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Dresden International School

Germany, Dresden

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €12,017 - 16,375
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational
Opened 1996
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, German, Spanish
Typical class size 17
Strengths Sport, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Located in Dresden, Dresden International School (DIS) is a non-profit gGmbH IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate from Preschool to Grade 12 in English. The Preschool Campus sits in a villa on Goetheallee 18 in Dresden-Blasewitz, while Kindergarten through Grade 12 study at the School Campus in Dresden's center. The IB program spans PYP (Grades 1–5), MYP (Grades 6–10) and DP (Grades 11–12); English is the common language, with German as an additional language in the PYP and with three languages in the MYP (English, German and Spanish). In 2025 the Diploma cohort included 29 graduates, with an average of 33 points, a 100% pass rate and 67% bilingual diplomas. Facilities include two libraries, computer and science labs, a technology workroom and a cafeteria, plus a sports hall and outdoor play areas. The school offers 49 after-school activities and promotes World Citizens Made in Dresden through student exchange and collaboration.

Annenstraße 9, 01067 Dresden, Germany

The Essentials

Dresden International School has 500 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.

Location
Annenstr. 9, 01067 Dresden, Germany. The Preschool Campus is housed in a historic villa at Goetheallee 18 in Dresden-Blasewitz. The School Campus serves Kindergarten through Grade 12 at Annenstr. 9 in Dresden-Altstadt, a five-minute walk from the Postplatz tram and bus stops.

Stages
Preschool Campus serves ages 1–5. School Campus serves Kindergarten through Grade 12. Primary School covers Kindergarten (K5) to Grade 5; Secondary School covers Grade 6–12. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.

Type
International school; operates as a gGmbH (non-profit) in Germany.

Pupil Nationality Mix
500 students represent over 50 nationalities (55 nations are shown in at-a-glance data).

Additional learning support
Student Support Services include Counseling; English as an Additional Language (EAL) support; Learning Support.

Country affiliation
Germany

School day structure
Preschool daily routine includes morning care 7:30–8:00, with classroom entry after 8:00 and a morning circle at 9:00; After School Care (ASC) is available 15:20–18:00 (14:20 on Tuesdays). Primary School day typically runs 8:20–15:15 (14:30 on Tuesdays; 8:40–15:15 on Wednesdays), with ASC 15:15–18:00. The Secondary School day runs from 8:30 to 15:45, with Co-curricular activities continuing until 16:30 or later.

Bus service
A DIS bus shuttle transports students to off-site sports facilities when needed. The School Campus is easily reachable by public transport, with Postplatz tram and bus stops nearby; a DIS drop-off zone is located in front of the school.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
PE uniforms are mandatory for all students at both the School and Preschool campuses. The kit includes DIS navy blue PE T-shirts, black or grey sport pants or shorts with elastic waists, non-marking athletic shoes, and the DIS PE jacket; students must change at the end of PE class, and owning multiple shirts is encouraged.

Food Options
The school provides two daily food breaks: a morning snack and lunch. Students may bring snacks and lunch to the School Campus; lunch is served at 13:00 for secondary students with on-site catering by Gourmetta offering three dishes plus a fresh salad or dessert, and lunch costs between EUR 3.95 and EUR 4.86 per meal; off-campus lunch privileges are allowed for Grades 11 and 12.

Governance and Ownership
DIS Dresden International School gGmbH is a private, non-profit company. The Trägerverein Internationale Schule Dresden e.V. is the sole shareholder and holds the physical assets; the Association acts as the Board of Trustees, elected by the Association. The Board is responsible for strategic planning, financial oversight, and appointing and evaluating the Directors; the school is recognised by Saxony and Dresden as Ersatzschule for grades 1-4 and Ergänzungsschule for grades 5-12.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dresden International School ranges from EUR 12,017 to EUR 16,375 for 2026/27.

Application and reservation fees
- Application fee (per family): EUR 55.00. This fee is invoiced on submission of the application and is non‑refundable.
- Reservation fee (to secure a place once a student is accepted): EUR 2,000.00. This amount is credited toward tuition but is non‑refundable.
- Yearly administration fee for paying by instalments: EUR 200.00 (charged annually when instalment payment is used).

Enrollment fee
- Enrollment fee for individuals (for the first three years after admission): EUR 1,600.00 per year.
- Company one‑time payment option (in lieu of individual annual payments): EUR 4,800.00 (one‑off).
- Returning students receive prior payments credited toward the enrollment fee total.

Tuition fees by year group (School Campus) — amounts shown are annual components
- Kindergarten (age 5–6): School Fee EUR 2,655.24 + Sponsoring Fee EUR 7,761.48 = Total per school year EUR 10,416.72. (If the enrollment fee is applicable, add EUR 1,600.00 to this amount.)
- Grades 1–3: School Fee EUR 1,800.00 + Sponsoring Fee EUR 11,175.00 = Total per school year EUR 12,975.00. (Add Enrollment Fee EUR 1,600.00 where applicable.)
- Grades 4–5: School Fee EUR 1,800.00 + Sponsoring Fee EUR 12,295.00 = Total per school year EUR 14,095.00. (Add Enrollment Fee EUR 1,600.00 where applicable.)
- Grades 6–10: School Fee EUR 1,800.00 + Sponsoring Fee EUR 13,425.00 = Total per school year EUR 15,225.00. (Add Enrollment Fee EUR 1,600.00 where applicable.)
- Grades 11–12: School Fee EUR 1,800.00 + Sponsoring Fee EUR 14,575.00 = Total per school year EUR 16,375.00. (Add Enrollment Fee EUR 1,600.00 where applicable.)

Tuition fees (Preschool Campus)
- Children aged 1–3 years: School Fee EUR 3,399.36 + Sponsoring Fee EUR 7,211.48 = Total per school year EUR 10,610.84.
- Children aged 3–5 years: School Fee EUR 2,655.24 + Sponsoring Fee EUR 7,211.48 = Total per school year EUR 9,866.72.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The yearly tuition equals the sum of the Enrollment Fee (if applicable), the School Fee and the Sponsoring Fee. An example: Grade 1 total payable = Enrollment Fee EUR 1,600.00 + School Fee EUR 1,800.00 + Sponsoring Fee EUR 11,175.00 = EUR 14,575.00.
- Payment frequency: tuition may be paid yearly or by monthly instalments. Monthly financing plans are available and are typically spread over ten months. A yearly administration fee of EUR 200.00 applies for instalment payments. The first instalment or the total amount is due in the month in which tuition starts. Parents may set up a debit authorisation through the school or pay directly to the school bank account.
- Enrolment during the school year is charged pro rata according to a fixed payable percentage schedule; late enrolment percentages range from 100% (August/September) down to 15% (June) depending on the month of entry. This schedule determines the portion of annual tuition payable for mid‑year starts.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not provided; the school operates as a full‑day day school (no boarding programme). No boarding fees apply.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- Lunch: School Campus lunch per day typically ranges EUR 4.55–6.00; Preschool Campus lunch per day listed at EUR 5.03.
- Holiday care (Grades 1–5): a pro rata annual childcare allowance of EUR 30.00 is payable for each registered day of childcare during holidays (calculated at EUR 2.50 per day), with a stated maximum annual childcare allowance cap (maximum indicated EUR 1,111.00).
- Grade 6–12 sport activities are free of charge except for swimming; tournament expenses and certain off‑site activity costs are extra.
- Field trips and excursions: day‑trip entrance/registration costs are covered by the school while parents pay transportation; sport tournament and overnight trip costs are parent responsibility (overnight trips for mandatory trips are charged to parents up to a stated maximum per trip). For mandatory overnight trips parents pay up to EUR 600.00 maximum for a single mandatory overnight trip where specified.
- Examination fees (IB Diploma): end of grade 12 IB examination fees are approximately EUR 860.00; subject retake fees are up to approximately EUR 300.00.
- Incidental student costs may include supplies, calculators, optional course fees, travel and other specific activity charges.

Refund information
- The application fee (EUR 55.00) is non‑refundable. The reservation fee (EUR 2,000.00) is credited toward tuition but is non‑refundable. Instalment administration fees are charged for instalment plans; refund treatment of that fee is not specified on the fee schedule. Enrollment payments for returning students are credited against any outstanding enrollment total. Tuition for late enrolment is charged according to the pro rata payable percentage schedule by month.

Fee payment options
- Payment methods offered: direct payment to the school bank account and setting up a debit authorisation (SEPA/direct debit) through the school are indicated as available. Payment may be made annually or by a monthly instalment plan (ten‑month option). Specific card payment (credit/debit card) acceptance is not listed in the published fee information.
Academics

Dresden International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
Dresden International School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program from Preschool to Grade 12 in English. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) guides Grades 1–5 and Kindergarten, with English as the common language and German offered as an additional language. The PYP covers six principal curriculum areas—languages, social studies, mathematics, arts, science, and personal, social and physical education—and uses six transdisciplinary themes. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10 includes three languages (English, German and Spanish) and a broad range of subjects with a Personal Project and an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and Approaches to Learning. The Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12 is a rigorous two-year course with six subject groups—Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts—and core components Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). DP results for 2025 show 29 graduates, an average total points of 33, a 100% pass rate, and a 67% bilingual Diploma rate; graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 17 students.

Exam Results
IB Diploma Results 2025: 29 IB graduates. The average total points were 33. The Diploma pass rate was 100%. 67% earned a bilingual Diploma; 17% scored 40+ and 28% scored 35+.

Higher Education Progression
DIS graduates study at universities around the world. Examples of destinations include Göttingen and TU Dresden (Germany); University of Graz (Austria); Sorbonne (France); Oxford and Bath (UK); Columbia University (USA); Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands); ETH Zurich (Switzerland); La Trobe and Curtin (Australia). In 2025, DP results show 29 graduates with university destinations across multiple countries.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Counselling is overseen by the school's primary and secondary counsellors and offers a comprehensive range of wellbeing services for all students, delivered through both direct and indirect supports. The services include individual and group counseling and support the development of a school-wide wellbeing curriculum. The programme assists with the transition of newly enrolled students and with transitions between school programmes, and it provides support to parents through information sessions and communications. Referrals to outside services are made when needed. The approach integrates with broader student support services to promote academic success and social-emotional growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school strives to be an inclusive educational environment and works with families of students with learning differences to meet their needs. A dedicated team of Learning Support Specialists provides evidence-based models of support, including targeted small group instruction, Response to Intervention, differentiated instruction, and student-centered accommodations. DIS can offer mild to moderate needs in-class support and accommodations, small group targeted instruction, and pull-out intervention. The Student Support Services address a range of learning profiles to ensure access to the curriculum.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English Language Support (EAL) programme exists to assist students arriving with limited or no English experience during language acquisition. Pre- or post-teaching of material relevant to subjects helps language learning be meaningful, and social as well as academic language skills are taught to enable full participation in school life. All new students with suitable linguistic backgrounds are offered an English programme appropriate to their age and needs.

Mental Wellbeing
Two school counsellors, one in the Primary School and one in the Secondary School, are dedicated to wellbeing and emotional health and provide services to support students, teachers, and parents. Counseling is available as one-to-one and small group sessions and supports school-wide wellbeing initiatives. In Secondary School, the counsellor also supports Extended Advisory lessons and collaborates with families through information and targeted support.

Safeguarding
DIS has a Child Protection Handbook and a policy framework that defines child protection aims, safeguarding staff conduct, and procedures for identifying and reporting concerns. The policy includes a non-discrimination and inclusion stance, a Child-on-Child Abuse Policy, and Safer Recruitment practices. A designated Safeguarding Lead team responds to safety concerns, and the FaceUp reporting platform is available for students. Contact details for safeguarding leads and the option to report concerns are provided on the page.
Parent Experience

History
Dresden International School was founded in 1996 by government and community leaders from Dresden city and the State of Saxony. It is an IB World School recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization. The DIS community has grown from 13 pupils in 1996 to 510 students today. The Preschool Campus is housed in a beautiful historic villa at Goetheallee 18 in Dresden-Blasewitz, while Kindergarten through Grade 12 learn at the School Campus in Dresden's historic city center.

Community
DIS is a diverse and inclusive community representing 50 nationalities and almost 39 languages, with faculty from more than 20 nations. The Community aims to Inspire, Move Forward, and Give Back. Community Agreements describe norms for partnership grounded in the values of Commitment, Compassion, Integrity and Open-Mindedness, and parents are actively involved in school life. Since 2004, over 425 graduates have moved on to study or work around the world, and the DIS community maintains connections with alumni.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Fundraising Association (Förderverein der Internationalen Schule Dresden e.V.) was formed in 1996, when the school was founded, and is a separate non-profit organization. Members include community leaders in economics, politics and science, parents, and others who recognize the importance of an international school in the Dresden region. Major companies also volunteer to support DIS and its community. The Förderverein supports many school projects, including Graduation, the new extension building, and other improvements. The Förderverein also offers and organizes three sports clubs: DIS Swim Club, DIS Golf Club, and DIS Ski Club.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The School Campus is located in Dresden-Altstadt and houses both the primary and secondary schools. The campus is made up of two school buildings, a sports hall, a playground, and a school garden. There are two libraries, computer labs, and science labs on campus. A technology workroom and a cafeteria are also on site. Students can use the playground outside and the sports area on top of the sports hall during breaks and after school.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes a dedicated sports hall. There is a sports area on top of the sports hall for outdoor activities. The playground is available for use during breaks.

Academic Facilities
The School Campus has two libraries. There are computer labs on campus. Science labs are on site. A technology workroom is available for student use. A cafeteria is on campus.

Extra Curricular Facilities
49 after-school activities are offered.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Co-curricular programmes provide students the opportunity to try out activities, acquire new knowledge and develop existing abilities. The central task is to strengthen personal growth, encourage learning and promote World Citizens Made in Dresden through exchange and collaboration between students. Secondary School participation in co-curricular activities is encouraged to help students use their free time constructively and achieve balance. Most co-curricular activities are offered for free; some may be charged when led by external providers or when travel or tournament fees apply.

Cultural & Language
MUN club is backed by the Förderverein, and participation in events such as the European Youth Parliament conference is enabled.

Community & Service
The Förderverein raises funds to support school projects and student life and offers and organises three sports clubs: DIS Swim Club, DIS Golf Club and DIS Ski Club as part of the co-curricular programme. It funds projects such as guest speakers, sports tournaments and the school extension, and supports sustainability initiatives on campus.

Leadership & Professional
Primary Student Leadership Group (Grades 2–5) meets regularly to provide ideas for improvements in the Primary Section. The Secondary School has a DIS Student Voice Coalition with a Student Advisory Board, and leadership opportunities exist through the co-curricular programme and by planning and facilitating school events.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletic programmes promote sportsmanship, commitment and teamwork outside of school hours. Activities include Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer, Badminton and Basketball. Students may participate locally and in GISST (German International Schools Sports Tournaments) with tournaments hosted by member schools. DIS has been a GISST member since 2003.
Languages

Language Provision
The main language of instruction and conversation in the classrooms is English. German is offered as a first or additional language from Grade 1; Spanish instruction is required for Grades 6-10 unless the student studies their home language. The preschool programme is in English, with informal bilingual exposure. English Language Support (EAL) provides language acquisition support for new students with limited or no English.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches in English. German is offered as a first or additional language from Grade 1. The preschool programme is English, with informal bilingual exposure (circle time in German, bilingual vocabulary, and reading German books during story time).
Admissions

Admissions
Admission is open throughout the year and applications are accepted based on the suitability of the program for the prospective student and the availability of places. To apply, complete guardian-signed application forms; Health Information Sheet; Photo Release Form; IT Online permissions (Grade 3+); IT Student Technology Policy (K5, Grade 1+); Managebac (Grade 6+); Seesaw (preschool, Grades 1-5); Language survey (Grade 1+); report cards from the last two years (Grade 2-10); certificates and other references. The admissions process includes an introductory conversation and a visit to the school, followed by an interview and placement assessments. For Preschool to Grade 5, placement is assessed during the process; for Grades 6-12, the child will be tested in English and Maths (and in German if applicable; an extended English test may be required). The final decision is shared after the assessments, and enrollment is confirmed with a school contract. Financial aid is available.

Scholarships
Financial aid is available and is granted if the verified income of the parents does not allow for the payment of the regular tuition fees.
School Events
The school has not added events
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