Pestalozzi Schule vs St. Catherine's Moorlands School - Belgrano

	P Pestalozzi Schule Buenos Aires, Argentina	S St. Catherine's Moorlands School - Belgrano Buenos Aires, Argentina
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ARS 6,494,070 - 12,436,490	Fees / year ARS 4,887,180 - 18,249,760
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,200	Pupils 1,720
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language Spanish, German	Instruction language Spanish, English
Opened	Opened 1934	Opened 1956
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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 St. Catherine's Moorlands operates across three Buenos Aires–area campuses: Belgrano (Carbajal 3250, Belgrano 1426, Buenos Aires), Tortuguitas (Panamericana Km 38 Ramal Pilar, Tortuguitas 1667, Buenos Aires), and Pilar (Las Truchas esquina Ruta Provincial 34, Pilar, Buenos Aires). The Pilar campus opens in 2027.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten; Primary (Primarstufe); Secondary (Sekundarstufe)	Stages Belgrano: Kindergarten; Primary School; Senior School. Tortuguitas: Kindergarten; Primary School; Senior School. Pilar: Early Years from age 1 and Primary (1st–6th grade); Opening in 2027.
School type	School type The school is a bilingual, bicultural, non-denominational German international school offering Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary education.	School type Private
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Educational Guidance Service
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany; supported under the Auslandsschulgesetz and part of the network of German overseas schools.	Country affiliation Argentina
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Non-denominational; not affiliated with any religion.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Primary and Secondary education are full-day.	School day structure —
Bus service details	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
Fee details	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 St. Catherine's Moorlands School — Fees overview (2026 academic year) Application / Reservation fee - Reservation of vacancy (enrolment deposit): equivalent to one nominal monthly fee for the year and level to be attended; payment of this amount confirms a place and is required to complete enrolment. Tuition (monthly installment) — Belgrano campus (CUOTA MARZO 2026: arancel, ACE, total per monthly installment) - Sala 1–2 años: ARS 479,700 (Arancel) + ARS 9,018 (Aseguramiento Continuidad Escolar) = ARS 488,718 total per monthly installment. - Sala 3 años (jornada simple): ARS 517,200 + ARS 9,723 = ARS 526,923 total per monthly installment. - Sala 3 años (jornada completa): ARS 961,350 + ARS 18,073 = ARS 979,423 total per monthly installment. - Sala 4 años: ARS 1,068,600 + ARS 20,090 = ARS 1,088,690 total per monthly installment. - Preescolar: ARS 1,131,000 + ARS 21,263 = ARS 1,152,263 total per monthly installment. - Primaria 1º–3º grado: ARS 1,324,800 + ARS 24,906 = ARS 1,349,706 total per monthly installment. - Primaria 4º–5º grado: ARS 1,407,900 + ARS 26,469 = ARS 1,434,369 total per monthly installment. - Primaria 6º–7º grado: ARS 1,523,700 + ARS 28,646 = ARS 1,552,346 total per monthly installment. - Secundaria 1º–3º año: ARS 1,723,800 + ARS 32,407 = ARS 1,756,207 total per monthly installment. - Secundaria 4º año: ARS 1,791,300 + ARS 33,676 = ARS 1,824,976 total per monthly installment. - Secundaria 5º año: ARS 1,791,300 + ARS 17,913 = ARS 1,809,213 total per monthly installment. Tuition (monthly installment) — Tortuguitas campus (CUOTA MARZO 2026: arancel, ACE, total per monthly installment) - Sala 1–2 años: ARS 479,700 + ARS 9,018 = ARS 488,718 total per monthly installment. - Sala 3 años: ARS 517,200 + ARS 9,723 = ARS 526,923 total per monthly installment. - Sala 4 años: ARS 829,500 + ARS 15,595 = ARS 845,095 total per monthly installment. - Preescolar: ARS 1,037,400 + ARS 19,503 = ARS 1,056,903 total per monthly installment. - Primaria 1º–3º grado: ARS 1,298,700 + ARS 24,416 = ARS 1,323,116 total per monthly installment. - Primaria 4º–6º grado: ARS 1,376,700 + ARS 25,882 = ARS 1,402,582 total per monthly installment. - Secundaria 1º–3º año: ARS 1,608,000 + ARS 30,230 = ARS 1,638,230 total per monthly installment. - Secundaria 4º–5º año: ARS 1,697,700 + ARS 31,917 = ARS 1,729,617 total per monthly installment. - Secundaria 6º año: ARS 1,697,700 + ARS 16,977 = ARS 1,714,677 total per monthly installment. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school contract for the academic year is billed in 10 consecutive monthly installments, from March through December. Invoices for educational fees are issued monthly and are due between the 1st and the 10th of each month (or the next business day). Late payment generates a surcharge calculated at the applicable AFIP resarcitorio interest rate; payments are applied first to interest and then to principal. Materials and additional recurring charges - Materials fees: two separate materials charges are billed for the school year — the first in April and the second in July. The amount is charged as a percentage of the current monthly fee at the time of billing and varies by age/grade: for Sala 1–3 years the materials charge equals 30% of the monthly fee; Sala 4 and 5 years 18%; and 1º and 2º grado 10%. These material charges are billed in two instalments as described. - A mandatory Aseguramiento de Continuidad Escolar (ACE) is added to the nominal fee (shown separately in the fee table) and is reflected in the monthly total. - Examination fees for external international exams (IB Diploma, DELF, Cambridge, ISA levels, HSK, YCT, etc.) are charged separately at the rates set by the examining bodies and are payable by families when applicable; example informational figures for those exam rights appear in the school communication. Discounts and concessions - Sibling discounts (for the 2026 cycle): 2nd sibling 10%; 3rd sibling 15%; 4th sibling 30%; 5th sibling 50%; 6th sibling full scholarship status (becado). Large-family additional 10% starting from the 4th sibling. A special 20% discount may apply to the first child of alumni under strict punctual-payment conditions. Early payment (pronto pago) discount: 5% on the net fee when paid by bank transfer/deposit and within the prompt-payment terms specified on the invoice. Discounts are conditional and may be revoked for late or missed payments; discounts do not apply to the reservation of vacancy. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school at the Belgrano and Tortuguitas campuses (no boarding fee is provided in the school fee communications). Other costs - Uniforms: no separate uniform charge is itemized in the 2026 fee communications; uniform costs (if any) are treated as an additional family expense outside the published monthly tuition items. Materials and specific activity costs (field trips, camps, competitive trips) may be billed separately when they occur. Refund information and cancellation - Reservation of vacancy refund: the reservation payment is refundable in full (at historical values) only if parents formally express withdrawal before December 31 of the payment year; if the school cancels the placement, the amount paid will be refunded. Families may revoke the signed contract without charge within 10 days of acceptance. Other refunds or cancellations are subject to the contractual terms and conditions set out by the school. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include automatic debit by CBU (direct debit), bank transfer to the school CBU (CBU and alias provided in the billing communication), personal cheque (accepted and considered effective only once cleared), and Mercado Pago or other enabled virtual wallets. For automatic debit arrangements, families are instructed to contact the school's collections office. Early-payment discounts apply only when payment is made by bank transfer or deposit. Notes on application of amounts - The published figures are presented as the school's March 2026 monthly instalment amounts (the communication labels them CUOTA MARZO 2026). The ACE amount is shown separately in the table and summed into the total monthly instalment. Materials charges and exam fees are additional and billed as described above.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	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 —
Food options	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 —
House system	House system —	House system Belgrano campus uses a six-house system: Bristol, Canterbury, Exeter, Kent, Salisbury and York. Tortuguitas campus uses a four-house system: Honesty, Justice, Loyalty and Wisdom.
Governance and ownership	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 Member of the SCMS Educational Community.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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 IB programmes: Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11-16; Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-18 (bilingual). Pedagogy emphasizes student-led learning, teachers as designers of learning scenarios, development of 21st-century skills, digital immersion, and languages for a global world. Languages offered include English, French, and Chinese.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Approximately 6.9 students per teacher (1170 students and 170 teachers reported in the Schulprogramm).	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	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 —
Higher education progression	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 University partners include UADE, UB, UTDT, UCEMA, UDESA, Austral, and Universidad de Palermo, offering direct university access, scholarships, or interviews. Graduates commonly enter Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), UTDT, UCA, UCEMA and Universidad de Palermo. The Diploma Programme (IBDP) is bilingual, features six subjects over two years with core components (Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, and the Extended Essay), and requires a minimum of 24 points out of 45 for the diploma; the programme is internationally recognized and supports university placement.
Gifted and talented	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 —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	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 —
Special educational needs (SEN)	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) —
English as an additional language	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 The school has bilingual education in English. English language instruction enables students to feel safe and confident in an interconnected world where language skills are a fundamental requirement for communication. Bilingual-cultural education promotes the development of an open, flexible, and global mindset. Students also learn French and Chinese.
Mental wellbeing	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 —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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 across two established campuses, Belgrano and Tortuguitas, with a Pilar campus planned to open in 2027. The two sites host the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and support a bilingual English–Spanish education. A Pilar campus is listed as opening in 2027, expanding the SCMS network beyond the two current sites. The school emphasizes multilingual and international learning as part of its pedagogy.
Sports facilities	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 Sports are conducted at the Belgrano campus at Belgrano Athletic Club, which provides a synthetic grass hockey field, a rugby field, two volleyball courts, soccer fields, a gym for aerobics, and facilities for athletics. Interhouse and sports events are held at the Tortuguitas campus. The school participates in sports associations (ADE and ACoBi) and offers cultural-sports tours, camping, and international exchange opportunities related to athletics.
Academic facilities	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 English-language immersion is a central feature, with bilingual education in Spanish and English and 45% of the senior curriculum taught in English. English-language instruction is complemented by French, taught across all IB programmes, and by Chinese as an optional weekly extracurricular. The school provides progressive technology education from Kindergarten 5 through the senior years, including digital technology, product design, video editing, web design, and robotics, using interactive boards and Lego robotics in classrooms. An Educational Guidance Service supports cognitive, psycho-educational, and social development, and coordinates workshops for teachers, parents, and students.
Extra curricular facilities	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 Co-curricular experiences include Sports, Community Service, Religious Orientation, Art and Design, Sciences, Technologies, and Languages (English, French, Chinese). The Languages page describes English, French, and Chinese offerings, with English-language immersion and DEFL-related French certification pathways in the IB programmes. The school also offers opportunities for cultural exchanges, trips, and international competitions to support language and global-minded learning.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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 St. Catherine's School was founded in 1956 as a bilingual girls' school with 75 students and 10 teachers. In 1969, the St. Catherine's Club, a hockey club for current and former students, was established and the Tortuguitas campus grew around El Campito. From 1972 to 1976 the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme was introduced in Argentina, with 11 students taking the first examinations. Moorlands School opened in Tortuguitas in 1982 as a bilingual campus; the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme followed in 1987 and French language exams began in 1988. In 1992 Moorlands Club acquired civil association status and representation in the Argentine Amateur Hockey Association; in 1994 the first synthetic hockey field in Argentina was inaugurated. In 1998 St. Catherine's School became coeducational at the Belgrano campus; Belgrano campus celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006, and a new Tortuguitas building with a science lab and display rooms was inaugurated in 2007; the Tortuguitas Kindergarten opened in 2014.
Community	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 SCMS Club is the hockey club for students and alumnae, formed in 1969 by Mabel Mazzini and Juana Gradin. It established a Tortuguitas site around El Campito in 1971, and in 1994 inaugurated Argentina's first synthetic hockey field. Moorlands Club acquired civil association status in 1992 and has voting rights in the Argentine Amateur Hockey Association. Today the club has more than 400 registered girls and remains a central part of school life, with ongoing involvement from players, coaches and parents.
Parent teacher association	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 —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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 offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11-16 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-18. Pedagogic principles emphasize students as protagonists of their own learning, teachers as designers of learning, the development of 21st-century skills, digital immersion, and languages for a global world. Languages taught include English, French and Chinese as part of a bilingual, internationally oriented program.
Arts & creative	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 Art and Design develops creativity and flexible thinking through interrelated disciplines. Students learn to communicate ideas, processes and products and to choose techniques to solve problems and work independently. The art workshop includes a digital area, a Chromakey setup, a photo lab, an etching press, easels, looms and other tools to support creative projects. The program emphasises collaboration and respect to enrich the learning process.
Cultural & language	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 Languages offered include English, French and Chinese. English language education is aligned with the International Baccalaureate through a bilingual Education Project, with bilingual training spanning Spanish and English and English increasingly used in the senior years (up to 45% of the senior curriculum in English). French is taught across the Primary, Middle and Diploma IB programmes, with DELF certification available. Chinese is taught as an optional weekly extracurricular activity with native teachers to broaden cultural and linguistic horizons.
Social & hobbies	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 Co-curricular experiences include organized sports such as hockey, volleyball, rugby, football and athletics. Interhouse events and school-level sports tournaments promote teamwork and friendly competition. Cultural-sports tours, camp-outs and exchange programs provide opportunities to explore different places and cultures and to develop social skills. SCMS Club preserves school tradition and offers social activities and community connections.
Community & service	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 Our community service program aims to foster supportive community members who commit to service and to act to positively impact others' lives. Students practice values such as sharing, accepting differences, taking action to help, and considering others' needs through experiential learning. The program includes visits to retirement homes, a home for children in transit, and the Food Bank Foundation, as well as annual visits to sponsored schools.
Leadership & professional	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 The school has collaboration agreements with universities in Argentina, including UADE, UB, UTDT, UCEMA, UESA, Austral and Universidad de Palermo. These agreements offer direct access to university admission, scholarships or interviews with headmasters. Graduates have pursued careers such as International Relations, Political Sciences, Law, Business Administration, Economics and Business, and Social Communication. The school supports pathways to higher education and professional development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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 emphasizes psychophysical development through graded physical training and games. Students practice hockey, rugby, football, volleyball and athletics. Sports events such as Interhouses and other tournaments are organized, and cultural-sports tours, camp-outs and exchanges promote outdoor activity and social skills.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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 used in bilingual education. French and Chinese are also taught.
Bilingual teaching	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 has bilingual education in English. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is for students aged 11-16. The Bilingual Diploma Programme (DP) is for students aged 16-18. Students also learn French and Chinese.
Immersion programs	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 —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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 The admission process begins with an online initial form. The form requests the following information: father and mother's names; profession and current workplace; alumni parent status (yes or no); siblings at the school; student's name and surname; birth place and date; country of origin of kindergarten/school student; year and form the student will attend; contact telephone numbers; email; address; one letter of reference; comments. A representative from the admissions department contacts parents to schedule an interview date and outlines the steps during the interview. Admission priority is given to siblings of students at the school and to children or grandchildren of former students, provided vacancies exist and all admission steps (appointments, entrance exams, and interviews with school counsellors) are completed. Admission calendar: from abroad, admissions are accepted year-round; within Argentina, Kindergarten and 1st form are accepted by July 31, and 2nd form through Senior School by October 31. School fees: 2026 school fees are published on the fees page.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	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 If there are no vacancies for a particular course, a waiting list is offered; the waiting list is valid for one year.
	View full profile →	View full profile →