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Berlin Metropolitan School

Germany, Berlin

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees €9,430 - 18,216
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2004
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, German Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, German
Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Berlin Metropolitan School is a private day school in Berlin Mitte serving ages 3 to 18. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme, plus Cambridge IGCSE and German Curriculum, with instruction delivered in English and German. The school is an IB World School and Cambridge International School, applying Berliner Rahmenlehrplan for its Primary School, which uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based Programme of Inquiry with six themes. Core subjects include Math, German and English; German and English are taught as core languages, with in-house support through German as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language. The campus features libraries, science labs, and digital infrastructure (Apple devices, Office 365, classroom displays). 1,100 students from 69 nations are taught by 200 staff. Facilities include a rooftop terrace and 75 clubs, ranging from drama to STEM and language activities. After-school programs include CCEP, Hort, and SDG-related activities for students worldwide.

Linienstraße 122, 10115 Berlin, Germany

The Essentials

Berlin Metropolitan School has instruction in English, German.

Location

Central Berlin campus at Linienstraße 122, 10115 Berlin. The school is described as the largest international school in the center of Berlin with its campus in central Berlin.

Stages

Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Type

Private international day school (gGmbH) offering both German state curriculum and international qualifications; it is an IB World School and a Cambridge International School.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Over 1,000 students from 65 countries attend.

Additional learning support

The school has a dedicated Student Support team including a school nurse, speech therapist, integration specialists, and support teachers; a school counselor and a child protection officer work with families to provide expertise and professional recommendations.

School day structure

The whole-day program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

There is no school uniform; BMS apparel and House apparel can be purchased through the online shop.

Food Options

In the Early Learning Center, meals are provided in the relevant group rooms and include fruit for breakfast, a warm lunch, and an afternoon snack. Primary and Secondary lunches are provided in the school's cafeteria, with a warm meal and a choice of two to three dishes, a salad bar, and unlimited fruit; Primary lunches are free of charge, while Secondary lunches are offered via a paid contract with the catering partner (Dussmann).

House System

The school has a four-house system: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. It runs from Grade 1 to Grade 12; students represent their house in competitions and public events, and may take on leadership roles such as House Captain or Vice-Captain.

Governance and Ownership

The school is owned and governed by Berlin Metropolitan School gGmbH.
Fees

Annual tuition at Berlin Metropolitan School ranges from EUR 9,430 to EUR 18,216 for 2026/27.

Admission / Application fees

- One-time admission fee: EUR 1,500 per child, payable when the contract is finalised. The admission fee is non-refundable. For families with a gross annual income below EUR 40,000 the one-time admission fee is the same amount as the monthly tuition fee for that family.

Tuition fees (Grades grouped and shown per month, per academic year, and per academic term)

Note: BMS calculates tuition on an income-adjusted basis: monthly tuition is set by the family's gross annual income and by the child's grade band. Tuition is collected monthly by direct debit; yearly and per-term figures below are derived from the published monthly rates (monthly × 12 = annual; annual ÷ 3 = per academic term). The published grade bands are Grades 1–6, Grades 7–10 and Grades 11–12.

- Income From EUR 30,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 210 / month — EUR 2,520 / year — EUR 840 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 210 / month — EUR 2,520 / year — EUR 840 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 210 / month — EUR 2,520 / year — EUR 840 / term.

- Income From EUR 32,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 270 / month — EUR 3,240 / year — EUR 1,080 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 270 / month — EUR 3,240 / year — EUR 1,080 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 270 / month — EUR 3,240 / year — EUR 1,080 / term.

- Income From EUR 35,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 330 / month — EUR 3,960 / year — EUR 1,320 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 330 / month — EUR 3,960 / year — EUR 1,320 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 330 / month — EUR 3,960 / year — EUR 1,320 / term.

- Income From EUR 40,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 360 / month — EUR 4,320 / year — EUR 1,440 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 360 / month — EUR 4,320 / year — EUR 1,440 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 360 / month — EUR 4,320 / year — EUR 1,440 / term.

- Income From EUR 50,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 430 / month — EUR 5,160 / year — EUR 1,720 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 430 / month — EUR 5,160 / year — EUR 1,720 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 540 / month — EUR 6,480 / year — EUR 2,160 / term.

- Income From EUR 60,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 470 / month — EUR 5,640 / year — EUR 1,880 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 660 / month — EUR 7,920 / year — EUR 2,640 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 680 / month — EUR 8,160 / year — EUR 2,720 / term.

- Income From EUR 70,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 580 / month — EUR 6,960 / year — EUR 2,320 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 720 / month — EUR 8,640 / year — EUR 2,880 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 790 / month — EUR 9,480 / year — EUR 3,160 / term.

- Income From EUR 80,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 610 / month — EUR 7,320 / year — EUR 2,440 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 760 / month — EUR 9,120 / year — EUR 3,040 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 850 / month — EUR 10,200 / year — EUR 3,400 / term.

- Income From EUR 90,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 640 / month — EUR 7,680 / year — EUR 2,560 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 800 / month — EUR 9,600 / year — EUR 3,200 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 910 / month — EUR 10,920 / year — EUR 3,640 / term.

- Income From EUR 100,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 665 / month — EUR 7,980 / year — EUR 2,660 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 865 / month — EUR 10,380 / year — EUR 3,460 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 965 / month — EUR 11,580 / year — EUR 3,860 / term.

- Income From EUR 110,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 690 / month — EUR 8,280 / year — EUR 2,760 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 930 / month — EUR 11,160 / year — EUR 3,720 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 1,020 / month — EUR 12,240 / year — EUR 4,080 / term.

- Income From EUR 120,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 738 / month — EUR 8,856 / year — EUR 2,952 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 1,015 / month — EUR 12,180 / year — EUR 4,060 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 1,102 / month — EUR 13,224 / year — EUR 4,408 / term.

- Income From EUR 130,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 769 / month — EUR 9,228 / year — EUR 3,076 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 1,077 / month — EUR 12,924 / year — EUR 4,308 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 1,159 / month — EUR 13,908 / year — EUR 4,636 / term.

- Income From EUR 140,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 795 / month — EUR 9,540 / year — EUR 3,180 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 1,148 / month — EUR 13,776 / year — EUR 4,592 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 1,220 / month — EUR 14,640 / year — EUR 4,880 / term.

- Income From EUR 150,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 820 / month — EUR 9,840 / year — EUR 3,280 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 1,220 / month — EUR 14,640 / year — EUR 4,880 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 1,282 / month — EUR 15,384 / year — EUR 5,128 / term.

- Income From EUR 160,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 851 / month — EUR 10,212 / year — EUR 3,404 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 1,251 / month — EUR 15,012 / year — EUR 5,004 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 1,312 / month — EUR 15,744 / year — EUR 5,248 / term.

- Income From EUR 170,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 882 / month — EUR 10,584 / year — EUR 3,528 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 1,282 / month — EUR 15,384 / year — EUR 5,128 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 1,343 / month — EUR 16,116 / year — EUR 5,372 / term.

- Income From EUR 180,000
- Grades 1–6: EUR 913 / month — EUR 10,956 / year — EUR 3,652 / term.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 1,312 / month — EUR 15,744 / year — EUR 5,248 / term.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 1,374 / month — EUR 16,488 / year — EUR 5,496 / term.

(Income bands, monthly rates and the method for calculating an income-adjusted rate are published by the school; if no income documentation is supplied the maximum rate for the relevant band applies.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Billing frequency and collection method: tuition and any agreed additional fees are collected monthly by SEPA direct debit. The SEPA mandate authorises monthly withdrawal; the school withdraws on the 3rd day of each month (if the 3rd is a weekend or public holiday the withdrawal occurs on the next working day). Account-holder charges arising from insufficient funds are payable by the account holder.

- Contract term and notice: the standard school contract is ongoing and is automatically extended for one year (August 1 to July 31) unless cancelled in writing with three months' notice; in cases of sudden moves the notice period can be reduced to one month (contract details and exceptions are set out in the school contract). A holding (retainer) option exists to keep a place while abroad; a holding fee applies.

Sibling discounts

- Second child: 15% reduction on tuition.
- Third child: 25% reduction on tuition.
- Fourth and subsequent children: 100% (no tuition charged).

Media fees, lunches and other recurring charges

- Analog media fee (textbooks and classroom materials):
- Grades 1–6: EUR 300 per year — due 1 October.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 400 per year — due 1 October.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 500 per year — due 1 October.

- Digital media fee (digital infrastructure, software subscriptions etc.):
- Grades 1–6: EUR 300 per year — due 1 February.
- Grades 7–10: EUR 400 per year — due 1 February.
- Grades 11–12: EUR 500 per year — due 1 February.

- Early Learning Center lunches: EUR 23 per month, collected monthly. Primary school lunches are provided free of charge. Secondary students ordering cafeteria meals are invoiced directly by the external caterer (Dussmann); the published cost for Secondary lunches is EUR 5.10 per day and is billed by the caterer. Class trips and external examination fees (IGCSE, IB) are invoiced separately and are not included in tuition.

Holding/temporary enrolment

- Holding fee: a holding option is offered (minimum two months, maximum one year) to reserve places; when the contract is placed on hold a monthly holding fee of 25% of the monthly tuition is charged. Temporary short-term enrolment is possible subject to space and is charged separately.

Low-income provisions and fee waivers

- Families with combined gross annual income below EUR 30,000 are eligible for a specific reduced fee scale for the oldest child and further reductions for additional children; in those cases admission fees are not charged. Teaching–materials costs may be reduced or waived for families receiving designated social benefits; individual financial aid and case-specific solutions are available.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: Not applicable. Berlin Metropolitan School operates as a day school (no boarding provision).

Other one-off or variable costs

- External exam fees: IGCSE and IB Diploma examination fees are charged by the exam authorities and passed on to parents as separate invoices.
- Class trips, camps and additional extracurricular activities: invoiced separately as all‑inclusive one‑time charges.
- Uniforms and school clothing: BMS clothing is sold via the school's authorised supplier; uniform purchases are additional and are handled through that external shop (vendor payment options vary by vendor).

Refunds and fee adjustments

- Admission fee: non-refundable.
- Tuition adjustments: if a family's declared income is subsequently found to be incorrect or incomplete, tuition may be recalculated retroactively and the difference charged.
- In the event of contract cancellation, standard contract notice periods and the contractual terms determine final invoicing and any refunds or outstanding charges.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Primary payment method for school fees: SEPA Direct Debit mandate (monthly collection). Fees are usually withdrawn on the 3rd of each month. The SEPA mandate includes the school's bank details and creditor identifier for direct debit.

- Bank transfer / account details: the school's bank and IBAN/BIC are used for administrative transfers and are provided in the school's payment/SEPA documentation. External providers (uniform supplier, caterer) accept their own payment methods (for example card or online payment) according to the vendor's terms.

Key practical points for parents

- Tuition is income-based and requires submission of income documentation to receive an income-adjusted rate; without documentation the maximum published rate applies.
- Fees are collected monthly by SEPA direct debit (withdrawal on the 3rd).
- Expect separate invoices for class trips, exam fees and some extracurricular charges; media fees and lunch charges follow the annual due dates listed above.
Academics

Berlin Metropolitan School teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, German Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Based on the Berlin Framework Curriculum (Berliner Rahmenlehrplan) and the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Primary School uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based program. The main subjects are Math, German, and English. Language learning is a central goal; German and English are taught as core subjects and are supported by German as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language programs; English is the main language of instruction. Language support is delivered by in-house experts through small-group or one-on-one sessions. Additional subjects include Art, Music, Theater, Physical Education, and Social Studies. The curriculum emphasizes developing skills and values such as solutions-based thinking, critical reflection, research, public speaking, teamwork, intercultural understanding, and authentic self-expression, and it incorporates the IB Learner Profile and a Programme of Inquiry with six transdisciplinary themes.

Student Teacher Ratio

Class size is 22–24 students in Primary and Secondary. Total enrollment is 1,135 students.

Exam Results

Secondary students prepare for Mittlerer Schulabschluss (Berlin State Grade 10 Leaving Certificate), the Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9-10, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11-12. The IB Diploma results are above the IB world average, and a wide variety of subject options are offered within both the IGCSE and the IB DP.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates pursue higher education at universities across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The 2025 cohort achieved 100% university placement with graduates receiving their first or second university placement choice; examples of universities listed include Yale University, The University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, and other institutions across Europe and North America.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school supports students' social and emotional development through a dedicated team including a Head of Learning Support, a School Counselor, a School Nurse, and Support Teachers.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

A Head of Learning Support, a School Counselor, a School Nurse, and Support Teachers provide learning support for students with learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

EAL (English as an Additional Language) and GAL (German as a Second/Additional Language) are provided to support language development in English and German.

Mental Wellbeing

Pastoral care and mental wellbeing are supported by a dedicated student support team, including counselors and two designated Child Protection Officers who coordinate with Senior Leadership and external services.

Safeguarding

Two designated Child Protection Officers lead safeguarding, working with Senior Leadership and counselors; safeguarding processes are aligned with external services provided by the Berlin Senate for Education.
Parent Experience

History

Berlin Metropolitan School is the oldest and largest international school in Berlin Mitte. It was founded as a private school in the former East Berlin in 2004, initially housed in spaces between Schönhauser Allee and Friedrichstrasse. By the end of 2006, BMS changed hands in close partnership with the parent initiative, and after negotiations with the Berlin state government in 2007, the school grounds and buildings were acquired. Grounds and buildings expanded with a back courtyard building in 2016 and a 2021 building project added modern learning spaces, two libraries, an auditorium and a rooftop terrace. Today more than 1,100 students from 69 nations attend the school, taught by an international team of around 200 staff.

Community

Shared experiences and school traditions shape our students, with a calendar of theme weeks, project weeks, house initiatives, and student-led events. National and international celebrations enrich the program and connect learning to local and global events. School life includes musical and theatrical performances, assemblies, concerts and sporting events. Wider community events invite families to celebrate our school and city culture.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Our school community consists of committed families who share our values and actively contribute to the international learning environment. All BMS grades have elected parent representatives who work closely with the respective school principals in each section. MET@BMS is the Parent Engagement Team, a group of actively involved parents who support the school community. MET@BMS provides opportunities for parents to come together, participate in events and activities offered in Berlin, and build a strong community identity. The program emphasizes transparent communication between home and school, with regular updates on the learning success of students and on strategic school development.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Berlin Metropolitan School is centrally located in Berlin Mitte. It is an all-day K-12 campus. The school has two libraries and two science labs. The digital infrastructure includes Apple MacBooks and iPads, a library with stationary iMacs, and every classroom is equipped with display technology; Office 365 accounts are provided to all students. Language immersion supports German and English, with two educators per class guiding both languages.

Sports Facilities

Sports offered include basketball, capoeira, and parkour.

Academic Facilities

The school has two libraries and two science labs. It provides a robust digital infrastructure with Apple devices, and the library offers resources to support projects with iMacs in the library. All classrooms are equipped with display technology, and students have Office 365 accounts. The campus is centrally located in Berlin Mitte.

Extra Curricular Facilities

There are 75 clubs. The club program includes ARTS (Ballet, HipHop, Theater); LANGUAGES (Mandarin, Spanish); SPORTS (Basketball, Capoeira, Parkour); STEM (Coding, Science Explorers, Arduino). The After School Program offers clubs, workshops, and sports. Class excursions and camps provide hands-on learning at museums, theatres, and international destinations.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Co-Curricula Educational Program (CCEP) extends learning beyond the classroom for Primary School Grades 1-6. All Primary School students from Grade 1-6 can participate in the diverse after-school activities and the Hort program offers. A team of 24 educators guides the after-school program, providing an engaging program each day after classes are over and aligning activities with students' interests. The program complements a student-centered, holistic approach and supports social and emotional development through the In-Class Assistance Program (ICA).

Arts & Creative

Secondary School offers a wide range of arts and creative clubs as part of the enrichment program. Examples include Drama Performance Club (Gr. 7-12), Art Catch Up, Art Club, and Creative Writing, with Guitar and other music-related activities as well. The program also includes Book Club and film-oriented activities, with registration via SOCS. Clubs foster creative collaboration and personal expression as part of the after-school enrichment.

Cultural & Language

The Berlingual is a student-led editorial magazine in our Secondary School. The magazine is completely student-driven and managed by a ten-member editorial team, producing monthly editions that reflect the school community and global perspectives. Model United Nations involves simulations and conferences online and around the world, where students study the United Nations and diplomacy. The club develops research, public speaking, and diplomatic skills while engaging with international issues.

Social & Hobbies

Clubs are scheduled via SOCS and published at the start of each school year. Some clubs are created and led by students, fostering leadership and collaboration. Activities include arts, academics, film, choir, sport, as well as hobby and board-game groups. Scheduling and participation support social engagement and extracurricular involvement beyond the classroom.

Community & Service

SDG Club members meet weekly to discuss issues related to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and organize projects to address local, national, and global issues. The club runs panel talks, practical activities, discussions, and workshops, and publishes articles in a monthly newsletter. The club's mission is to promote awareness of the SDGs and to inspire action within BMS and the wider community.

Leadership & Professional

The Berlingual is student-led, with a ten-member editorial team producing monthly editions. The Berlingual magazine provides a voice for students and strengthens school bonds. Model United Nations develops leadership through research, public speaking, and diplomacy, with opportunities to chair committees at conferences. These activities offer practical platforms for collaboration and representation within the student body.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The Hort & In-Class Assistance program includes social and emotional support through the In-Class Assistance Program. All Primary School students can participate in after-school activities, free play, collaborative projects, clubs, music sessions, and team sports, with opportunities to compete nationally and internationally. The after-school program is an extension of the school day and aims to create an inspiring and creative environment where students grow in both intellect and character.
Languages

Language Provision

Language of instruction is English and German. Other compulsory languages are French or Spanish from Grade 7-8. Other languages in the co-curricula program include Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish, and German as a Foreign Language. Language support is provided by in-house experts through German as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language programs.

Bilingual Teaching

Bilingual teaching in English and German is provided across Early Learning and Primary School; German and English are the main subjects and are supported by German as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language programs.

Immersion Programs

Immersion includes bilingual English–German instruction, and language clubs in Mandarin Chinese, German, Spanish, and French.
Reputation

Accreditations

The school is a member of CIS; AGIS; ECIS. It is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and Cambridge Assessment International Education, and by the Senate Administration for Education, Youth and Sciences Berlin.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Step 1: Application. If you are interested in enrolling your child, fill the online application form. For admissions from the 2nd grade and above, send the last two report cards with the application. If any transcripts are not in English or German, include a free translation and the corresponding grade key in English or German. Families can also participate in virtual Open House sessions or on‑site events to learn about the program. 2. Step 2: Conversation and School Visit. If a place is available and the child meets entry requirements, you will be invited to a conversation and a school visit. If you are not local, the conversation can be conducted online via MS Teams. Plan about one hour for the meeting and school tour, and bring documents showing the child's previous schooling to help support their needs. 3. Step 3: Evaluation. Academic leadership evaluates the submitted documents and past academic results. When available and necessary, students may be invited to Play-Dates or Trial Days to help assess their level. Secondary School students will also have an interview with a member of the academic leadership and take a placement test. 4. Step 4: Admission decision. After completing the admissions process, you will be informed whether a place can be offered. If an offer is made and accepted, a school contract is issued and you will have a reasonable deadline to return the signed contract along with the required documents. 5. Step 5: Welcome to BMS. The team welcomes you and your child on the first day, and a buddy is assigned to help your child settle into the school community.

Scholarships

Financial assistance is available. Details about financial support are provided in the school's financial assistance resources.
School Events
The school has not added events