Frankfurt International School vs ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main

	F Frankfurt International School Frankfurt, Germany	I ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main Frankfurt, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €11,590 - 31,365	Fees / year €14,850 - 24,410
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1961	Opened 1995
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Frankfurt International School operates on two campuses in Oberursel and Wiesbaden. The Oberursel Campus serves ages 3 through Grade 12 and is located about 23 kilometers from Frankfurt city center. The Wiesbaden Campus serves ages 3 through Grade 8 and is located about 40 kilometers from central Frankfurt. Both campuses follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) program framework and share common standards.	Location ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main is located at Strasse zur Internationalen Schule 33, 65931, Frankfurt, Germany. It sits in the Frankfurt-Rhine-Main region and is easily accessible by train or car. The S-Bahn stops Sindlingen (S1) and Zeilsheim (S2) bring students within a five-minute walk of the campus. It is located near expatriate towns and villages in the Taunus hills.
Stages	Stages Oberursel Campus provides Preschool (First Steps) to Grade 12, with Primary School (First Steps–Grade 1), Elementary School (Grades 2–5), and Upper School (Middle School 6–8 and High School 9–12). Wiesbaden Campus provides Preschool to Grade 8.	Stages Kindergarten and Preschool; Primary School (Gr. 1-4); Middle School (Gr. 5-8); High School (Gr. 9-12).
School type	School type Two IB World School campuses: Oberursel (Preschool - Grade 12) and Wiesbaden (Preschool - Grade 8). Both campuses offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Upper School offers the IB Diploma.	School type Private day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 60 nationalities represented; approximately 1,800 students from age 3 to Grade 12.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning support includes teacher-led study groups, peer tutoring, Power Study Sessions, and on-demand tutoring videos; Advisory Classes; Student Counseling; Health & Wellness services.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany	Country affiliation Germany; German curriculum equivalent to the state of Hesse.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Day structure varies by campus and grade level. Oberursel Primary arrival at 8:20, classes begin at 8:40, and dismissal at 14:50 (First Steps half-day 12:00). Oberursel Elementary arrival 8:05–8:25, classes begin 8:30, dismissal 15:05, bus departure 15:17. Oberursel Upper School arrival 8:15–8:20, classes begin 8:32, dismissal 15:10, bus departure 15:17. Wiesbaden Campus arrival 8:15–8:30, classes begin 8:35, dismissal 15:10 (First Steps half-day 12:00), bus departure 15:20.	School day structure Full-day program; optional after-school care for Kindergarten to Grade 4.
Bus service details	Bus service details FIS has the largest private school bus system in Germany, with over 50 bus routes on the Oberursel and Wiesbaden campuses. Buses serve 90 localities in the Frankfurt area with 240 bus stops for student pick-up and drop-off.	Bus service details Door-to-door bus service via private taxi companies; S-Bahn stops Sindlingen (S1) and Zeilsheim (S2) bring students within a five-minute walk of the campus; details on SABIS Digital Platform or via Admissions.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & enrollment fees - New Student Registration Fee: EUR 1,500. This registration fee is not refundable and is not transferable to future school years. - Down Payment for new students: EUR 2,000. The down payment is credited toward tuition, is required within 10 days of the acceptance letter to guarantee placement, and is non-refundable after that period. Together the registration fee plus the down payment total EUR 3,500 at initial acceptance. - Re‑enrollment (returning student) Fee: EUR 350; this fee secures a returning student's placement and is not refundable. Annual tuition fees (by year group) - First Steps (age 3 before 1 September), half‑day program: EUR 11,590. - First Steps, Pre‑Primary (full program): EUR 22,570. - Primary: EUR 24,760. - Grades 1–4: EUR 25,260. - Grade 5: EUR 25,500. - Grades 6–8: EUR 29,110. - Grades 9–10: EUR 30,105. - Grades 11–12: EUR 30,690. Payment installments (standard personal payment plan example) - Standard two‑installment option (Alternative 1): 55% of tuition and transportation fees are due by 1 July; the remaining 45% is payable in January (a surcharge of EUR 100 per child applies to the January payment). Example splits (55% / 45%) for each annual tuition above are shown below as the amount due at each installment: - First Steps (half‑day) — Annual EUR 11,590: EUR 6,374.50 due 1 July; EUR 5,215.50 due in January. - First Steps, Pre‑Primary — Annual EUR 22,570: EUR 12,413.50 / EUR 10,156.50. - Primary — Annual EUR 24,760: EUR 13,618.00 / EUR 11,142.00. - Grades 1–4 — Annual EUR 25,260: EUR 13,893.00 / EUR 11,367.00. - Grade 5 — Annual EUR 25,500: EUR 14,025.00 / EUR 11,475.00. - Grades 6–8 — Annual EUR 29,110: EUR 16,010.50 / EUR 13,099.50. - Grades 9–10 — Annual EUR 30,105: EUR 16,557.75 / EUR 13,547.25. - Grades 11–12 — Annual EUR 30,690: EUR 16,879.50 / EUR 13,810.50. - Alternative monthly payment schedule (Alternative 2): a monthly plan is available with a 3.0% surcharge on the outstanding balance; all fees must be paid latest on 1 June of the relevant school year when this option is used. - Note: For students who start in August, all tuition and fees are normally required to be paid in advance. For students who start during the school year, invoices set the due dates and payment is expected within the communicated invoice terms. Late accounts are charged interest/late fees as specified in the school's payment terms. Capital Assessment Fee (new students) - Annual Capital Assessment Fee payable in Year 1 and Year 2 for new students (Pre‑Primary and up): EUR 6,450 per year. This fee is assigned to a capital fund and is not refundable (departing students who have attended 65 days or less in the year pay only half the capital fee in that year). Transportation (bus) fees - Bus fees are charged by distance zone and include 7% VAT. Example Oberursel campus zone prices (annual): - Zone A: EUR 2,165.00. - Zone B: EUR 2,440.00. - Zone C: EUR 2,565.00. - Zone D: EUR 2,705.00. - Zone E: EUR 2,860.00. - Zone F: EUR 3,125.00. - Zone G: EUR 3,220.00. - Zone H: EUR 3,350.00. - Wiesbaden campus zones have separate annual rates (Zone A EUR 2,595 up to Zone G EUR 3,600 as listed). A 25% reduction is offered for the third child onward when applied for by the specified deadline. Flexible single‑ride tickets (where available) may be purchased at EUR 10 per ride. Language, learning support and other program fees - First Language (FL) and Identity Language (IL) course fees (annual): Elementary: EUR 1,260; Grades 6–10: EUR 1,715; Grades 11–12: EUR 2,450. - Additional costs that may be invoiced during the year include external examination/IB fees, grade‑level trip fees (note: many grade‑level trips for Grades 5–11 are included in tuition as part of the program), specialist therapy or additional learning support beyond normal provision, yearbook, lost/damaged library/text books, school meals/snacks, after‑school care, tutoring, and required student devices (students in Grade 5 and above are required to have a personal laptop). These items are billed separately as applicable. Refunds, proration and leave of absence - Tuition and transportation fees are prorated for late entry or early departure based on the official acceptance or leaving date. The school's proration schedule lists the refundable percentage for students who leave early and the payable percentage for students who enroll late across defined periods of the school year. Example proration (departure refunds): July–Aug 15 = 90% refundable; Aug 15–Sep = 65% refundable; Oct–Dec = 35% refundable; Jan = 25% refundable; Feb–Mar = 0%; Apr–Jun = 0%. For late entrants the payable percentages vary by period (100% at the start of the year, decreasing later). A leave of absence may be reserved by paying 50% of the respective tuition fee for the absence period to guarantee re‑admission. Registration and down payment and the capital assessment fee are explicitly not refundable under the described conditions. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable: the school operates as a day school (no boarding fee applies). Uniform, campus shop and incidental purchases - There is no formal uniform fee listed; a campus shop and bookstores on campus sell school spirit wear (hoodies, T‑shirts, bags, hats) and school supplies; these purchases are optional and billed at the point of sale. Refunds & non‑refundable items recap - Non‑refundable items include the New Student Registration Fee, the Down Payment (after the 10‑day acceptance window), and the Capital Assessment Fee (with the limited exception for very short attendance as described). Refundable tuition amounts depend on the proration schedule tied to official leaving dates. Payment methods and billing terms - The school accepts Euro bank transfers to its specified IBAN/SWIFT accounts for payments; detailed bank account identifiers (IBANs and SWIFT/BIC codes) are provided with invoices. A late payment charge is applied to past‑due accounts (the published late payment percentage applies after the due date). Two alternative payment schedules are offered for private payers: (1) the 55%/45% split with the 45% payment in January (EUR 100 surcharge per child) and (2) a monthly plan with a 3.0% surcharge on the outstanding balance; all fees must be paid by the final internal deadline under the chosen plan. The school's business/accounting office telephone number is published for billing arrangements. Other fee programs - A Tuition Reduction Program (means‑tested reduction) and specific Partnership/Diplomatic Mission fee schedules exist for eligible families; those programs and any partnership pricing are applied under separate published terms. Additional employer‑paid or reimbursed arrangements are treated according to tax rules described by the school.	Fee details Application and enrollment fees - Enrolment Fee (new students): € 600.00 per student, billed with the tuition invoice for the new academic year. - Re‑Enrolment Fee (returning students): € 200.00 per student, billed with the tuition invoice for the new academic year. - Late Enrolment Fee: € 900.00 for students starting in Terms 2 or 3. School place reservation fee - A School Place Reservation Fee is payable to the school's mother company (ISF GmbH & Co. KG). The Fee is € 2,000 per child per year for each of the first three years a child attends ISF (total possible payment over three years € 6,000). The first € 2,000 is payable on registration; the second and third € 2,000 are due on June 15 of the year before the respective second and third school years. The first-year reservation payment is non-refundable and not prorated. Tuition fees (annual and per-term) - Tuition is charged by grade group and shown below as annual fee and as one-third (per instalment) when paid in three instalments: - Kindergarten & Preschool: € 14,850 per year — € 4,950 per instalment. - Grade 1–3: € 18,255 per year — € 6,085 per instalment. - Grades 4–6: € 19,395 per year — € 6,465 per instalment. - Grades 7–9: € 21,165 per year — € 7,055 per instalment. - Grades 10–11: € 22,860 per year — € 7,620 per instalment. - Grade 12: € 24,000 per year — € 8,000 per instalment. - Grade 13 (where applicable): € 24,210 per year — € 8,070 per instalment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid in one annual instalment (due in June) or in three instalments. When paid in three instalments the due dates are: one-third of the annual tuition plus the full Enrolment/Re‑enrolment Fee due by June 15; the second instalment due by September 15; the third instalment due by December 15. Tuition invoices are issued in May. Tuition invoices issued after December 1 are payable in full within two weeks of the invoice date. Ensure bank transfer charges are included with payments. Discounts and reductions - Family discounts (when children are enrolled at the same time): € 900 tuition discount for the second child; € 1,650 for the third child; € 2,400 for each additional child. - Direct debit (SEPA) discount: € 150 total (€ 50 per instalment) is granted when tuition instalments are paid by SEPA direct debit on the due dates (or the first working day thereafter). The original SEPA mandate must be received at least 14 days before the first due date. This discount is not combined with the early-payment discount. - Early-payment discount: € 300 is granted for full annual payment by the June due date (or within two weeks of invoice for new families enrolling between June 15 and Week 5 of Term 1). Other costs and what is included - Books: one set of books is provided per student per school year (may be digital, physical, or a mix) and are included in the tuition. - Extra charges billed in addition to tuition: summer school fees, external examination fees, some after‑school activities, extra‑curricular trips, replacement of lost materials, and dress‑code/uniform items. Hot lunch and transportation are provided by outside firms and are billed separately. Refunds and cancellation - Cancellation: if a (Re‑)Enrolment application is withdrawn after July 15, a cancellation fee of € 1,800 in addition to the Enrolment/Re‑enrolment Fee will be charged. If withdrawn before July 15, the Enrolment/Re‑enrolment Fee is charged and retained. - Leaving during the school year: at least one month's written notice before the beginning of the next term is required for withdrawal. Tuition paid in advance for unattended whole academic term(s) will be refunded; discounts already granted will be deducted from the refund. There is no refund for dis‑enrolment due to disciplinary measures or for instructional days lost for reasons beyond the school's control. A student who attends 5 weeks or more of a term is charged for the full term; attendance during the last 4 weeks or first 4 weeks of a term can trigger half‑term charges per the stated rules. Overdue payments and surcharges - If the school must send reminders for overdue tuition payments, an administration surcharge of € 50.00 per reminder will be charged. Boarding - ISF requires enrolled students to live with and be under the care of a parent or legal guardian for the entire period of enrolment; there is no boarding provision and therefore no boarding fees. Fee payment options and bank details - Accepted payment methods for tuition: SEPA direct debit (direct debit mandate valid for tuition payment) and bank transfer; tuition can also be invoiced to a company where company details are provided. SEPA direct debit requires a completed mandate submitted with the Enrolment Contract. Parents should include the Student ID number on all bank transfers. (No credit-card payment method is listed in the school's enrolment/payment documentation.) - Bank transfer details (payable to ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein‑Main Verwaltungs‑GmbH): IBAN DE95 5007 0010 0093 4893 00; SWIFT/BIC DEUTDEFFXXX; Bank: Deutsche Bank, Rossmarkt 18, 60311 Frankfurt. Please ensure payments include all bank transfer charges and include the Student ID number on transfers.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform policy: Grades 1–8 must wear a polo shirt with the ISF logo, available in navy blue, burgundy, or white. Grade 9 and above may wear the ISF polo shirt if they wish. ISF PE shirts are mandatory for all students in Grade 1 and above; uniform items are optional for students (stock dependent).
Food options	Food options The school offers a lunch program on both campuses with daily hot meals, vegetarian options, and fresh fruit and vegetables; breakfast is available on the Oberursel campus. ARAMARK serves the Oberursel campus and Cali's Biocatering serves the Wiesbaden campus; Cali's is owned and operated by an FIS alumna.	Food options On-site meals are provided by VielfaltMenü: a hot lunch is offered daily with two menus (one vegetarian), including a main course, dessert/fruit, a drink, and a salad bar; snacks for Kindergarten/Preschool are available for an extra fee. Three cafeterias host meals, and a kiosk within the main cafeteria allows students to purchase items with a student card; cash is accepted and vending machines provide drinks.
House system	House system The school has a House System.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is not-for-profit and governed by a Board of Trustees; the FIS Foundation manages the endowment.	Governance and ownership ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main is operated by ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main Verwaltungs-GmbH, a German company. There is a management agreement with SABIS Educational Services, Inc. (SES Inc.) to provide academic support and services. The school is a member of the SABIS Network.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Frankfurt International School is an IB World School serving students from First Steps (age 3) through Grade 12. The Primary and Elementary School follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) with Units of Inquiry. The Middle School (Grades 6–8) bridges PYP to the Diploma Programme, building the skills for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in the upper years. The High School delivers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), a two-year curriculum that leads to external examinations in May. The school operates on two campuses, Oberursel and Wiesbaden, delivering a consistent IB framework across the campuses. The programme emphasizes inquiry-based learning and a global-focused education.	Curriculum details ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main offers a traditional core college preparatory SABIS curriculum with non-sectarian, English-language instruction. A third language is studied starting in Grade 6. For graduation, the school offers the ISF High School Diploma, IGCSE (end of Grade 10 or Grade 11), IB Diploma Programme (IB World School since August 2007), Advanced Placement (AP Capstone Diploma or individual AP exams), and A-Level (end of Grade 13; offered until the 2008-2009 school year).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Oberursel campus average student-teacher ratio is 8:1. The Wiesbaden campus ratio is 7:1. The Elementary School at the Oberursel campus has a 9:1 student-teacher ratio.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Results of student performance are published each year. The IB Diploma Programme culminates in external examinations taken in May.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Upper School students receive college counseling to pursue higher education. Graduates gain admission to universities worldwide with counselor support. Graduates enroll at universities across Europe, North America, and beyond.	Higher education progression ISF provides a University & Careers Office to assist with university placement. Graduates have been admitted to universities worldwide, including institutions in Australia (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; University of Melbourne), Canada (University of British Columbia; McGill University; University of Ottawa; University of Toronto; University of Waterloo), Germany (RWTH Aachen; TH Aschaffenburg; University of Bayreuth; Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin; TU Darmstadt; Goethe University Frankfurt; Frankfurt School of Finance & Management; University of Mannheim; Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz), the United Kingdom (University of Cambridge; University of Oxford), and the United States among others.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Gifted students who volunteer or are selected by teachers are trained to become Shadow Teachers®. Shadow Teachers exist in each subject and grade level, learn material a week ahead of their classmates, and may lead the class under teacher's supervision.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Well-being and belonging are central to FIS, with programs to support the social, emotional and physical needs of students and adults from welcome through transition beyond FIS. All community members have the right to feel safe and secure, and differences are welcomed and valued. FIS is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and safe environment that creates a sense of belonging for all. The school's mission emphasizes developing intellect, creativity and character to become independent, adaptable global citizens within a culturally diverse community. English is the principal language of instruction, reinforcing an inclusive international community.	Social & emotional learning Advisory Classes start in Grade 4 with weekly sessions that provide a safe space to discuss topics important to students' lives, including health and well-being, IT safety, and cultural understanding. In the early years, topics include peer pressure, organizational skills, personal hygiene, health and exercise, conflict resolution, problem-solving, time management, and exam preparation techniques. Students have access to counselors who address personal and academic issues individually or in groups, supporting their social and emotional development. The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) offers clubs and activities that promote social engagement and teamwork. Health and wellness are supported by resident nurses who provide medical care during the school day and manage emergencies, as well as ongoing care for students with health needs.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) In-class support is provided by the homeroom teacher through a differentiated program. The Learning Support Team refers students requiring additional services to outside professionals, such as speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and educational psychologists. Speech therapy is offered at FIS, with in-school services available. Families are encouraged to communicate specific learning needs during the application process so individualized support can be planned. Learning support is integrated within the broader learning program to assist students as needed.	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support is an essential part of the SABIS Educational System. Student progress is monitored, and when learning gaps form, the school team—including teachers and administrators—works to fill the gaps through additional support channels at the school. The support is offered through teacher-led study groups and by assigning Prefects and Group Leaders to foster responsibility and engagement. The Academic Department of the SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) provides peer tutoring, Power Study Sessions, and academic competitions, as well as On-Demand Tutoring videos to support learning. These provisions help students access learning and achieve their academic goals.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the principal language of instruction at FIS. ESL services support non-native speakers to access the curriculum and develop language proficiency. The ESL department provides targeted language acquisition assistance to help students engage with all aspects of learning. Language development is integrated across the school to support diverse linguistic backgrounds.	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction. German is taught daily as either Regular German (based on the Hesse curriculum) or as Foreign Language German (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). The German program completes the main curriculum and reinforces what is taught in English and math, including colors, numbers, letters, and sounds. Celebrating the host country, the Primary School German program also incorporates traditional songs, rhymes, games, and festivals. German is offered as part of the core Primary School curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counselors support students' social-emotional development in all aspects of the school environment. They provide resources including referrals to external professionals such as educational psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language specialists. Enhanced Learning classes during the week, including Extended Homerooms, help students build social and emotional skills. The High School counseling department is designed to serve the unique needs of international students and their families.	Mental wellbeing Advisory Classes cover topics related to health and well-being, IT safety, cultural understanding, interview skills, and career counseling as students mature. Student Counseling is available to support students individually or in groups to address personal and academic issues and promote resilience. ISF has resident nurses who provide medical care during the school day, manage emergencies, and support students with ongoing health needs. The framework fosters mental wellbeing and social development through structured programs and access to guidance. These services help students cope with challenges and build coping skills.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is foundational to the school's operations. FIS acts in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, German law and guidance from the International Taskforce on Child Protection. Safeguarding is embedded across curriculum, facilities, professional development, parent education offerings and recruitment practices. The school leadership and counselors work in partnership with parents and students to promote safety and wellbeing. All employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors share responsibility for safeguarding; a designated Safeguarding Lead, Dr. Leila Holmyard, is available for further information.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Oberursel campus houses the Primary School, Elementary School and Upper School. It features the Stroth Center for Learning and Athletics as a central hub. An Arts, Science and Technology wing opened in 2007, followed by a state-of-the-art Auditorium in 2011. The campus began in 1961 with 120 students and now serves about 1,800 students. The Primary School is a purpose-built facility, and the campus includes multiple specialized spaces for younger learners and older students.	Facilities overview ISF is situated on a spacious campus. The campus includes state-of-the-art artificial sports fields and an all-season running track. There is a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool, a large and well-equipped sports hall, and two outdoor tennis courts. The theatre has professional-quality sound and lighting for drama and music productions. The library has two levels with books in English and German, plus Korean, French, and Spanish.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Upper School has two full-size fields used for soccer, rugby, baseball, and softball. The gym, located in the Stroth Center, has space for basketball and volleyball courts. PE classes for Elementary, Middle and High School are held in the gym. The Stroth Center for Learning and Athletics also houses a fitness center.	Sports facilities State-of-the-art artificial sports fields and an all-season running track are available. A semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool is on campus. A large, well-equipped sports hall supports indoor activities. Two outdoor tennis courts are provided. The facilities support physical education, team sports, and after-school athletic programs.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Upper School has multiple Design Technology labs. There are 9 3-D printers as part of the STEM program. The Upper School art labs are bright and open. A Makerspace Lab and a Commons area support hands-on design and collaboration. The Primary School Library contains more than 12,000 titles, and the Elementary School Library contains over 16,000 books.	Academic facilities Main classrooms for grades 1–12 are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards. There are two specialized art rooms and two music rooms, one for instrumental music and one for vocal music. Practice rooms support individual music lessons and choirs. The Science Department comprises three laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics, and two computer science rooms with modern equipment. The SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall has 120 computers for regular assessments.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Upper School offers extra-curricular activities and athletics. Organized clubs and service projects often lead to travel and exchanges in Europe and beyond. Band and orchestra rehearsal rooms support music ensembles.	Extra curricular facilities Student Life includes Clubs & Activities and the Student Life Organization (SLO). Sports are offered as part of the Student Life program. Music & Theater, Visual Arts, and Performing & Visual Arts are provided to enrich student experiences. Events and Trips, and Summer Camps provide additional opportunities. Community Service Projects are part of Student Life, and Meals & Transportation support daily needs.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History FIS was established in 1961 as a private, non-profit association. It was founded by six expatriate families to provide English-language education in the Frankfurt area. Shortly after opening, FIS became a founding International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The school operates on two campuses, Oberursel and Wiesbaden. English is the principal language of instruction, and the Upper School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.	History ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main was founded in 1995. It is a private school and a member of the SABIS Network. The school serves over 800 students from 50 countries and offers a full-day Kindergarten through Grade 12 program, with after-school care for Kindergarten to Grade 4. German is taught to native German speakers and to non-German students, with English, Korean, Japanese, French, and Spanish available as language programs. Students matriculate to universities in Germany and around the world.
Community	Community Community – students, parents, colleagues and alumni – is at the heart of Frankfurt International School. The school actively involves all members of the community and maintains a family-oriented mission. Beyond classroom learning, FIS offers after-school sport programs, involvement in performing arts, extended language studies, student and family trips beyond Germany. There are about 1,800 students from 60 nationalities on two campuses, supported by more than 300 faculty and staff, with an alumni network of over 3,000 connections.	Community ISF hosts students from more than 50 countries and supports a diverse international community. The school's multilingual setting helps non-German students learn German quickly, while German native speakers continue developing their language skills through a German curriculum aligned with regional standards. Students engage in daily life and activities within a nurturing, international environment that fosters personal growth. They have opportunities to develop life skills and leadership alongside their academic programs.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Parent involvement directly impacts learning and helps the school fulfill its mission of being a family-oriented international school. Parent involvement is encouraged on both the Oberursel and Wiesbaden campuses and is well supported through volunteer opportunities, the REAL Activities Program, and other social events. Join a parent group such as the Parent Teacher Group (PTG) on each campus, the Athletic Booster Club, or Supporters of the Performing Arts. Volunteer opportunities include PTG, Board of Trustees, Bookstore/Library Volunteers, Room Parents and Junior Warrior Coaches. The Campus Shop is staffed by parent volunteers.	Parent teacher association The Parent Network engages parents in ISF's community life. It creates a channel for open communication between parents and the school, welcomes new families, and helps them settle into their new environment. The Parent Network is comprised of elected board members, class representatives, and country representatives. It holds regular meetings with the School Director and sends emails and newsletters about activities and updates. The Network also hosts Casual Coffee meetings throughout the year. Through the Parent Network, ISF aims to foster healthy dialogue and create a positive and open environment that supports the learning experience for students, parents, teachers, and staff.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The REAL Activities Program offers hundreds of after‑school classes for students and adults, taught by FIS teachers and community instructors. Classes span music, dance, language, sports, STEM and arts, with public speaking and drama opportunities; the program runs three terms per year, each about 8–10 weeks, and includes Kids Club for before/after care.	Academic & intellectual ISF offers a wide range of clubs and activities during the school day and after school. There are 350-400 activities per week, including arts and crafts, dance, chess, choir, debating, drama, film, IT, drumming, and science. The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) is a student-led mini-society that drives academic and social activities and includes nine departments, such as Academic Support Programs, Outreach, and Social Responsibility. A weekly SLO period brings many activities into the classroom to support students' academic and personal development.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The REAL Program provides music, dance, language and other arts courses, and there is a Performing Arts Academy offering opportunities in drama and stage arts for Primary and Elementary students and adults alike.	Arts & creative Music & Theater, Visual Arts, and Performing & Visual Arts are part of ISF's Student Life. The weekly program features a broad range of activities, including arts and crafts, dance, chess, choir, drama, film, IT, and other creative pursuits. These offerings enable students to express themselves creatively and collaborate on performances and exhibitions. Activities are supported through dedicated Arts and Theater programs and gallery-style events as part of Student Life.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the principal language of instruction. Multi-language learning is supported across campuses, with a German/English bilingual program available on the Oberursel campus beginning in Grade 3.	Cultural & language ISF supports cultural awareness through events, trips, and an international student community. The school hosts events and trips as part of Student Life, and students come from over 50 countries on a campus described as state-of-the-art. The SABIS Student Life Organization runs Outreach and Spirit Day activities to welcome new students and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Through REAL Activities, younger students participate in after‑school classes in art, STEM, language and sports, with Kids Club providing childcare before or after activities.	Social & hobbies A broad spectrum of clubs and activities supports social engagement and personal interests, with 350-400 activities weekly including arts and crafts, dance, chess, choir, drama, and film. Social events and clubs are organized by the SLO, including a weekly SLO period that brings activities into the classroom. Students build friendships and explore hobbies through sports, arts, and cultural events coordinated by ISF.
Community & service	Community & service Student service groups are supervised by faculty and include initiatives such as Climate and Sustainability Club and Wilderness International, supporting local and global community projects.	Community & service Giving Back Initiatives include Earth Day and Environment Week, and ISF Kenya Project funds local and international charities. The Social Responsibility Department coordinates charity campaigns and volunteer activities as part of the SLO, along with monthly spirit days and ambassador programs to help new students integrate. ISF emphasizes service learning through Outreach activities and community projects.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Middle School provides leadership opportunities, student organizations, service groups and arts experiences. A Grade 11 Internship Program is part of FIS Career Hub offerings to support career development.	Leadership & professional The SABIS Student Life Organization is a student-led mini-society that empowers students to organize academic and social events, plan athletic activities, contribute to the Yearbook, start clubs, and raise awareness on important subjects. The SLO fosters leadership, problem-solving, sociability, critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and accountability as core life skills. A weekly SLO period integrates activities into the classroom to develop leadership and professional competencies.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Athletic program extends beyond the classroom; ISST participation and a Fitness Center are available, and well‑being and belonging initiatives are emphasized across the school.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Student Life emphasizes wellbeing and engagement as essential to development. ISF supports healthy lifestyles through Sports & Health events, intramural activities, and annual Run-a-thon charity events. The school offers a state-of-the-art campus and a diverse, international community to support students' physical and emotional wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the principal language of instruction, with English Language Acquisition support for learners new to English. German is taught, and a German/English bilingual program begins in Grade 3 on the Oberursel campus to provide more intensive German language learning. French and Spanish are offered as foreign languages. On the Wiesbaden campus, broader language offerings include second language studies in German and Spanish, third language studies in German, Spanish, French, Russian, Korean and Chinese depending on interest, and the Identity Language Program adds languages such as Italian, Swedish, Mandarin, Dutch, Danish, Japanese and Portuguese.	Language provision English and German are the languages of instruction for all students from Kindergarten through Grade 10. In Grade 6, French or Spanish are offered as additional language options. Korean is available for Korean native speakers, and Japanese is available from Grade 9 for Japanese native speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching A German/English bilingual program is available on the Oberursel campus beginning in Grade 3 to provide students with a more intensive German language learning experience.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches English and German to all students from Kindergarten through Grade 10.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs German-English bilingual program on the Oberursel campus begins in Grade 3, providing immersion in German language learning.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation; IB Organization (founding member) status; ECIS (Educational Collaborative for International Schools) founding member; AGIS (Association for German International International Schools) member.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Applications should be submitted soon after January 1, prior to the beginning of a new school year. An earlier application, together with a strong educational background, increases the chances of accommodating your family's needs. Some applicants may wait a year or longer to gain admission. Review General Student Application Information to understand the priority system and waiting lists, and how admission decisions are timed. 2. To apply for admission, complete the online application. When completing the online admission process, upload the following documents: copy of student passport or birth certificate; completed FIS Student Medical Record with immunization history; school transcripts for the past two years (in English); one passport-sized photograph of the student; Student Recommendation Form for Grade 1–12; standardized testing results if available; psycho-educational report if applicable. 3. Age requirements guide eligibility: First Steps must be three years old before 1 September; Pre-Primary must be four before 1 September; Primary must be five before 1 September; Grade 1 must have turned six before 1 September. English Language Acquisition (ELA) support is available for non-native speakers; the school accepts beginning English speakers through Grade 8, and Grade 9 requires an intermediate level with an ELA placement test to assess suitability. 4. Learning support is limited; learning support eligibility is assessed through an early application with a recent psycho-educational evaluation and related documents, and any medical/testing needs should be noted on the application. German passport holders may need an Ausnahmegenehmigung (special permit) to enroll, with related information and forms available for download or request from the admissions office. 5. Decision timing and the waiting process: a decision cannot be made until all required records and documents are submitted. Most applicants receive admission decisions in April through June, and the school will not have final vacancy numbers until near the end of the current school year. Completed applications received during the school year generally receive a decision within one week. 6. Transfers and partnerships: current FIS/FISW students can transfer between campuses, which may occur at the end of the school year and require submission before 1 April for consideration for the following school year. The Corporate Partnership Program exists with designated spaces for families from partner organizations, and inquiries can be directed to the Head of School. 7. Contact and next steps: the Admissions Office provides ongoing guidance through Alec Aspinwall (Director of Admissions and Advancement) and Patricia Dange (Admissions Assistant).	Admissions To initiate admissions, ISF must receive the completed enrollment documents. There is no application deadline; admissions should be initiated in late winter or early spring for the next school year. Applications are accepted throughout the school year until the beginning of May, subject to the availability of spaces. Applicants must provide current school records including transcripts, any test or exam results from the previous two years, and any psychological/neurological evaluations, and submit these forms to the registrar at the start of the admissions process. A final admissions decision cannot be made without this information. Admissions Checklist: contact for more information; schedule a school visit and tour; complete and return enrollment contract, Student Medical Form, copy of birth certificate or passport, and copy of school reports from the previous two years (if applicable); schedule placement tests (before or after enrollment); schedule a day visit (optional). Up to Grade 7 (and Grade 8 at the beginning of the school year) no knowledge of English is required for admission. For all grades no knowledge of German is required.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Tuition Reduction Program (TRP) offers partial or full tuition reductions to ensure international and social diversity and to make FIS accessible to students who would otherwise be unable to attend due to limited family income. Applications must be reviewed before the school year begins; they require detailed financial information and a copy of the parents' tax return. Eligibility includes meeting admission criteria, having a demonstrated need for an international education, and at least one parent employed in the Frankfurt Rhine‑Main area; a maximum of two students per family may receive a reduction; reductions are granted for one year and are reviewed annually. Levels of support are based on the family's gross annual income. The TRP selection is conducted by a committee, and decisions are communicated within a defined timetable (applications must be received by 1 May for the current year; decisions are made by mid‑June). Separate TRP applications are required for each student; confidentiality is maintained. Need-based scholarships through the TRP are designed to enable students to remain at FIS and to admit new students who could not otherwise afford the education.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist A waiting list is used due to high demand. A student's position on the waiting list can change if higher-priority applications are received, and there is no guarantee of a space opening during the school year. Applicants can express interest to be considered for the following school year if acceptance in the current year is not offered.	Waitlist —
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