	Cultural & language Mother Tongue Programme supports native-language development with courses in Dutch, Farsi, Finnish, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies After-school clubs cover sports and games as well as arts, music, and media. Sports include tennis, athletics, football, and basketball. Holiday camps offer a bilingual experience with activities such as sports and outdoor games, dance and inline skating, arts and crafts, science experiments, and moviemaking.	Social & hobbies Outside the classroom, ISD offers student groups and activities that develop teamwork, leadership, and advocacy skills, and encourage social awareness and community engagement.
Community & service	Community & service Local activities and social projects connect CIS students with Cologne communities. International exchange programs and projects provide experiences and insights for working in international, multicultural contexts. The school currently supports social projects in Ghana, Peru and India.	Community & service Community engagement is supported through student-led initiatives and active parent involvement in school productions, with Friends of the Arts volunteers contributing to costume design, set building, and front-of-house operations.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Model United Nations is offered as part of clubs. An Honors Program is offered. The clubs run from grades 1 through 12.	Leadership & professional Student groups provide leadership opportunities and ambassador-like roles that develop teamwork and advocacy skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Holiday camps offer sports and outdoor games, dance and inline skating, arts and crafts, science experiments, and moviemaking. They are bilingual (German-English) and led by a bilingual team, with daily hours from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and drop-off from 8:00–8:30 AM. Upcoming camp weeks include Spring Break (March 30 – April 2, 2026), Summer Break (July 13–17, July 17–21, and August 24–26, 2026) and Autumn Break (October 26–30, 2026).	Lifestyle & wellbeing ISD runs a comprehensive sports programme, with NECIS and city-wide competitions, after-school activities for all ages, and summer sports camps. Cub Club provides after-school care with arts and crafts, music, team sports, and free play, running daily from 15:45 to 18:00. The ISD Sportsverein offers structured training and competitive opportunities across various sports, supported by an after-school activities programme that complements academics.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and German are the languages of instruction across the school. In the Primary School (Grades 1–5), instruction is bilingual, with classes taught in both German and English. In the Secondary School, instruction continues in English, with German remaining a core subject, enabling first-language exams for non-German students. From day one, placement tests and EAL/DaZ support are available, and in Primary classes there is one German-speaking and one English-speaking teacher per class.	Language provision The language of instruction in all classes is English, with EAL support for students up to grade 10 who are not yet fluent in English. German is compulsory from Prep to Grade 10; non-native speakers study German B / Language Acquisition, and advanced students may enrol in German A / Language and Literature, with German ab initio available for Diploma Programme Language Acquisition in Grades 11-12. In the Senior School, a third language is offered: Spanish (non-native speakers), French (non-native speakers) or Japanese, with Japanese requiring native or near-native proficiency. A range of mother tongue classes is offered weekly after school to maintain and develop students' first languages, including Dutch, Farsi, Finnish, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish; other languages may be added if there is sufficient interest.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Primary School offers bilingual instruction, with classes taught in both German and English.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 01 Submit an Inquiry Form Submit an online inquiry form to share information about your child and your interest in Cologne International School. The admissions team reviews submitted inquiries to determine the appropriate next steps. After review, families proceed to the next stage in the admissions process. 02 Campus Tour or Meeting Once the inquiry is reviewed, you'll be invited to tour our campus in person or schedule a virtual meeting to get to know each other better. This provides an opportunity to learn more about CIS. The format may be on-site or via a virtual meeting. 03 Provide Required Documents A list of required documents will be provided to support your child's application, including school reports and language certificates. Documents help move forward with the application and ensure proper grade placement. Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances. 04 Trial Day or Interview Depending on your child's age and grade, a trial day or an interview with the Principal may be arranged. The process is designed to assess fit for both sides. The interview may be with the Principal. 05 Receive Enrollment Offer If your child is accepted, you will receive a formal enrollment offer including the school contract and admission conditions. The offer also includes the next steps for joining our community. The enrollment contract outlines the terms of admission. 06 Prepare for Start Once you've signed the enrollment contract, the school will support you with next steps such as ordering school materials, arranging orientation, and getting ready for your first day.	Admissions 1. Submit an inquiry or start your application via ENQUIRY FORM. A member of ISD's Admissions Team will contact you to learn more about your child(ren) and your family, answer questions, and offer a personal Zoom meeting or an in-person tour of our campuses. The ENQUIRY FORM is accessible from the Admissions page. 2. Attend Virtual Open House sessions to learn more about ISD, meet members of our team, and explore what makes our learning community unique. Registration is available; Session 2: Tuesday 20 January 2026 \| 18:30 – 20:00 CET; Session 3: Wednesday 18 March 2026 \| 09:00 – 10:30 CET. 3. ISD accepts new students throughout the year and processes applications on a first-come, first-served basis; vacancies regularly arise throughout the school year. 4. New students are normally placed in their age-appropriate group based on a cut-off date of 01 September. 5. The language of instruction in all classes (apart from German and World Languages) is English; Students up to grade 10 receive tailored English as an Additional Language support; German classes are compulsory for Prep to Grade 10, and in the Senior School a third language may be studied (Spanish, French or Japanese).
Scholarships	Scholarships Financial Aid Program: Cologne International School offers a financial aid program. Aid is granted based on financial need, in line with the school's resources and the regulations of North Rhine-Westphalia. Applications are reviewed by Wieland Wirtschaftsprüfer und Steuerberater, an independent tax consultancy. Families can apply for financial aid during the admissions inquiry process.	Scholarships ISD maintains a Financial Assistance & Scholarship programme with a limited number of Financial Assistance scholarships available each year, offered as tuition-fee reductions for eligible students. The student and at least one parent must be resident in Germany, and applications are submitted using the Financial Assistance application form (in English or German) with the required documents. The deadline for applications is April each year for assistance in the following year, and the Financial Assistance Committee meets no later than May to review applications. The level of assistance is based on a family's gross annual worldwide income, including all positive earnings; child benefits/family allowances are considered as part of the assessment. Renewal is possible but not guaranteed, and all applications are treated confidentially.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. However, vacancies regularly arise throughout the school year.
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