Compare American Curriculum International Schools in Germany

Instructs in English, German

Ages 10 - 18 years

Pupils 260

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Located in the picturesque town of Kandern, Germany, Black Forest Academy serves middle and high school students in grades 5-12. The school follows an American curriculum offering a U.S. High School Diploma alongside numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses. BFA integrates a biblical worldview into its instruction and features strong visual arts, music, and athletic programs. Students participate in unique educational experiences, utilizing close access to historical locations across Germany, Italy, France, and Switzerland as an extension of the classroom. As a Christian boarding and day school, BFA stands out for its family-style integrated boarding program across six dormitories in the local community, allowing siblings to live in the same house. The campus includes dedicated facilities like the Janz Building, which provides art studios, music suites, a library, and an auditorium, ensuring students have specific resources for their academic and co-curricular development.

Location

Located in Kandern, Germany, on the southwestern edge of the Black Forest. The campus and boarding homes are in Kandern, a small town surrounded by forests, rolling hills, and hiking trails. Kandern is a short drive from Switzerland and the Alsace region of France.

Stages

The school serves grades 5-12 on campus. For elementary ages (grades 1-4), BFA partners with Christliche Schule Kandern (CSK) to provide a bilingual Christian education. All classes are taught in English.

Type

Accredited international Christian boarding and day school.

Additional learning support

ELL program and Discovery/Resource programs provide supplemental language support, specialized instruction, and educational therapy.

Application fees

- Application fee: EUR 100 when paid by bank transfer. If paid by check the total is EUR 117.50 (EUR 100 + EUR 17.50 check-cashing fee).

Tuition fees by school year (published amounts)

- Black Forest Academy does not publish a public, grade-by-grade or per-term tuition schedule on its publicly accessible documents. Parents are asked to contact the school's admissions or finance office for exact tuition amounts for specific year groups and the current academic year. (Tuition amounts are therefore not stated here because they are not publicly posted.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition and boarding fees may be paid either annually or quarterly. Other fees are due at or before the commencement of the related program or activity.
- The first payment for the academic year must be received by July 30; failure to meet this deadline may result in loss of the student's place. Subsequent payments more than 30 days past due may also risk loss of place. Late fees are charged on past-due accounts. BFA will withhold transcripts and diplomas for students whose fees are not paid in full.

Boarding fees (applicable items and billing practice)

- BFA offers a boarding program and charges boarding fees in addition to tuition. Boarding and tuition fees follow the same annual or quarterly payment options. Exact boarding fee amounts by grade or boarding arrangement are not published in the school's publicly available materials.
- Airport/train transportation to scheduled school breaks is included in boarding fees; additional transport outside those scheduled break transfers is charged (examples in school handbooks show extra-charge amounts such as EUR 15 per family for certain return trips). A travel-deadline penalty (example referenced as EUR 50) is applied when required travel information is not submitted on time. Routine incidental charges (see “Other costs”) may be billed to a student account.

Other costs and typical incidental fees

- Online and extra academic course fees: enrollment in certain online or dual-credit courses incurs extra course fees (examples described as “several hundred Euros” for some online courses). Dropping a dual-credit course is shown as incurring a EUR 50 administrative fee for that action.
- Printing and copy charges (example items documented in school handbooks): black-and-white pages billed at approx. EUR 0.05 per page; color pages billed at approx. EUR 0.10 per page. Lost-and-found/item-retrieval fines or similar small penalties are noted (example: EUR 0.20 per item in handbook examples). These small charges may be applied to student accounts as appropriate.
- Transportation charges beyond scheduled break transfers (example: EUR 15 per family per return trip) and travel-related penalty fees (example: EUR 50) are itemized in residence-life/parent handbook materials as potential additional charges to boarding families. Routine damage charges or fees for excessive wear or loss of school property are also noted as billable.
- The application and other administrative fees are generally non-refundable for online-course enrollment; other refund rules for on-campus tuition and boarding are not publicly specified in the school's published documents.

Refund information

- For BFA Online Learning (off-campus/online course enrollments) all fees are stated as non-refundable; no refund is awarded to a student who drops an online course, and a EUR 50 fee applies when dropping a dual-credit course. For on-campus tuition and boarding, a specific public refund schedule for tuition or boarding is not published in the publicly available materials reviewed. General terms note that other fees are due at or before commencement of the related program and that late or unpaid accounts have consequences (late fees, loss of place, withholding of transcripts).

Fee payment options and banking details

- Bank transfer (wire transfer) is accepted and is recommended for payments within Europe; account information is provided for Euros (IBAN and BIC). Parents are instructed to include the child's name and payment purpose (for example, “Application Fee”). Example banking details shown for school payments: IBAN DE82 6839 0000 0001 0898 62; BIC/Swift VOLO DE66.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) is recommended for payments originating outside the EU to ensure correct amounts are received; Wise is suggested as an option but the school requests use of the bank account/IBAN above when setting up recipients in Wise. No public statement was found indicating that credit-card payment is routinely accepted for tuition; the school's published payment instructions emphasize bank transfer and Wise.

Additional payment and billing notes

- Other fees and charges (for example, fees for extracurriculars, labs, course materials, travel, damage repair, or special program fees) are billed to student accounts as incurred and are due at or before the start of the related program or activity. BFA reserves the right to increase fees annually. Unpaid accounts may result in administrative actions including withholding records.

Summary of findings and data limitations (brief)

- The school publicly posts the application fee, the bank/transfer payment options and banking details, billing terms (annual or quarterly payment possible), and several examples of incidental charges in published handbooks and policy documents. A publicly posted, itemized tuition schedule showing specific per-term and per-year tuition amounts for each grade/year group was not found in the school's publicly accessible materials; parents are directed to contact the admissions or finance office for precise tuition and boarding amounts for the current academic year.

Curriculum

Black Forest Academy is an accredited international Christian school for grades 5-12. It offers a U.S. High School Diploma and a wide variety of Advanced Placement courses. All classes are taught in English. ELL and Discovery/Resource programs provide supplemental language support, specialized instruction, and educational therapy. For elementary students in grades 1-4, BFA partners with Christliche Schule Kandern (CSK) to provide a bilingual Christian education. In 2023, 88% of graduates pursued higher education; 52% of students were enrolled in AP courses; and there were 85+ core and elective course options.

Exam Results

In 2023, 88% of graduates pursued higher education; 52% of students were enrolled in AP courses; and there were 85+ core and elective course options.

Higher Education Progression

The school is a launching pad for students attending universities across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Gifted and Talented

Advanced Placement courses are available to enable advanced students to pursue college-level study.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The School Psychologist collaborates with parents, regular and special education teachers, and counselors to support students academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Staff provide academic, emotional and behavioral assessments and intervention programs. There is parent and teacher consultation, and training for parents and teachers on topics related to learning and behavior.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Discovery Program provides intense language-based educational therapy that targets memory, attention, auditory and visual processing, visual-motor skills, oral and written language, reading, spelling, and math. The program aims to improve academic performance and to enable students to learn independently. The Resource Room provides regularly scheduled supplemental instruction for middle and high school students needing curricular support, including remedial instruction in basic skills, study and organizational skills, test taking, reading comprehension, and memory strategies. Speech Therapy supports students with articulation, language, voice, or fluency needs, with individualized programs. The School Psychologist collaborates with parents, regular and special education teachers, and counselors to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Support is available for students whose first language or previous language of instruction is not English. All students attending BFA must enter having at least a B1 level of proficiency in English. BFA provides both tutoring for specific classes and intensive English language instruction according to an individual student's needs.

Mental Wellbeing

The School Psychologist works with parents, teachers, and counselors to support students emotionally and socially. Staff provide emotional and behavioral assessments and intervention programs. Parent and teacher consultation and training on learning and behavior topics are available.

Safeguarding

BFA is committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and well being of every child entrusted to the school and to providing a safe environment for all students. The school is a member of the Child Safety & Protection Network and strengthens safety through safer recruitment, a code of conduct, regular training for staff, volunteers and students, and effective responses to concerns. A dedicated safeguarding team helps respond to concerns each year. Concerns can be reported by contacting the safeguarding team at safeguarding@bfacademy.de. A safeguarding policy exists.

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John F. Kennedy School Berlin

Instructs in German, English

Ages 5 - 18 years

Type Co-educational

John F. Kennedy School Berlin is a public, K-12 German-American bilingual school in Berlin Steglitz-Zehlendorf, serving more than 1,600 students. The program combines a German curriculum with an American approach and offers Advanced Placement in the upper grades, enabling graduates to pursue either the German Abitur or a U.S. High School Diploma. From Elementary through Grade 6, instruction is bilingual, with daily integration of English and German; in Grades 7–12, instruction is balanced across languages, preparing students to graduate fluent in both. The campus at Teltower Damm hosts facilities, including a library serving both language programs, computer labs, a media center, and multiple gyms, plus a year-round rowing option and fields. Extracurriculars abound: Model United Nations, Suzuki violin, choirs, Odyssey of the Mind, and Scouting, alongside the JFK Friendship Center and Hort after-school care. The school emphasizes bicultural, international education and offers language electives such as French, Spanish, and Latin.

Location

The JFK Berlin campus is at Teltower Damm 87-93, 14167 Berlin, Germany. It is in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district in southwestern Berlin. The school operates as a German-American public school serving Entrance Class through Grade 12.

Stages

Elementary School (EC - 6th Grade) and High School (7-12), with Entrance Class included.

Type

Public school; German-American bilingual education; day school.

Additional learning support

Student Support Services include Counselors, Abitur Coordinators, Special Education Teachers, Pedagogical Assistants, Registrar and Learning Support.

Country affiliation

Germany and the United States

School day structure

The school day for Grades 1-2 starts at 8:00 and ends at 13:30. Arrival supervision runs from 07:30 to 07:55.

Bus service

Walking or biking; BVG public transportation (bus, U-Bahn, S-Bahn). Nearest S-Bahn: Zehlendorf (Line S1); nearest bus stops: Schönower Park (Bus 285) and Schweizerhofpark (Buses 285 and X10). All Berlin students qualify for a free BVG monthly student ticket.

Application fees

- The John F. Kennedy School (JFKS) does not charge tuition and there is no school application fee for admission to the Entrance Class or grades 1–12.

Tuition fees by school year / year group

- There are no tuition charges for any grade at JFKS; annual tuition for all grade levels is EUR 0.

Billing schedule and payment terms (school-level and related services)

- General school tuition: not applicable because tuition is not charged.

- After-school program (Late Birds): monthly fees are calculated for the whole school year and are charged from August through June; the month of July is not charged. Monthly fees remain payable during student illness, vacation, and other absences and remain due until a termination/cancellation becomes effective. A one-time registration fee applies.

- Hort (city-subsidized after-school care): Hort places are provided under Berlin's voucher system (Bedarfsbescheid/Hortgutschein) and billing/eligibility is handled through the Jugendamt of the family's Berlin district; families must apply for the Hort voucher. Costs for Hort are determined through the municipal process rather than by the school.

Boarding fees

- The John F. Kennedy School does not have boarding facilities; boarding fees are not applicable.

Other costs and fees (examples and specifics)

- School lunch (Elementary School): school lunch for elementary-school students (Entrance Class–Grade 6) is provided free of charge under Berlin Senat provisions.

- School lunch (Grades 7–12 / High School): warm lunch portions are available and are charged at EUR 4.36 per portion; lunches ordered in the school's web portal/app are charged for binding orders; spontaneous lunch may be paid in cash at the posted price.

- After-school care (Late Birds): monthly fees by grade and package (prices per child, per month):
- Entrance Class (EC) – Mini Package: EUR 85.00; Maxi Package: EUR 155.00.
- Grade 1 – Mini Package: EUR 85.00; Maxi Package: EUR 155.00.
- Grade 2 – Mini Package: EUR 85.00; Maxi Package: EUR 155.00.
- Grade 3 – Mini Package: EUR 70.00; Maxi Package: EUR 125.00.
- Grade 4 – Mini Package: EUR 70.00; Maxi Package: EUR 125.00.
- Grade 5 – Mini Package: EUR 35.00; Maxi Package: EUR 60.00.
- Grade 6 – Mini Package: EUR 35.00; Maxi Package: EUR 60.00.
- One-time Late Birds registration fee: EUR 25.00.
- Late Birds monthly fees are billed August–June (July free); vacation/week-camp charges are billed separately.

- Lockers and Verein membership: the parent-run Verein operates the high-school locker program and the school shop. Current Verein membership and locker-related charges include a one-time high-school locker deposit of EUR 10 (payable in cash when requested) and an annual Verein membership fee used for Verein services; locker assignment and membership are managed through the Verein. (Verein materials indicate membership fees and locker procedures; locker deposit and membership are administered by The Verein.)

- School Shop and merchandise: the Verein School Shop sells school-branded items (hoodies, sweatshirts, mugs, etc.) for reasonable prices; the School Shop accepts cash and digital payment methods via the Shop's payment system.

- Extracurricular / optional program costs: costs for optional activities, field trips, vacation camps, instrument or private lessons, competition travel, and special events are charged separately as applicable; specific amounts vary by activity and are billed or collected when those activities are offered. (Examples on-site include separately billed holiday camps associated with Late Birds and items funded by the Verein.)

Refund information and cancellation terms

- Late Birds: monthly fees are charged for the full school-year months (August–June) and remain payable during illness and absences and until cancellation becomes effective; there is no automatic refund for months already billed once the billing period is in effect. Vacation camp fees are billed separately.

- School lunch: only bindingly ordered lunch portions made through the lunch portal are charged; that ordering process controls whether an individual portion is billed. Spontaneous cash purchases are final at point of sale.

- Hort (EFöB): Hort places and any parental co-payments are managed via the municipal voucher process through the Jugendamt; refund or reduction rules follow the Jugendamt / Hort voucher regulations rather than a JFKS-specific refund policy.

Fee payment options

- School lunch: lunches ordered through the web-based portal/app are paid digitally through the caterer's portal; spontaneous lunch purchases may be paid in cash at the point of sale.

- School Shop (Verein): the School Shop accepts cash, PayPal, EC cards, credit cards, and Apple Pay via the Shop's SumUp payment system.

- Lockers and small on-campus payments: certain small payments (locker deposit, on-site collections) are requested in cash where indicated (example: EUR 10 locker deposit requested as exact change).

- Hort and municipal-subsidized services: Hort placement and any parental contributions are handled through the Jugendamt voucher procedure; payment arrangements follow municipal processes.

- Other optional activities and services: payment methods vary by provider (Verein, caterer, Late Birds provider, external vendors) and are stated at the time of registration; the School Shop and the lunch portal support digital payments where noted.

Boarding Arrangements

The John F. Kennedy School Berlin does not have boarding facilities. There are no on-site dormitories or housing options for students. The school operates as a day school for all students.

Uniform Requirement

There is no formal school uniform. Students must be neatly dressed in clothing appropriate for an EC-Grade 12, multicultural, school environment. Clothing must not distract from a serious and respectful learning environment.

Food Options

All students have the option to bring their own lunch and drink from home and eat in the school building or in the auditorium. Graefewirtschaft GmbH is the lunch caterer, and lunch costs €4.36 per portion with an online ordering portal; there are also cash payment options. Due to kitchen construction, lunch and snack options are initially limited and snacks are not available at the start of the year.

Governance and Ownership

The John F. Kennedy School Berlin is a Berlin public school governed by Berlin's Educational Directorate and the School Conference. The John F. Kennedy School Trust Fund e.V. is a non-profit organization that supports the school, funded by the U.S. Embassy. The Educational Directorate ensures the binational and bicultural character of the school, with both American and German principals leading the school.

Curriculum

The John F. Kennedy School Berlin runs a K–12 bilingual German‑American program. The language program is bilingual, English and German, and all students participate in instruction in both languages. Elementary School (Entrance Class through Grade 2) is taught bilingually with daily integration of both languages; from Grade 3 to Grade 6, all subjects are taught in the first language of the teacher. In High School (Grades 7–12), English- and German-speaking students are taught together, with three homeroom classes per grade mainly in English and three mainly in German (excluding language classes). In Grades 7–10 the goal is 50% instruction in German and 50% in English, with students exposed to both languages by graduation. Spanish, French and Latin are offered as electives, and students can pursue either the German Abitur or a U.S. High School Diploma in Grades 11–12, with the program remaining college preparatory throughout.

Exam Results

German Abitur is the standard track for Grades 11–12, with examinations in spring and a final grade calculated from courses and exams; in 2025 the Abitur average was 1.92. The school also offers an American High School Diploma via a dual-credential option, with AP and other college-prep coursework. AP results for the Class of 2025 show 25 subjects tested, 89 students took AP exams, 232 total exams, 90% of exams earned a score of 3 or above, and 93% of test takers scored a 3 on at least one exam. SAT results for 2024–2025 show a mean of 652 for Reading & Writing, 608 for Mathematics, totaling 1,259. Approximately 90% of JFKS students ultimately attend a university.

Higher Education Progression

Approximately 90% of JFKS students ultimately attend a university. The High School Program offers two credentials: the German Abitur and the U.S. High School Diploma; Abitur graduates can enter German universities and other international universities, while Diploma graduates can gain admission to U.S. universities and institutions worldwide. College & Career counseling supports university admissions, with criteria including high school record, class rank, test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, AP), essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and interviews.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has a School Counseling program across Elementary, Middle, and High School. The Elementary School Counselor provides counseling services for Entrance Class through Grade 6 and delivers a three-level guidance curriculum addressing academic and social-emotional counseling, conflict management, self-confidence, decision-making, stress management, crisis counseling, and transitions; the ES Counselor collaborates with the Special Needs Teacher to support accommodations. The Middle School Counselor serves grades 7-9, focusing on study skills and organization, communication and conflict management, goal setting, and stress management, and provides personal-social/emotional, academic, and career support; New Student Orientation is coordinated and Student Ambassadors are trained with support from colleagues. The High School Counselor provides counseling for grades 10-12, oversees course selection and scheduling for the High School Diploma Program and Abitur, coordinates college planning and applications and standardized testing, and serves as the NCAA/NAIA contact for prospective student-athletes, while addressing personal and career issues. The ES and MS counselors also work with families as part of the broader student support network.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment for all students, including those with special learning needs. It provides accommodations and resources in keeping with the dual-language program and staff capacity. JFKS does not offer a full special education program, and in some cases the special needs of a student are met in a monolingual or smaller classroom setting; however, students with special needs do attend JFKS and are supported with a variety of strategies and resources. The school provides regular professional development for teachers in the areas of special learning needs, differentiation of instruction, and up-to-date support methods, and has secured additional funding to broaden its program. The Elementary School can help students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, processing disorders, and milder forms of Asperger Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder; the school can serve hearing- and sight-impaired or physically- or mentally-handicapped students if outside support is provided; the Student Support Team includes special education teachers, counselors, and school social workers; formal accommodation plans require a medical diagnosis and are decided by the class conference.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school follows a bilingual language education concept in German and English in the Elementary School, with the goal of providing all students with competence-based, individualized, and continuous support in both languages. Ongoing language observation and diagnostics identify support needs; language-sensitive subject teaching actively promotes academic and everyday language; team teaching supports learning in heterogeneous groups; support for all language learners is provided, with close cooperation with parents. Language development from Entrance Class through Grade 6 combines immersive early-stage bilingual exposure with language support structures, including two Language teachers from Grade 3 onward, differentiated language groups, and a German Intensive Program for new students without German skills.

Mental Wellbeing

The school provides School Counseling across Elementary, Middle, and High School. The Elementary School Counselor addresses academic and social-emotional counseling, conflict management, improving self-confidence, decision-making, stress management, crisis counseling, and transitions, and collaborates with the Special Needs Teacher to support accommodations. The Middle School Counselor addresses study skills, organization, communication, conflict management, decision-making, goal setting, and stress management, and supports students individually on personal-social/emotional, academic, and career issues, coordinating New Student Orientation and Student Ambassadors. The High School Counselor oversees course selection and scheduling for the Diploma and Abitur, college planning and applications, standardized testing, and provides guidance on personal statements, career planning, and stress management.

Safeguarding

The school has a Child Protection Plan (Kinderschutzkonzept) updated in September 2023. It designates a Child Protection Officer and external expert advise, provides an Intervention Plan, and establishes safeguarding procedures for suspected child welfare concerns; safeguarding is a collective responsibility involving all staff and the school community. Every adult has a role in upholding the plan and supervising its implementation, with ongoing monitoring and annual staff training on child protection and code-of-conduct requirements. Recruitment includes explicit reference to the child-protection policy and, for new employees, current extended police clearance certificates; a Binding Code of Conduct requires staff to commit to safeguarding guidelines, and there are explicit guidelines for social media and information handling. The plan is reviewed and revised annually with opportunities for parent training and involvement.

Admissions

1. The John F. Kennedy School Berlin conducts selective admissions based on previous school records and, where necessary, testing; all admissions are probationary for one year in elementary school and one semester in high school. 2. Applications are accepted only during specified application periods; JFKS admits on a space-available basis at each grade level, with hundreds of applications each year and only a limited number admitted; no exceptions to deadlines. 3. Admissions are governed by the JFKS Act and by an Educational Directorate resolution; the German language version is legally-binding and the English translation is for convenience. 4. Entrance Class (EC/EK) requires that the child has German or U.S. citizenship (or both) and that at least one parent is a German or U.S. citizen; the child must speak the language corresponding to their citizenship as a first/dominant language to support a balanced American and German contingent. 5. If citizenship/language conditions are not met, admission may be possible only by decision of the Education Directorate, subject to place availability and not blocking German/U.S. applicants; historically these conditions have not been met due to high demand. 6. 7. Application processing: after submission, a confirmation email is sent within 4–6 weeks; applications are processed in the order they are received within the application periods; submission date does not affect priority. 8. Legal framework: the Admissions Regulations govern all processes; the German version is legally binding; the English translation is for convenience. 9. Lotteries: 95 spots in the Entrance Class are divided roughly 47/48 American and 48/47 German; priority admissions are allocated by first language and nationality; remaining spaces are filled by a lottery; lottery results are communicated by email. 10. Probationary year: the first year at JFKS is probationary; families must also register with their local Einzugsschule for Grade 1 to secure a seat if probation is not passed; German registration timelines differ. 11. For Grades 1–6, international/third-national applicants can be admitted only if no German or American applicants are on the waiting list; admission is highly constrained by space and demand.

Scholarships

The Dr. Alan Poland Memorial Music Scholarship exists at JFKS; Recipients perform in a dedicated recital; The Alumni Benefit Concert supports the alumni scholarship program for JFKS graduates, funding the alumni scholarship program.

Waitlist

International students may be admitted to grades 7–12 only if there are no German or American applicants on the waiting list; admission begins after review of complete applications, with confirmation typically within six to eight weeks; the actual admission process for Grades 7–12 starts in April/May; the school maintains a waiting list and space is limited, so international applicants are rarely admitted when German or American applicants are on the waiting list.

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QSI International School of Munster

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Pupils 50

Type Co-educational

QSI Münster is a private, nonprofit international school located in Münster, Germany, offering an English-instruction, American-style college-preparatory curriculum. The school is part of Quality Schools International and is accredited by the Middle States Association. It serves students ages 3 to 17, with a Preschool program using English immersion and Frog Street as a foundation, and a secondary program culminating in a U.S.-accredited high school diploma after about 240 credits. AP courses are available online via QSI's Quality Virtual School and sometimes on-site in Secondary; the curriculum covers Math, Science, World Cultural Studies, History, Economics, English, Art, Music, PE, Foreign Language, and Technology, plus a year-long Research Project. The campus operates in the Latvian Cultural Center and features four stories of classrooms, libraries, an art room, and a gym, with access to an auditorium and outdoor play areas. Students participate in MUN, Student Council, cross-country, and diverse arts, culture, and service activities.

Location

Salzmannstrasse 152, Münster, 48159, Germany. The campus is located in the Latvian Cultural Center, in the Kinderhaus neighborhood. From Münster Promenade in the Old Town, the school is about a 10-minute drive, a 20-minute bike ride, and a 5-minute walk to the nearest city bus stop.

Stages

Preschool and Elementary programs for students ages 3 through 11. Middle School serves students ages 12-13. The Secondary School offers a U.S.-accredited high school diploma with AP courses available in-person or online via QVS.

Type

Private, nonprofit international school offering an American-style, college-preparatory curriculum. Language of instruction is English. It is a member of Quality Schools International and is fully accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA).

Pupil Nationality Mix

15 nationalities are represented. Represented nationalities include the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Spain, Japan, Croatia, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, Turkey, Yemen, Lithuania, South Korea, and New Zealand. The school serves international families and local German citizens.

Additional learning support

Intensive English support is available for students who are still gaining English fluency. A learning-support framework and a Special Needs policy provide accommodations for mild to moderate learning needs; coordinators assist in developing appropriate learning plans.

Country affiliation

The United States is the country affiliation through its American-style, college-preparatory curriculum.

Bus service

The school is accessible by city bus. The nearest city bus stop is a 5-minute walk from the Latvian Cultural Center, where the school is located. From Münster Promenade in the Old Town, it is about a 10-minute drive, a 20-minute bike ride, and a 5-minute walk to the bus stop.

Application / Registration Fee

- One-time, non-refundable registration fee: USD 300. This fee is payable when submitting the application. Payment for the registration fee is accepted in cash or by bank transfer.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and per year)

- The school provides detailed tuition amounts by age/grade and by term on request. Families receive a full fee schedule showing per-term and annual tuition for each age group (Preschool through Secondary) when they request tuition information from the school.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The full billing schedule (term dates, per-term amounts, due dates, and any installment options) and the school's payment terms are supplied with the tuition schedule provided to families at acceptance or on request.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- Boarding is not part of the school's program offering for Preschool through Secondary; there are no boarding fees for this campus.

Other costs and fees (examples and what to expect)

- In addition to the registration fee and tuition, families should expect that there may be additional charges for some or all of the following (specific items and amounts are provided in the school's fee schedule):
- Textbooks and classroom consumables
- Standardized testing or examination fees (where applicable to grade level)
- After-school activities, clubs or extracurricular program fees
- Field trips and special events
- School supplies and personal materials
- Lunches or catering if the school provides paid meal services
- Optional services such as extended-day care or supervised study

- Exact items included or excluded and the corresponding costs are detailed in the school's official fee schedule.

Uniforms and related clothing costs

- If a uniform or specific dress requirements exist, uniform costs are treated as an additional, family-borne expense; exact uniform requirements and price ranges (retailer or supplier information) are provided by the school.

Refund information

- The registration fee is explicitly non-refundable. Refund policies for tuition and other fees (for example, withdrawal before term start or mid-term withdrawal) are set out in the school's fee terms and are provided with the fee schedule.

Fee payment options

- The registration fee is payable in cash or by bank transfer. Specific payment methods accepted for tuition and other fees (for example, bank transfer, credit card, or other methods) and any applicable transaction fees are provided in the school's fee and payment information.

Curriculum

The school follows an American college-preparatory curriculum taught in English and is fully accredited by the Middle States Association, with Mastery Learning and the Success Orientations guiding instruction. The Preschool program provides an English-immersive environment with an early literacy and numeracy focus, using Frog Street as the curriculum foundation and emphasizing social-emotional development and readiness for school. AP courses are available online through QSI's Quality Virtual School as needed, and some AP courses are offered on-site in the Secondary program; the Secondary curriculum covers Mathematics, Science, World Cultural Studies, History, Economics, English, Art, Music, Physical Education, Foreign Language, and Technology, with a year-long Research Project in the final year. The high school diploma is college/university preparatory; 240 credits are required, and an Academic Diploma with Honors requires at least two AP courses or two International Baccalaureate higher-level courses; SAT preparation and college/career guidance are provided. AP courses are available online or on-site and may include AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Language & Composition, AP Literature & Composition, AP European History, AP U.S. History, AP World History, and AP Economics.

Higher Education Progression

The QSI high school diploma is a college/university preparatory credential; graduates are prepared to apply for admission to American colleges or universities, or universities in other countries. The diploma requires 240 credits; an Academic Diploma with Honors exists for students who complete at least two AP courses or two IB higher-level courses. SAT preparation and career/college guidance are provided to support postsecondary planning. Some AP courses may be offered online through QSI's Quality Virtual School or on-site to support college admissions.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Empower Curriculum supports safeguarding and student well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school has a special needs policy and a learning support framework; Regional Learning Support Coordinators develop and support appropriate academic and behavioral learning plans to meet the needs of each individual student.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Intensive English support is available for elementary and middle school students based on their English language fluency levels; English fluency is assessed during the admissions process; Preschool provides an English-language environment; in the Secondary program, fluency is carefully considered and Intensive English support can be offered for Secondary I and II.

Safeguarding

QSI Münster is committed to safeguarding with a dedicated Child Protection and Empower Curriculum; Keeping Safe Curriculum; staff training and consistent reporting methods; a community letter regarding Child Protection and Keeping Safe Curriculum; the Keeping Safe Curriculum resources are available to parents.

Admissions

1. Campus Visit or Video Conference: A campus visit or video conference can be arranged by contacting the school. The campus is located at 152 Salzmannstrasse, 48159 Münster, Germany. Phone: +49-251-3834-9446. Visits are arranged to help families learn about QSI Münster. 2. Application and Documents Needed: To apply, fill out the Open Apply forms (one per child). Supporting documents per child include: previous school records (past two years for ages 6–13; none needed for preschool or kindergarten unless available); all high school credits previously earned; passport copies for each child. A non-refundable registration fee of 300 USD is due upon submission of the application (cash or bank transfer). Review the German government's document on compulsory school attendance for residents of Germany. 3. Placement: Preschool/Elementary serves ages 3–11 with small class sizes and Intensive English support for students still gaining English fluency. Placement is by birth date with age-based class assignments for Preschool and Elementary; Middle School serves ages 12–13; Secondary program provides credits toward a QSI U.S.-accredited high school diploma; AP courses are available on an individual-needs basis and some courses may be taken online via QSI's Quality Virtual School. English fluency is assessed during the admissions process to determine appropriate language support. 4. Admissions FAQs: The FAQs cover deadlines and intake timing (students can join at any time; relocation timelines are accommodated), language requirements and whether a placement test is used, accreditation and diploma recognition, and accommodations for learners with identified needs.

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Stiftung Louisenlund

Instructs in English

Ages 10 - 18 years

Fees €50,000 - 85,000

Pupils 480

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Stiftung Louisenlund is a co-educational boarding and day school offering a gymnasium, a vocational academy, and IB World School status. It provides the IB Diploma Programme and IB Middle Years Programme, taught in English, with subject groups spanning languages, economics, sciences, mathematics and the arts. The DP core comprises Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. The school also offers German and American curricula, strengthening its international profile. Rooted in an 18th-century castle, Louisenlund follows Kurt Hahn's tradition, with a foundation that personalizes learning and mentors teachers. Learning happens 24/7 across the campus, blending academics with character development. Facilities include the Learning and Research Center, science labs, a MINT Talent Center, a roof observatory with a 20-inch telescope, and a sailing harbor with a training vessel for marine biology and nautical studies. The campus offers four tennis courts and nearby golf. Extracurriculars include debates, biotechnology and agroforestry, THW, cutter sailing, and a guild program supporting leadership, service and cultural activities.

Location

The Louisenlund Foundation is located in the north of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It can be reached from Hamburg Airport in 1.5 hours and from the vacation island of Sylt in 2.5 hours. Navigation systems recognize the entries 'Hof Louisenlund' (Hof Louisenlund Street, 24357 Güby) and 'Schloss Louisenlund' (Louisenlund 9, 24357 Güby). Louisenlund 9, 24357 Güby is the address of the school.

Stages

The school offers Elementary school as a day school; Junior high school (grades 5-7) as a day school; Middle school (grades 8-10); Upper secondary school (grades 11-13). It also offers Gymnasium plus-MINT talent development program (grades 10-13); Gymnasium plus sailing support program (grades 8-Q2/8-13); Vocational grammar school for agriculture (grades E - 13); and IB World School.

Type

Boarding school; full-time gymnasium. Vocational gymnasium; IB World School.

Application and admission fees
- Admission (one-off, non-recurring): EUR 1,900.
- Deposit payable upon admission: EUR 10,000.
- Advance payment towards service charges: EUR 5,000 per year.
- Contribution to the Parent Council account: EUR 5 per year.

Tuition and boarding fees by year group (amounts shown as Monthly / Semi-annual / Annual)
- Grammar School (Years 8–10): EUR 4,520 / EUR 27,120 / EUR 54,240. This includes a specified contingent tuition component of EUR 210 / EUR 1,260 / EUR 2,520.
- Grammar School (Years E, Q1, Q2): EUR 4,638 / EUR 27,828 / EUR 55,656. (Upper‑school contribution rule below applies.) This includes the contingent tuition component shown above.
- IB Middle Years Programme (MYP): EUR 4,913 / EUR 29,478 / EUR 58,956. This includes a contingent tuition component of EUR 210 / EUR 1,260 / EUR 2,520.
- IB Diploma Programme (DP): EUR 5,029 / EUR 30,174 / EUR 60,348. This includes the contingent tuition component noted above.
- plus‑MINT (plus‑STEM) Programme (Year 10): EUR 4,906 / EUR 29,436 / EUR 58,872.
- plus‑MINT (plus‑STEM) Programme (Years E, Q1, Q2): EUR 5,023 / EUR 30,138 / EUR 60,276.
- Upper‑school contribution: where a student is enrolled in Year E, DP1 or higher, the monthly parental contribution increases by EUR 260 per month until completion of the school‑leaving examinations or the Diploma. This rule applies as stated for the grammar, IB and plus‑MINT scales.

What the parental contribution covers and additional chargeable items
- The parental contribution covers boarding, all meals, tuition, participation in services and guilds, health care for minor illnesses and insurance covering accidents, fire and burglary.
- Additional fees may apply for participation in certain guilds or extracurriculars (examples given: model construction, golf). Individual costs charged separately include personal items and activities such as sportswear and house sweaters, pocket money, travel expenses, medical treatment, individual lessons (music, remedial), special sports training (e.g., golf pro lessons), excursions, recreational sports trips and theatre visits.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The payment obligation for a school year arises on 1 August and expires on 31 July of the following calendar year; this applies regardless of the commencement of the summer holidays or the date of graduation or IB examinations. Payment may be made on a monthly, semi‑annual or annual basis using the amounts shown above.
- Parents who pay the full annual fee by bank transfer or by direct debit and whose payment is received before 20 July of the coming school year receive a discount of 1.5% on the annual fee.

Boarding fees
- Boarding costs are included within the parental contribution amounts listed above; no separate monthly boarding fee is shown because boarding, meals and related routine services are part of the stated parental contribution. Extra costs for particular services or activities (see above) are charged separately.

Other costs and routine charges
- One‑off and routine charges: Admission fee EUR 1,900; deposit EUR 10,000; advance payment towards service charges EUR 5,000 per year; Parent Council contribution EUR 5 per year. Personal equipment, clothing and optional individual lessons/activities are charged separately. Participation in some guilds may carry extra fees.

Refund information and obligations
- The contractual payment obligation covers the entire school year (1 August – 31 July) and remains in effect regardless of commencement of school holidays or the date of graduation/IB examinations; this establishes the annual obligation for fee payment. The fee scale lists the one‑off admission fee, deposit and advance payments but does not specify separate pro‑rata refunds for the annual parental contribution within the fee schedule itself.

Boarding Arrangements

Louisenlund offers campus boarding in several residences with single or double rooms. Akazienring houses four living areas near the Schlei where learning, performing and living merge. Wald- and Gildenhouse accommodate around 40 students from Year E onward in individually furnished single or double rooms. Bridge house, Oskars and the former ice cellar near the castle provide social spaces for boarders and day pupils, with house parents supervising; weekends follow a 14‑day rhythm (B‑week and A‑week), including an active weekend program and occasional trips, with home time on Thursdays during B‑weeks.

Food Options

Louisenlund focuses on a healthy, balanced, nutritious and fiber‑rich diet. Feinheimisch means ingredients largely from the region, contributing to an international food culture. The menus are carefully prepared by the kitchen team using regional fresh produce to provide energy, support concentration and promote well‑being.

House System

Boarding life is organized around several residences: Akazienring (the Donut) with four living areas for final‑year students; Wald‑ and Gildenhouse near the castle provide single or double rooms for about 40 students from Year E onward; Bridge house and the on‑site sailing harbor hub near Brückenhaus; The student house hosts weekly parties and activities run by a student guild. House parents supervise the residences and students participate in weekend activities and guilds.

Governance and Ownership

Stiftung Louisenlund is the Louisenlund Foundation that runs the school and boarding program. The foundation's vision and mission emphasize personalized education, with teachers acting as mentors in small learning groups and personalized learning paths. The foundation pursues a social goal rather than economic profit, fostering a strong community where learning happens in daily life, boarding life, and through guilds and projects.

Curriculum

IB World School offers Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) with English as the school language. The DP includes subject groups: Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature (English A Language and Literature; German A Literature), Group 2 Language Acquisition (English B; German B), Group 3 Individuals and Societies (Economics; History; Business Management), Group 4 Sciences (Biology; Chemistry; Physics), Group 5 Mathematics (Mathematics Analysis & Approaches; Mathematics Applications & Interpretations), Group 6 Arts (Visual Arts). The DP core elements are Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates go on to study at renowned universities such as Cornell University (USA), the London School of Economics (UK), Harvard University (USA), Imperial College London (UK), King's College London (UK) and the University of St Andrews (UK).

Gifted and Talented

Leadership for Impact programme; Gymnasium plus-MINT talent development program; Mentors, portfolios and small learning groups as part of personalized education.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school language is English. The MYP addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of learners holistically. Close support from mentors and house parents helps students grow personally and socially. The Community Project (MYP4) fosters responsibility, teamwork and empathy within the school community. The Personal Project (MYP5) encourages independence, creativity and self-reflection, developing time management and research skills. Leadership for Impact focuses on holistic development to empower servant leaders who address real-world challenges.

Mental Wellbeing

The MYP addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of learners holistically. Life at Louisenlund offers mentors for optimal personal development in an international community. Close support from mentors and house parents helps students grow socially and emotionally. The Leadership for Impact program strengthens resilience and social responsibility. Students become confident and independent lifelong learners through interdisciplinary learning.

Admissions

1. We are happy to inform you. The admissions team provides information about registering your child at Louisenlund and answers questions about the admission procedure. They inform you individually and without obligation. They guide you through the next steps in the admissions process.

2. Introduce yourself. If you and your child are interested in a school career at Louisenlund, information about your child is needed in the second step: the type of school you are interested in and the year of your child. The child's last school reports should be provided. Indicate whether the child is involved in extracurricular activities.

3. Get to know each other. Take the opportunity during a visit to Louisenlund to receive individualized guidance from education experts and to experience the boarding school and the school firsthand. The next consultation day dates can be found here.

4. Admission to the Louisenlund community. After experiencing the innovations and uniqueness of Louisenlund Boarding School and deciding to enroll your child, complete the contractual formalities with the admissions team. Your child can look forward to arriving and will be welcomed with a welcome program as staff accompany them into the Louisenlund community. The Louisenlund boarding school accepts pupils from year 8 onwards.

Scholarships

Making excellent education accessible to all children - the Scholarship Fund Foundation. The Louisenlund Foundation Scholarship Fund supports pupils who would like to be accepted into the school on the basis of their talents and achievements, but who have to overcome financial hurdles. Through targeted scholarships, we aim to create a diverse school community that promotes exchange and learning together. The fund is supported by donations and contributions from sponsors and helps to provide talented young people with a first-class education, regardless of their financial situation. In addition, the Scholarship Fund Foundation recognizes special achievements within the Louisenlund community. Once a year, it awards the Herzog Peter Prize, the most important prize in Louisenlund, to pupils who have made a special contribution to the community during their time at Louisenlund.

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