Pestalozzi Schule and Scuola Italiana Cristoforo Colombo are both in Buenos Aires, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer Bespoke programmes, and Pestalozzi Schule also offers IB and German. Published annual fees are ARS 6,494,070 - 12,436,490 at Pestalozzi Schule and ARS 9,100,000 - 12,700,000 at Scuola Italiana Cristoforo Colombo, which puts Scuola Italiana Cristoforo Colombo roughly 15% higher. Both take pupils from 2 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 1,200 and 1,200 pupils.
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Pestalozzi Schule
Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Scuola Italiana Cristoforo Colombo
Buenos Aires, Argentina
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year ARS 6,494,070 - 12,436,490 | Fees / year ARS 9,100,000 - 12,700,000 |
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Age range
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Age range 2 - 18 years | Age range 2 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum | Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 1,200 | Pupils 1,200 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 25 | Typical class size — |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language Spanish, German | Instruction language Italian, Spanish, English |
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Opened
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Opened 1934 | Opened 1952 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Freire 1882, C1428CYB Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Pestalozzi-Schule is a German international school located in Buenos Aires. It serves Kindergarten through Secondary education within a bicultural context. It is part of the network of German Auslandsschulen supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. | Location Ramsay 2251, Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina. |
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Stages
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Stages Kindergarten; Primary (Primarstufe); Secondary (Sekundarstufe) | Stages Initial (early years); Primary; Secondary (1st year); Secondary (2nd year). |
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School type
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School type The school is a bilingual, bicultural, non-denominational German international school offering Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary education. | School type Italian paritarian, bicultural and bilingual school. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix Open to students of all nationalities; approximately 90% of students are Argentine. |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support — | Additional learning support Study support and remediation; assistance for learning difficulties with personalized didactic plans (PDP) and, where applicable, individualized educational plans (PEI or PPI). |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation Germany; supported under the Auslandsschulgesetz and part of the network of German overseas schools. | Country affiliation Italian school abroad; recognized by Argentina and Italy. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation Non-denominational; not affiliated with any religion. | Religious affiliation Secular orientation. |
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School day structure
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School day structure Primary and Secondary education are full-day. | School day structure Optional after-school English classes extend the day twice weekly. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details No school bus service provided by the school; third-party providers; families apply directly to bus providers; the school verifies compliance with norms and collects required documents. | Bus service details — |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Schulgeld (Übersicht) - Kindergarten (2–5 Jahre): Monatsrate ARS 590,370. Die Zahlung erfolgt in 11 Raten pro Jahr (Februar bis Dezember). - Zusätzlicher Nachmittagsunterricht (optional, monatlich): 4‑Jährige (an 2 Nachmittagen): ARS 147,610 zusätzlich pro Monat. 5‑Jährige (an 4 Nachmittagen): ARS 295,220 zusätzlich pro Monat. Diese Zusatzbeträge werden ebenfalls in den monatlichen Raten abgerechnet. - Primarstufe (1.–6. Klasse): Monatsrate ARS 949,100. Zahlung in 11 Raten pro Jahr (Februar bis Dezember). - Sekundarstufe (7.–12. Klasse): Monatsrate ARS 1,130,590. Zahlung in 11 Raten pro Jahr (Februar bis Dezember). Für das optionale International Baccalaureate-Programm wird zusätzlich eine Programmpauschale von USD 2,106 für die Gesamtdauer des Programms (zwei Jahre) erhoben. - Jahresbeträge (berechnet aus den angegebenen Monatsraten × 11): - Kindergarten: ARS 6,494,070 pro Jahr (590,370 × 11). - Primarstufe: ARS 10,440,100 pro Jahr (949,100 × 11). - Sekundarstufe: ARS 12,436,490 pro Jahr (1,130,590 × 11). - Zusatz-Nachmittagsunterricht Jahreskosten (wenn angewendet): 4‑Jährige ARS 1,623,710 (147,610 × 11); 5‑Jährige ARS 3,247,420 (295,220 × 11). Anmeldegebühr (Reserva de Vacante) - Für neue Schüler: eine Monatsrate des geltenden Schulgeldes zuzüglich einer halben Monatsrate als Verwaltungsgebühr (Summe = 1,5 Monatsraten). - Für derzeitige Schüler, Geschwister von Schülern oder Kinder von Alumni: eine Monatsrate (keine Geschwisterermäßigung auf diese Gebühr). Rückerstattung der Anmeldegebühr - Werden formelle oder pädagogische Voraussetzungen nicht erfüllt, stehen gezahlte Anmeldegebühren den Eltern ab dem ersten Werktag im März des betreffenden Schuljahres zur Verfügung, sofern keine Schulschulden bestehen; die Verwaltungsgebühr ist nicht rückerstattungsfähig. - Bei Rücktritt nach Zahlung der Anmeldegebühr: Schüler der Schule erhalten Rückerstattung innerhalb von zehn (10) Tagen nach schriftlicher Mitteilung, wenn diese Mitteilung vor dem 30. November des Vorjahres erfolgt; neue Schüler erhalten keine Rückerstattung. Rechnungs- und Zahlungsplan / Zahlungsbedingungen - Das Jahresschulgeld wird in 11 aufeinanderfolgenden Monatsraten von Februar bis Dezember bezahlt. Zahlungen sind nach Rechnungsstellung fällig. - Akzeptierte Zahlungsarten und Verfahren: - ICBC (Einzahlung am Bankschalter mit Barcode der Rechnung; Banküberweisung; Bargeldeinzahlung; Scheck; E‑Scheck). Eltern müssen Zahlungsnachweis unter Angabe der Familien- oder Rechnungsnummer an administration@pestalozzi.edu.ar oder an den Benutzer Administración in Phidias senden. - Bank Galicia (integrierter Inkassoservice über Selbstbedienungskassen / Filialkassen mit Angabe der Familiennummer; Bargeld und Schecks werden akzeptiert; Schecks werden erst nach Gutschrift als schuldbefreiend anerkannt). - Bankeinzug von einem argentinischen Giro- oder Sparkonto (Lastschrift) ist möglich; die Belastung erfolgt ab der nächsten Abrechnungsperiode am Fälligkeitstag der Rechnung. Antrag beim Verwaltungsbüro erforderlich. - Überweisungen aus dem Ausland: Deutsche Bank Hamburg mit Angabe von Kontodaten und IBAN/BIC (spezifische Angaben sind für Auslandsüberweisungen vorgesehen). Aus Sicherheitsgründen werden in der Schulverwaltung keine Barzahlungen angenommen. Skonto / Nachlässe - Skonto bei pünktlicher Zahlung wird auf die Anmeldegebühr für das folgende Schuljahr angerechnet; die Höhe richtet sich nach der pünktlichen Zahlung der Rechnungen. Im Kindergarten bis zu 55% Skonto; in Primar- und Sekundarstufe bis zu 100% möglich. Der Skonto wird vorbehaltlich fristgerechter Vorlage des Schulvertrags für das Folgejahr gewährt. - Geschwisternachlässe (gültig für Familien mit mehr als einem Kind): 2. Kind 15% Nachlass; 3. Kind 50% Nachlass; 4. Kind 80% Nachlass; 5. Kind 95% Nachlass. Kein Nachlass auf die Anmeldegebühr. Zusätzliche und optionale Kosten - Nicht im Schulgeld inbegriffen (können separat berechnet werden): Klassenfahrten, Zeltlager, Ausflüge, Prüfungsanmeldungen (z. B. Cambridge English: FCE / CAE), Schüleraustauschprogramme (z. B. mit Deutschland), Gebühren für das IB‑Diplomprogramm (Programmpauschale in USD wie oben genannt) sowie Dienstleistungen Dritter wie Schulkantine, Schulbus und weiterer Fremdanbieter. - Im Schulgeld inbegriffen sind: sportliche Tätigkeiten (Training, Wettbewerbe), Versicherungsschutz zur Fortsetzung der schulischen Laufbahn und Materialien im Kindergarten. Es werden grundsätzlich keine zusätzlichen obligatorischen Schulgebühren erhoben, außer den genannten optionalen Aktivitäten und Diensten Dritter. - Schuluniform: eine Beschreibung der benötigten Uniformteile ist vorgegeben; Uniformen sind über zugelassene Verkaufsstellen (z. B. Orca Colegial, Juvenilia) erhältlich (Preise werden von den Verkaufsstellen festgelegt). Boarding - Boarding wird nicht angeboten; es sind keine Wohnheimplätze oder Boardinggebühren ausgewiesen. Kurzfassung der wichtigsten Zahlungsdaten (faktisch) - Monatsraten: Kindergarten ARS 590,370; Primarstufe ARS 949,100; Sekundarstufe ARS 1,130,590. - Jahreszahlung: in 11 monatlichen Raten (Februar–Dezember). - Anmeldegebühr: Neue Schüler 1,5 Monatsraten; interne Schüler/Geschwister/Alumni-Kinder 1 Monatsrate; Rückerstattungsregeln wie oben beschrieben. - Zahlungsarten: lokale Bankeinzahlung/Überweisung/Lastschrift, Scheck, ausländische Überweisung über Deutsche Bank (IBAN/BIC). (Ende der Gebührenübersicht) | Fee details Application / matrícula (inscripción / reinscripción) - Derecho de inscripción / matrícula anual por nivel (opciones y vencimientos): - Pago anticipado hasta 20/11/2025 (1 pago o en 4 cuotas según adhesión): - ARS 910,000 — Nivel Inicial. - ARS 1,036,000 — Primaria 1º grado. - ARS 1,125,000 — Primaria 2º a 5º grado. - ARS 1,190,000 — Media. - ARS 1,270,000 — Liceo. - Pago único con vencimiento 22/12/2025: - ARS 982,800 — Inicial. - ARS 1,119,000 — Primaria 1º grado. - ARS 1,215,000 — Primaria 2º a 5º grado. - ARS 1,285,000 — Media. - ARS 1,372,000 — Liceo. - Pago único posterior al 22/12/2025: - ARS 1,047,000 — Inicial. - ARS 1,192,000 — Primaria 1º grado. - ARS 1,294,000 — Primaria 2º a 5º grado. - ARS 1,369,000 — Media. - ARS 1,460,000 — Liceo. - Modalidades de pago de la matrícula: - Pago en 1 (un) pago. - Pago en 4 (cuatro) cuotas (solo si la familia está adherida a débito directo en cuenta bancaria o a débito automático de tarjeta de crédito). Vencimientos previstos para las 4 cuotas: 20/11/2025 – 22/12/2025 – 05/01/2026 – 05/02/2026. Tuición / aranceles mensuales y anual por nivel (modelo 2026) - El arancel se cobra en 10 cuotas mensuales consecutivas (marzo a diciembre). El importe mensual anunciado para marzo 2026 aplica al modelo de 10 cuotas; el total anual corresponde a 10 veces la cuota mensual. - Cuota mensual (1er vencimiento de marzo 2026) y total anual (10 cuotas): - Inicial: ARS 910,000 por mes — ARS 9,100,000 por año. - Primaria 1º grado: ARS 1,036,000 por month — ARS 10,360,000 por año. - Primaria 2º a 5º grado: ARS 1,125,000 por month — ARS 11,250,000 por año. - Media: ARS 1,190,000 por month — ARS 11,900,000 por año. - Liceo: ARS 1,270,000 por month — ARS 12,700,000 por año. - Los aranceles anunciados son únicos e indivisibles e incluyen el plan de estudios y las actividades extraprogramáticas obligatorias; no incluyen actividades optativas o servicios adicionales que se facturan aparte. Fechas de facturación y vencimientos (2026) - Modelo de vencimientos mensuales (cada factura contiene dos fechas indicadas): - Marzo: 1º vencimiento 10/03 — 2º vencimiento 20/03. - Abril: 1º vencimiento 10/04 — 2º vencimiento 20/04. - Mayo: 1º vencimiento 11/05 — 2º vencimiento 20/05. - Junio: 1º vencimiento 10/06 — 2º vencimiento 22/06. - Julio: 1º vencimiento 10/07 — 2º vencimiento 20/07. - Agosto: 1º vencimiento 10/08 — 2º vencimiento 20/08. - Septiembre: 1º vencimiento 10/09 — 2º vencimiento 21/09. - Octubre: 1º vencimiento 13/10 — 2º vencimiento 20/10. - Noviembre: 1º vencimiento 10/11 — 2º vencimiento 23/11. - Diciembre: 1º vencimiento 10/12 — 2º vencimiento 21/12. - Mora y recargos: cuotas pagadas fuera de vencimiento sufrirán recargo según la tasa de interés resarcitoria establecida por AFIP (art. 37 Ley N° 11.683 y modificatorias), más un 1% por gastos administrativos sobre el total adeudado. El incumplimiento grave (por ejemplo, tres cuotas consecutivas impagas tras intimación) puede facultar a la Asociación a gestionar la continuidad o solicitud de vacantes ante la autoridad educativa correspondiente. Bonificaciones y condiciones especiales - Bonificaciones por cantidad de hijos (aplican sobre los aranceles escolares pero no sobre la matrícula ni actividades optativas): - 1er hijo: sin bonificación. - 2do hijo: 10% de bonificación. - 3er hijo: 25% de bonificación. - 4to hijo y siguientes: 40% de bonificación. - Bonificaciones aplicables a ex-alumnos para matrícula de nuevos inscriptos según condiciones especiales anunciadas por la institución. Actividades, comedores, uniformes y otros costos adicionales - Actividades optativas y servicios no incluidos en la cuota: natación, actividades extraprogramáticas optativas (a partir de ciertos niveles), campamentos, salidas educativas y materiales; estos servicios se facturan aparte y sus valores se informan y facturan en comunicaciones específicas. - Comedor: existe servicio de comedor escolar gestionado por proveedor externo (Cooks S.R.L.); su menú y organización se comunican y la contratación/uso del servicio implica costos adicionales fuera del arancel escolar. - Uniforme: el uniforme es de uso obligatorio según el nivel; se han anunciado cambios y opciones deportivas para varios niveles. Los artículos del uniforme se adquieren en proveedores autorizados (La Boutique, Juvenilia u otros proveedores informados). El costo del uniforme es variable según los artículos adquiridos y se abona por separado. Boarding / pensión - Boarding / servicios de internado: no aplicable. La escuela no presenta oferta de internado/convivencia residencial dentro de su estructura de servicios facturados en el arancel. Política de devoluciones y revocación - Derecho de revocación: la aceptación del contrato puede ser revocada sin cargo dentro de los 10 días posteriores a su aceptación, con devolución del importe según lo previsto. - Devolución de la matrícula: el plazo para solicitar devolución de la matrícula y reintegro del monto abonado a valores históricos finaliza el 19/12/2025 para el ciclo 2026; a partir de esa fecha no se aceptan solicitudes ni se realizarán devoluciones, salvo que el desistimiento sea decidida por la institución (en cuyo caso se reintegra la totalidad). Medios de pago aceptados y restricciones - Medios aceptados: - Débito en cuenta (caja de ahorro o cuenta corriente) mediante adhesión. - Débito automático de tarjeta de crédito (Visa y Mastercard) mediante adhesión. - Pagomiscuentas (rubricado en IEDV — nombre en el sistema: "Scuola Cristof Colombo" — al ingresar el número de familia colocar 00 delante, p. ej. 001111). - Pago por ventanilla en Banco Galicia (informando número de familia). - Pago por ventanilla en Banco BBVA Francés con factura. - No se aceptan pagos en efectivo en la escuela ni transferencias bancarias directas al establecimiento. Las familias que no utilicen medios automáticos deben cargar el comprobante en el sistema indicado por la administración para agilizar la conciliación de pagos. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for all students. Kindergarten wear a dark-blue tracksuit with a red stripe (winter); a sweatshirt with a short zipper and a kangaroo pocket bearing the school logo; dark-blue gabardine shorts (summer); a white pique T‑shirt or polo with the school logo; and sneakers with socks. Primary wear a white top (white lab coat) and closed shoes or sneakers with plain socks; Secondary wear dark-blue jeans in good condition with a white logo T‑shirt or polo and a logo hoodie with plain socks. For physical education, a sport uniform is worn: a dark-blue tracksuit with a red stripe and a logoed top, with summer options including a logo skirt or shorts for girls and a logo T‑shirt; optional Dry-Fit top; sneakers and plain socks are required. | Uniform requirement Divisa Scolastica 2025/2026: The Primary School uniform is simplified to the sport model; The Secondary School retains the two current models. Uniform items include cotton T-shirts and tank tops; an elastic-waist skirt or trousers (dry-fit and/or acrocel options); a crew-neck fleece (pull-over) option without a zipper. Uniforms can be purchased at La Boutique (Juramento 1349; Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00; Sat 10:00–13:30; Phone: 11-3096-2535) and Juvenilia (Juramento 2942; Phone: 11-4896-0086). |
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Food options
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Food options The school cafeteria is run by Cook's S.R.L. Kindergarten meals are eaten in their own building under teacher supervision; the main course is served in portions. In Primarstufe, lunch is self-service, and Secondary students may purchase meals at a kiosk in their area. The menu is balanced and prepared daily with high-quality ingredients; diet meals are available on request with medical certification. | Food options Buffet: Bar located in the ex Cortile Rosso; operates as directed by the City's Health Ministry and the Education Ministry. Mensa: The school's meal service is provided by Cooks S.R.L. |
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House system
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House system — | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership The Pestalozzi School was founded in 1934 and is governed by the Asociación Cultural Pestalozzi, a nonprofit association led by a parent-student school council. It is supported by Germany under the Foreign School Act and is part of the network of over 135 German overseas schools. It was designated an Excellent German Overseas School (2010; renewed 2016 and 2024) and has been recognized as a MINT-friendly school since 2014 (renewed in 2024). | Governance and ownership Founded in 1952, the Associazione Culturale Italiana Cristoforo Colombo is the legal and administrative managing body of the School; it is a non-profit civil association composed of families of students and teaching and non-teaching staff. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details The Primarstufe Lehrplan conforms to the Buenos Aires City Education Authority requirements and is supplemented by intensive German and English instruction and additional subjects. Duration is six years. Stages: First Stage (grades 1–3); Second Stage (grades 4–6). Foreign languages: German (with German-language instruction from the second stage) and English (from the third grade). Cross-curricular projects include holistic sex education, education for peaceful coexistence, autonomy development, and environmental education. | Curriculum details The Cristoforo Colombo school develops an integrated Italian-Argentine curriculum across all levels, with instruction in two languages and English introduced early as a third language. English begins in Infanzia and continues through Primary and Secondary, with English-language history and literature studied in the Liceo and preparation for Cambridge exams. The Secondary level offers three Liceo tracks: Scientific, Human Sciences with an Economic-Social option, and Artistic with Architecture–Environment. Diplomas awarded include the Diploma di Stato Italiano at the end of the secondary cycle and the Bachiller bilingue, both recognized in Italy and Argentina for university admission. The school emphasizes citizenship competencies and intercultural understanding, and supplements core learning with laboratories and programming/robotics, digital literacy, and a broad set of enrichment activities. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio Approximately 6.9 students per teacher (1170 students and 170 teachers reported in the Schulprogramm). | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results Deutsch Examinations show strong performance across years. Deutsches Sprachdiplom II: 2024 – 76 participants; B2: 43; C1: 21; 84% pass. 2023 – 72 participants; B2: 16; C1: 43; 82%. Deutsches Sprachdiplom I: 2024 – 71 participants; 58 passed; 82%. A2-Prüfung (6. Klasse): 2024 – LV: 68 participants; 87%; HV: 75 participants; 96%; SK: 71 participants; 91%; MK: 68 participants; 87%; Durchschnitt 90%. | Exam results Cambridge international examinations are offered; the school is recognized as a Premium School by the Buenos Aires Open Center for high standards and strong academic results. |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) bilingual in Spanish and German, optional in the final two years of secondary education. The IB Diploma is designed to balance breadth and depth and is recognized for university admissions in Germany and internationally where IB is accepted. IB Diploma results show strong outcomes: 2024 – 28 participants, 28 passed (100%); 2023 – 27 participants, 24 passed (89%); 2022 – 21 participants, 21 passed (100%); 2021 – 30 participants, 29 passed (97%). The six IB subjects include Spanish A: Literature, German B, English B, Biology (German), History (German), and Mathematics (Spanish). | Higher education progression Graduates receive the Diploma di Stato Italiano at the end of the secondary cycle and, at the end of the II cycle, the Esame di Stato, enabling admission to Italian or other European universities; the Bachiller bilingue is also awarded, enabling admission to universities in Argentina and Italy; the Liceo tracks prepare students for university study, and Cambridge English certifications and related opportunities further support access to higher education. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented The school provides individualized promotion with targeted support for diverse learning needs, including special adaptations for high-ability students. An interdisciplinary School Counseling Team (EOE) and tutors support students, and provisions exist for Seiteneinsteiger entrants and for international examinations; Hochbegabte Schüler erhalten besondere Anpassungen as part of the school's Förderkonzept. | Gifted and talented Enrichment opportunities include theatre courses, astronomical observations, English for international certifications, biology/physics/chemistry laboratories, and laboratories for art, digital education, programming, robotics, and other advanced topics throughout the school years. |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning The school has an interdisciplinary Schulpsychologisches Team (EOE) that handles psycho-pedagogical-social issues across all grade levels. The team focuses on prevention and health promotion, provides orientation, counseling, and support for students, parents, and teachers, and fosters a positive socio-emotional climate in classrooms. The team coordinates with specialists when needed. | Social & emotional learning Student wellbeing is addressed with a focus on physical and emotional health. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides orientation, counseling, and support for the entire school community in challenging situations through the Schulpsychologisches Team (EOE). The team coordinates with specialists to assist students with learning and behavioral needs. | Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides support for learning difficulties and special educational needs (BES), including assistance for students with disabilities. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language English instruction begins in the third grade. The program uses a communicative approach, and German language skills support learning English as a second foreign language. In the upper secondary level, students can take Cambridge exams: Cambridge English: First (FCE) in 11th–12th grade and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) in 12th grade. There is also a student exchange with New Zealand after the 11th grade. | English as an additional language English is taught as a third language from age three in the Early Years, with instruction increasing through secondary school (Liceo). In Secondary II Grade, students begin studying History and English Literature within the school schedule. Students may take Cambridge international exams at levels Pre A1, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 according to the CEFR. Curricular English is offered across the entire educational pathway. The Extraprogrammatic English program provides extra classes twice weekly from middle school onward to prepare for Flyers, KET, PET, FCE and CAE, and there are Arts & Fun workshops and immersion experiences. A London study trip for Liceo students includes two weeks of immersion in London with classes at a College and lodging in university residences. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing Prevention and health promotion are core, with the Schulpsychologisches Team (EOE) promoting personal resources and conflict resolution and fostering a positive socio-emotional atmosphere. Solidarisches Handeln (PAS) operates in the secondary level as a solidarity program. | Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed as part of student wellbeing, with a focus on students' physical and emotional health. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding — | Safeguarding — |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The Pestalozzi-Schule occupies a large, modern campus. Each school level has its own building, and all spaces are adequately equipped for school activities. The campus includes multimedia-equipped classrooms with audio systems, notebooks, and projectors, plus a primary-level computer room. The school library houses more than 15,000 volumes, along with a periodical collection, a map collection, and a video library accessible to teachers and students. State-of-the-art science laboratories serve both primary and secondary levels, and workshop and art spaces include a theatre room, an art room, and a music room equipped with Orff instruments. The kindergarten building accommodates younger children with age-appropriate facilities, and the gym and a covered sports hall complete the sports facilities; the campus also features a sports field opposite the main building. | Facilities overview The school operates as an Italian state-recognized private school that is bicultural and bilingual. It is located at Ramsay 2251, Buenos Aires, Argentina. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities The school has a gym inside the building and a sports field opposite the main building. Curricular and extracurricular training in athletics, handball, and volleyball are offered. | Sports facilities The school includes sport-related activities as part of its extracurricular program, with specialist-led sessions in physical education and sports. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities Multimedia-equipped classrooms with audio systems, notebooks, projectors, and a primary-level computer room. The library houses more than 15,000 volumes, plus a periodical collection, a map collection, and a video library for teachers and students. State-of-the-art science laboratories serve both primary and secondary levels, and workshop and art spaces include a theatre room, an art room, and a music room with Orff instruments. The kindergarten building is designed for different age groups, with two toilets and three integrated washbasins per classroom, plus multi-purpose halls, a kitchen, two playgrounds (one with a sandbox), a music room, and a covered gym. | Academic facilities The school presents an integrated Italian–Argentine curriculum across levels, with language and project-based learning supported by technology and language laboratories in some sections. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities The school offers class trips and camping programs, and student exchange programs with Germany and English-speaking countries. A solidarity program (PAS) is available, along with a career guidance program, an environmental education program, and a comprehensive sex education program. Curricular and extracurricular training in athletics, handball, and volleyball is provided. Additional optional extracurricular offerings include extra after-school care in kindergarten, School of the Arts, mathematics workshops, and more. | Extra curricular facilities The program includes English language development, physical education, programming/robotics, technology, and swimming, with specialist teachers Twice weekly for physical education, English, and other subjects. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History The Pestalozzi-Gesellschaft was founded on March 1, 1934, during the turmoil of the Nazi era, to establish a free and humanistic school that preserves European, especially German, culture and language in conscious opposition to the prevailing ideology in Germany, and the school was named after Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. The founding was driven by Dr. Ernesto Alemann, a Swiss-Argentine editor of the Argentinian Tageblatt, and its mission—education for freedom with social responsibility, intercultural encounter, respect for human dignity, non-discrimination, and peace—shapes its Leitbild. In 1938 the school moved to its current building and received congratulatory letters from figures such as Sigmund Freud, Albert Einstein, and Thomas Mann. Since 1960 it has been a founding member of AGDS and has received support from the German Foreign Office; milestones include the introduction of secondary education in 1961, the Deutsches Sprachdiplom in 1973, and international exchanges, with Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule status awarded in 2010 and renewed in 2016 and 2024. A detailed historical account is in the book 'Für das andere Deutschland'—The Pestalozzi-Schule in Buenos Aires (1934–1958) by Dr. Hermann Schnorbach. | History 1952-2024: More than 70 years of educational excellence. The school is an Italian paritarian, bicultural, and bilingual institution. After World War II, many Italian families arrived in Argentina, and their children needed to complete interrupted studies; Father Giuseppe Sutera and professors Emilio Giacometti and Giuseppe Finazzi organized the first courses on Moreno 1699. The growing community led to founding the school to help youths integrate into the new reality while preserving roots and culture, with education as the principal means of progress. The Asociación Cultural Italiana Cristoforo Colombo is the legal and administrative managing body; it is a non-profit civil entity formed by families of students, teaching and non-teaching staff. Today the school educates more than 1,000 students and offers degrees with legal value recognized in Italy and the European Union. |
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Community
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Community The Kulturabteilung (Culture Department) is a participatory educational offering of the Pestalozzi-Gesellschaft. It began in the mid-1990s to publicly promote various artistic activities and to strengthen the community's connection to German-Argentine culture while encouraging student participation in exhibitions, music festivals, and other interdisciplinary cultural offerings. It has grown into a recognized center of art and culture in the neighborhood. Activities include concert cycles and music festivals, exhibitions, lectures with notable cultural figures, the Pestalozzi Art and Culture Cycle, and the Long Night of Museums, organized with partner museums and cultural institutions. | Community The school is an Italian paritarian, bicultural, and bilingual institution with a vibrant community. It offers sports and physical education, a trip to Italy and London, and Per voi | Escuela abierta, an annual open-day to showcase student work. For families, there are parent-focused activities such as L'Italiano in Cucina, the Parents Choir, and a Curso de lengua italiana. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association Class Parents' Councils act as the link between families and the school. Their task is to represent the interests and needs of the families of a specific class and forward their suggestions and questions. They invite one or two meetings per year with the parents of the corresponding class. Main duties include supporting communication between the school and families; promoting family integration by organizing social and relaxing gatherings; supporting school events; integrating new families. The class parent representatives elect a year-group parent spokesperson who represents the interests of all classes in the year; the spokesperson attends meetings called by the relevant sub-school department and the school leadership and relays the agreed-upon suggestions. Elections: at the first parents' meeting of the year each class elects a Class Parent Council and a deputy; term is two years. | Parent teacher association The school is governed by the Asociación Cultural Italiana Cristoforo Colombo, the legal and administrative managing body. It is a non-profit civil entity composed of families of students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff. The Board includes a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Secretary, Vice Treasurer, and titular and substitute councilors. Parent-led activities include the Coro de Padres, L'Italiano in Cucina, and an Italian language course. Annual community events include Per voi | Escuela abierta, an open-day celebrating student work, and international trips to Italy and London as part of the cultural program. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school offers a bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (GIB) and prepares students for international language examinations, including the German Deutsches Sprachdiplom I and II and Cambridge English: First (FCE) and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). The school provides non-denominational, full-day education for boys and girls in primary and secondary school with a focus on aligning demanding academic goals with socio-emotional support. The school also offers Mathematics workshops as optional extracurricular activities and supports participation in the Jugend forscht (Youth in Research) competition. | Academic & intellectual The school provides a plurilingual education in a multicultural context and grants graduates a legally recognized degree valid in Italy and across the European Union. English is introduced progressively as a third language from early years through to Liceo, with English History and English Literature added in Liceo as part of the schedule. Students may sit Cambridge international exams at Pre A1 to C2 levels in accordance with the CEFR. Extracurricular English includes twice-weekly classes that prepare for Flyers, KET and PET in middle school and for FCE and CAE in Liceo, plus Arts & Fun workshops and Immersion Experiences; a London study trip offers real-language immersion. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative The school provides a School of the Arts with workshops as part of its arts and culture program, including an Art and Culture Cycle. The arts program is integrated with events such as the Long Night of Museums. | Arts & creative The school offers a Theater workshop focused on interaction, expression, and creativity through theatre techniques. Arts & Fun workshops teach language through theatre, games, and music for younger students. Per voi | Escuela abierta presents music, art, sciences, sport, theatre and culture as part of a community event. The Theater program is led by a coordinator and includes collaboration with an Italian language teacher. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language Two foreign languages (English and German) are taught intensively in a bilingual context. Student exchange programs are available with Germany and English-speaking countries. The school prepares students for international German language examinations and Cambridge English examinations. | Cultural & language The school runs an annual study trip to Italy for 3rd year of Liceo, lasting 28 days and visiting Rome, Venice and southern beaches. A London study trip for Liceo students provides two weeks of immersion with classes at a College and housing in university residences. Italian language courses for parents are offered, conducted virtually with a certificate of participation. Per voi | Escuela abierta features music, art, sciences, sport, theatre and culture for a day with the community. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Curricular and extracurricular training in athletics, handball, and volleyball is offered. Class trips and a camping program are part of the school's offerings. Additional optional extracurricular offerings include extra afternoon programs, the School of the Arts, and a Mathematics workshop. | Social & hobbies The Sports and Physical Education Department provides curricular PE and an extracurricular program including athletics, handball, hockey, soccer, judo, chess, volleyball, table tennis and swimming. Vida en Naturaleza offers camping experiences of varying durations across Argentina. Colombo Saturdays are open mornings for recreational and sports activities. Sports tournaments involve regular exchanges with other institutions. |
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Community & service
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Community & service A Solidarity Program (PAS) and an Environmental Education Program are part of the school's activities, along with a comprehensive sexuality education program. | Community & service The Sustainability and Social Responsibility Department (ASG+e) strengthens a culture of sustainability and social responsibility, integrating environmental, social and governance criteria into the school's pedagogy. Initiatives promote responsible consumption, resource care, inclusion, gender equality, waste reduction, solidarity, and critical reflection on what and how we teach. These actions involve teams of teachers, students, families and non-teaching staff across all levels, strengthening community. Solar panels and a school garden demonstrate the program; the guiding statement emphasizes that environmental consciousness, social justice and collective responsibility are essential to true education. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional A career counseling program is available. There are student exchange programs with Germany and English-speaking countries. The school supports student leadership through a student council and a Schüler-Lehrer-Rat (student-teacher council). | Leadership & professional — |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports training in athletics, handball, and volleyball is provided. The school emphasizes socio-emotional support and well-being as part of its educational approach. Field trips and camping experiences are included in the lifestyle program. | Lifestyle & wellbeing The school's sports program includes a broad extracurricular offering and Vida en Naturaleza camping experiences to support physical development and outdoor learning. There are Saturday morning recreational and sports activities open to the whole school community. Regular sports tournaments involve exchanges with other educational and sports institutions. Family communication with the Sports Department is also available through interviews and open classes. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision German, English, and Spanish are taught. In Primarstufe, German and English are introduced alongside Spanish, with German reaching A2 by the end of primary. In Sekundarstufe, about 25% of subjects are taught in German and students may pursue DSD I/II certificates; Cambridge English exams are available and aligned to GER levels. The bilingual IB Diploma Programme (German–Spanish) includes Spanish A: Literature, German B, and English B, with flexible options for non-Argentine students. | Language provision English is studied as a third language from the Scuola dell'Infanzia through Scuola Primaria and into the Liceo. In the Liceo, students study English history and literature and prepare for Cambridge advanced and higher-level exams. Computing is integrated across levels as a tool to support the educational process or as a new language. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual IB Diploma Programme (German–Spanish). The curriculum follows Germany's guidelines. The program includes instruction in German, Spanish, and English within the IB framework. | Bilingual teaching The school integrates Italian and Argentine curricula in a bicultural, bilingual setting. From this bicultural approach, the educational objective is to promote and deepen dialogue between two fraternal cultures, each autonomous with its own identity. The study and effort required of students are greater than those of monocultural bilingual schools. The school awards the Italian State Diploma at the end of lower and upper secondary cycles, the upper secondary diploma recognized in Italy and the European Union for university access, and a bilingual Bachiller recognized in Argentina and Italy. |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs In Sekundarstufe, German language knowledge and its relation to German culture are reinforced in an endolingual context. About 25% of subjects are taught in German (DFU-Fächer and DaF). The English language program prepares students for Cambridge ESOL exams, though taking the exams is not mandatory. | Immersion programs Language immersion camps are held within the lower secondary level's calendar. A study trip to London is organized within the upper secondary level's calendar. Arts & Fun labs teach English to Kindergarten and Primary students through theatre, dance and music. |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions Admission for Kindergarten and Primary School for the 2027 school year begins with the submission of the preliminary registration form within the registration window (15.02.2026 – 30.04.2026). A German-language reading aid is available in Downloads. The school confirms receipt by email. In May each year, meetings for parents of preliminarily registered students are held to present the pedagogical project and the characteristics of the school sponsor. The Kindergarten is open one hour before each meeting to allow interested families to participate in a school tour. After the preliminary registration deadline, the available places are allocated according to a fixed priority order (see Zugangsprioritäten). After this first placement, the remaining places are drawn by lot among the other families. Participation in the lottery requires attending the meeting introducing our pedagogical project. The draw is conducted per family (not per child). Families can view the order of the draw on our site. Families allocated a place receive an email to begin the final registration procedure; the receipt of the email is confirmed by phone. The contact data used are those of the submitted registration form. After receiving the email with the school place confirmation, the family must confirm acceptance within 48 hours; if there is no response, the place is deemed declined. To complete the registration and finalize the place reservation, the following are required: submission of the corresponding documents (see Anmeldeunterlagen) and payment of the registration fee by the due date; this fee is non-refundable if the registration is withdrawn. After the admission process, families are invited to a meeting with the sub-heads of the grade level for which they registered. Beginning of the registration period for 2026: 15.02.2025; End: 30.04.2025. | Admissions Admission process: Families and/or guardians interested must complete the contact form to schedule an informational interview with the admissions coordinator. Prospective students and their families will have an in-person meeting with the Guidance Team and the Directors. Documentation must be presented. A place for prospective students is reserved. Enrollment is formalized for the new school year and proceeds to matriculation. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships — | Scholarships MAECI contributions include scholarships for meritorious or needy students. In 2024, €1,309.35 was allocated for scholarships for meritorious or needy students. The MAECI contributions detail the distribution and destination: 2024 — €58,807.02 for ordinary maintenance; €33,933.38 as final contribution; €7,907.39 for hiring teachers with Italian credentials; €1,309.35 for student scholarships; €465.71 for support of students with disabilities; €17,250.94 for building improvements; €7,000.00 for an incentive quota based on Article 3.b of D.M. 1212/22; total €92,740.00. Additional allocations include €2,187.00 for Italian language courses for school staff and €3,508.00 for a new pedagogical project. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist Secondary school admissions offer two modalities. Standard registration (for students with German language knowledge) begins with submitting an inquiry via the contact form; the school confirms receipt by email and contacts families to inform whether there are available places. Side-entry program (PAI) is for students with very good academic performance who are language-talented but do not have German language knowledge and wish to continue their schooling in the 8th grade; further information is available there. If there are available places, each case is evaluated by the pedagogical authorities. Remaining places are allocated by lottery if applicable, with results communicated by email and/or phone; the lottery is conducted per family (not per student), and the order of the draw is published. | Waitlist — |
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