Frankfurt International School vs SIS Swiss International School Frankfurt

	F Frankfurt International School Frankfurt, Germany	S SIS Swiss International School Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €11,590 - 31,365	Fees / year €1,680 - 14,400
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, German Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 1961	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
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 Located in Oberursel, Germany, SIS Frankfurt is at An den Drei Hasen 34-36, 61440 Oberursel. It is a few minutes' drive from the financial metropolis of Frankfurt. The campus features classrooms and special-purpose rooms equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. The school emphasizes international education with local insight.
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 Bilingual Reception Programme; Primary School; and Secondary School (7-10) and (11-13). Subjects are taught in German and English; bilingualism is not a prerequisite for admission.
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 State-approved Ersatzschule; private day school financed by a combination of school fees and state subsidies.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 60 nationalities represented; approximately 1,800 students from age 3 to Grade 12.	Pupil nationality mix 82 enrolled students; 15+ nationalities.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany	Country affiliation Switzerland; part of the SIS Swiss International School network.
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 Day school with supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; exact lesson and supervision times vary between the different school levels.
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 —
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 Overview of fee structure - SIS Frankfurt charges income-based school fees that cover instruction, study time and supervision from 07:30 to 16:00. Tuition rates and a one-time entrance fee vary by gross family income and by school level (Primary School with Reception Programme and Secondary School, Grade 5). Application / one-time entrance fee - A one-time entrance fee is charged at contract signing and is non-refundable. The amount depends on gross family income and on school level. Examples by income band (entrance fee): - Gross family income up to EUR 20,000: Primary EUR 212; Secondary (Grade 5) EUR 223. - EUR 20,001–30,000: Primary EUR 424; Secondary EUR 445. - EUR 30,001–40,000: Primary EUR 636; Secondary EUR 668. - EUR 40,001–50,000: Primary EUR 795; Secondary EUR 835. - EUR 50,001–60,000: Primary EUR 954; Secondary EUR 1,002. - EUR 60,001–70,000: Primary EUR 1,060; Secondary EUR 1,113. - EUR 70,001–80,000: Primary EUR 1,166; Secondary EUR 1,224. - EUR 80,001–90,000: Primary EUR 1,272; Secondary EUR 1,336. - EUR 90,001–100,000: Primary EUR 1,378; Secondary EUR 1,447. - EUR 100,001–110,000: Primary EUR 1,378; Secondary EUR 1,447. - EUR 110,001–120,000: Primary EUR 1,378; Secondary EUR 1,447. - EUR 120,001–130,000: Primary EUR 1,378; Secondary EUR 1,447. - EUR 130,001–140,000: Primary EUR 1,378; Secondary EUR 1,447. - EUR 140,001–150,000: Primary EUR 1,378; Secondary EUR 1,447. - EUR 150,001–250,000: Primary EUR 1,378; Secondary EUR 1,447. - EUR 250,001 and above: Primary EUR 1,378; Secondary EUR 1,447. Tuition fees by income band — Primary School (with Reception Programme) - Fees are published as monthly averages. Per-term (semester) amounts are calculated as monthly × 6; annual amounts are monthly × 12. The monthly tuition rates (Primary) by gross family income are: - Up to EUR 20,000: monthly EUR 140 → per semester EUR 840 → per year EUR 1,680. - EUR 20,001–30,000: monthly EUR 281 → per semester EUR 1,686 → per year EUR 3,372. - EUR 30,001–40,000: monthly EUR 424 → per semester EUR 2,544 → per year EUR 5,088. - EUR 40,001–50,000: monthly EUR 566 → per semester EUR 3,396 → per year EUR 6,792. - EUR 50,001–60,000: monthly EUR 641 → per semester EUR 3,846 → per year EUR 7,692. - EUR 60,001–70,000: monthly EUR 736 → per semester EUR 4,416 → per year EUR 8,832. - EUR 70,001–80,000: monthly EUR 826 → per semester EUR 4,956 → per year EUR 9,912. - EUR 80,001–90,000: monthly EUR 895 → per semester EUR 5,370 → per year EUR 10,740. - EUR 90,001–100,000: monthly EUR 963 → per semester EUR 5,778 → per year EUR 11,556. - EUR 100,001–110,000: monthly EUR 1,035 → per semester EUR 6,210 → per year EUR 12,420. - EUR 110,001–120,000: monthly EUR 1,092 → per semester EUR 6,552 → per year EUR 13,104. - EUR 120,001–130,000: monthly EUR 1,114 → per semester EUR 6,684 → per year EUR 13,368. - EUR 130,001–140,000: monthly EUR 1,204 → per semester EUR 7,224 → per year EUR 14,448. - EUR 140,001–150,000: monthly EUR 1,261 → per semester EUR 7,566 → per year EUR 15,132. - EUR 150,001–250,000: monthly EUR 1,348 → per semester EUR 8,088 → per year EUR 16,176. - EUR 250,001 and above: monthly EUR 1,420 → per semester EUR 8,520 → per year EUR 17,040. Tuition fees by income band — Secondary School (Grade 5) - Monthly tuition rates (Secondary, Grade 5) by gross family income and corresponding per-semester and per-year totals: - Up to EUR 20,000: monthly EUR 142 → per semester EUR 852 → per year EUR 1,704. - EUR 20,001–30,000: monthly EUR 289 → per semester EUR 1,734 → per year EUR 3,468. - EUR 30,001–40,000: monthly EUR 434 → per semester EUR 2,604 → per year EUR 5,208. - EUR 40,001–50,000: monthly EUR 577 → per semester EUR 3,462 → per year EUR 6,924. - EUR 50,001–60,000: monthly EUR 651 → per semester EUR 3,906 → per year EUR 7,812. - EUR 60,001–70,000: monthly EUR 752 → per semester EUR 4,512 → per year EUR 9,024. - EUR 70,001–80,000: monthly EUR 844 → per semester EUR 5,064 → per year EUR 10,128. - EUR 80,001–90,000: monthly EUR 909 → per semester EUR 5,454 → per year EUR 10,908. - EUR 90,001–100,000: monthly EUR 984 → per semester EUR 5,904 → per year EUR 11,808. - EUR 100,001–110,000: monthly EUR 1,056 → per semester EUR 6,336 → per year EUR 12,672. - EUR 110,001–120,000: monthly EUR 1,114 → per semester EUR 6,684 → per year EUR 13,368. - EUR 120,001–130,000: monthly EUR 1,169 → per semester EUR 7,014 → per year EUR 14,028. - EUR 130,001–140,000: monthly EUR 1,229 → per semester EUR 7,374 → per year EUR 14,748. - EUR 140,001–150,000: monthly EUR 1,262 → per semester EUR 7,572 → per year EUR 15,144. - EUR 150,001–250,000: monthly EUR 1,373 → per semester EUR 8,238 → per year EUR 16,476. - EUR 250,001 and above: monthly EUR 1,440 → per semester EUR 8,640 → per year EUR 17,280. Optional and additional fees - Hot lunch programme: EUR 109 per month for all grade levels (charged as a lump sum monthly fee). - After School Care (optional, subject to demand): two typical options charged per weekday booked (monthly): EUR 32 for 16:00–17:00; EUR 50 for 16:00–18:00. Booked weekdays are fixed for a semester. - Textbooks: costs for textbooks are included in the tuition fees. - Class trips, excursions and similar activity costs are not covered by the tuition fees and are charged separately. - Administrative fee for changing invoice arrangements: EUR 50 per invoice (or per invoice line within collective invoices). Sibling discount - A sibling discount of 10% is applied to tuition fees for the second or third child enrolled. The one-time entrance fee, hot lunch fees and other additional services are excluded from this discount. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are expressed as monthly average rates based on 12 months per year (or 6 months per semester). Payments are due for 12 months per year, including holidays. Payment of fees must be made one semester in advance. For monthly payment arrangements there is a surcharge of 3% on each payment. Parents who pay in advance for the full school year receive a 2% discount. If the required family income evaluation form and supporting documents are not submitted on time, the maximum entrance fee and school fee will be charged. Boarding - Boarding is not provided; the school operates as a day school with supervision and care during the stated daily hours. Refunds and cancellations - The one-time entrance fee is non-refundable. Other refund terms (for partial attendance, early contract termination or other circumstances) are governed by the school contract and related agreements. The fee schedule notes that detailed, legally binding modalities are set out in the school contract. Fee payment options - The school arranges the specific mode of payment with each family; changes to the chosen payment method incur an administrative fee. Accepted payment methods are confirmed directly by the school when setting up fees and invoices. (Values and terms above correspond to the published fee schedule for the school year and to the documented billing and payment rules.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
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 Lunch is offered. The school provides lunch, homework supervision, before and after school care, flexible drop-off and pick-up times, and a variety of after-school activities.
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 The school is state-approved private school financed by a combination of school fees and state subsidies.
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 SIS Frankfurt delivers a bilingual English–German curriculum from Reception through secondary school. The Reception Programme (ages 5–7) is bilingual and full-day (7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.), with English- and German-speaking teachers alternating. Primary School is based on the Hessian core curriculum, supplemented by SIS bilingual reading and writing, with maths and social studies taught in both languages; two teachers per class rotate instruction to immerse students in a bilingual environment. Primary School provides a full-day concept (7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.) with homework supervision and after-school clubs, and uses varied lessons with tablets and notebooks. The Secondary School (7–10) is bilingual and follows a state curriculum, with the Mittlerer Schulabschluss after Year 10 and regular benchmarking tests in mathematics, German and English. In Years 11–13, SIS Frankfurt offers Abitur and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, including a possible double diploma path, and the IBDP is a globally recognised university entrance qualification for higher education in English-speaking countries; SIS Frankfurt is a state-approved Ersatzschule.
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 From Year 3 of primary school, benchmarking tests in mathematics, German and English are taken and results are described as good on a regular basis. Results are communicated transparently to parents and form the basis for individual objectives discussed in parent consultations twice a year.
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 The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a globally recognised university entrance qualification and provides preparation for higher education in English-speaking countries. Students can graduate with Abitur or the IB Diploma, or both via a double-diploma path.
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 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 The school provides a safe and supportive atmosphere and a nurturing, open, and multicultural learning environment that supports students' social and emotional development.
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) —
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 Subjects are taught in German and English; bilingual from day one from Reception through to college, with German- and English-native-speaking educators.
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 The school maintains a safe and supportive environment for student wellbeing.
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 The school is located in Oberursel, a few minutes from the financial metropolis of Frankfurt. The classrooms and special-purpose rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. The school fosters a sense of community through cross-class projects and theme weeks. It operates as a day school with a bilingual education model and continuity from kindergarten to college.
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 —
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 The school provides a bilingual experience with English and German instruction. The classrooms and special-purpose rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. The education emphasizes continuity from kindergarten through to college. Learning is enhanced by technology to support student achievement.
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 Lunch, homework supervision, before and after school care, and flexible drop-off and pick-up times are available. A variety of after-school activities and clubs are offered.
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 —
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 SIS Frankfurt fosters a sense of community through projects across class groups and various theme weeks. It is located in Oberursel, a short drive from Frankfurt, with classrooms and spaces equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. The school has 82 enrolled students and more than 15 nationalities, reflecting an international community. Bilingual Experience and a Day School Community are core aspects of the student learning experience, supporting diverse learning needs.
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 —
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 The school offers a bilingual English–German curriculum from reception through secondary, with German- and English-speaking teachers alternating to anchor both languages. Primary instruction follows the Hessian core curriculum and is supplemented by elements of the British educational system, with bilingual reading and writing in German and English. The secondary school is bilingual, with equal importance given to English and German; subjects are usually taught in one language per year, while ensuring terminology and learning are developed in both languages. There is continuity from kindergarten to college, and learning is enhanced by technology; benchmarking tests in mathematics, German and English help track progress.
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 Art and sports are integral parts of the school routine. The school provides spaces such as a gymnasium and outdoor areas to support diverse activities. Extracurricular offerings complement daily learning with clubs and activities after school.
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 English and German are given equal importance as languages of instruction and interaction in the bilingual environment. In the early years, the reception programme is bilingual from day one, with German- and English-speaking teachers alternating. Primary instruction combines the Hessian core curriculum with bilingual reading and writing across subjects, fostering language development in both German and English. The school emphasizes international education with local insight and cross-grade activities to promote cultural awareness and global citizenship.
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 The school offers lunch, homework supervision, and before- and after-school care, with a full-day concept that includes supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. After 4 p.m., children can participate in after-school clubs, read, play, or rest. Extracurricular activities provide a varied school day and opportunities to socialize across age groups.
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 The school fosters a sense of community through projects across class groups and theme weeks. Students learn within an international community, with spaces and activities that support cross-grade collaboration and global citizenship. The school regularly collaborates in signature events and activities that involve SIS schools around the globe to broaden community engagement.
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 SIS Student Exchange Programme offers students unique opportunities to immerse themselves in different cultures and develop independence, adaptability, and communication skills, with exchanges in Brazil, Germany and Switzerland. Participating students gain global awareness and broaden career and university prospects, supported by a global SIS network. The program provides a structured pathway for personal growth and leadership development through international experience.
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 A full-day concept supports families with care from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with lessons from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and after-school clubs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The school offers well-equipped spaces, including a gymnasium and imaginative outdoor areas, to encourage physical activity. The environment is described as safe and supportive, with emphasis on intellectual and personal development, and sports and arts are integrated into the daily routine.
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 German and English are the two school languages taught across all levels. The curriculum supports language development in both German and English with a bilingual reading and writing curriculum in the Primary School. Primary education follows the Hessian core curriculum, and Secondary School leads to the German Abitur and may offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
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 From Reception Programme through to Secondary School, SIS Frankfurt offers bilingual education. Subjects are taught in German and English at all levels. From day one, instruction is delivered bilingually by native German and English-speaking teachers. Secondary School prepares students for the German Abitur and, optionally, the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs German-English bilingual program on the Oberursel campus begins in Grade 3, providing immersion in German language learning.	Immersion programs Immersion is central to instruction, with a bilingual Reception Programme where English and German are taught by rotating teachers. In Primary School, each class has a German-speaking and an English-speaking teacher, delivering instruction in both languages daily. Core subjects, including mathematics and social studies, are taught in both languages, reinforcing bilingual fluency.
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 Registration is accepted all year round. The enrolment process comprises four steps: submitting the Registration Form; a consultation with the school management; trial days; and signing the school contract. If there is no place in the relevant grade, the child's name can be added to the waiting list. Admission is possible all year round and applies to Kindergarten, Reception Programme, Primary School, Secondary School (7-10), Secondary School (11-13), Secondary School and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Most children are enrolled in the spring, between February and April, so they can start the new school year in August or September. There is no entrance examination for admission. Students learn German and English by immersion, with language support available as needed.
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 If there is currently no place available in the corresponding grade, the child's name can be added to the waiting list.
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