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Salem Castle School

Germany, Salem

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees €4,450 - 55,980
Ages 10 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 600
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1919
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Schule Schloss Salem
Academic offering
Curriculum German Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages German, English, Spanish, French, Latin
Typical class size 4
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Schule Schloss Salem offers a distinctive educational experience on the historic grounds of a former Cistercian monastery near Lake Constance. For over a century, the boarding school has focused on character building and responsibility alongside classroom learning. Students choose between the German Abitur and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. A defining feature of the school is its compulsory "Dienste" (Services) program. Instead of standard afternoon clubs, upper-level students actively participate in real-world community services, such as the local volunteer fire brigade, the Technical Relief Agency (THW), or the Nautical Service, which includes water rescue training on the lake. The campus provides unique facilities, including a school-owned harbor, artisan workshops for carpentry and mechanics, and dedicated spaces for outdoor education. By living in small "Mentorate" (boarding groups), young people develop independence and learn to support their peers in a deeply engaged, active learning environment.

This campus is part of Schule Schloss Salem

Schlossbezirk 1, 88682 Salem, Germany

The Essentials

Salem Castle School has 600 pupils, typical class sizes of 4, instruction in German, English.

Location
Schule Schloss Salem operates at three main sites in Baden-Württemberg, Germany: Schloss Salem in Salem (Schlossbezirk 1, 88682 Salem); Schloss Spetzgart in Überlingen (Schloss Spetzgart, Spetzgart 1, 88662 Überlingen); and Campus Härlen in Überlingen (Kurt-Hahn-Str. 1, 88662 Überlingen).

Stages
Jahrgangsstufen 5 & 6; 7 & 8; 9 & 10; 11 & 12; IB Diploma Programme; Aufbaugymnasium 10PLUS.

Type
Private boarding school (Internat) in Germany.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Around 600 students from 40 nations; multinational community.

Additional learning support
Homework help for students with special educational needs.

Country affiliation
Germany

Religious affiliation
Christian-humanist tradition

School day structure
Boarding life includes democratic self-governance with age-appropriate house rules, on-site mentors for each group, and a wide range of activities (social services, arts, crafts, sports, international exchanges, outdoor education, and evening/weekend recreation). Regular devotions, church services, and school chaplaincy support the spiritual life.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Student boarding accommodation is located in the northern part of the campus. The houses, each consisting of four double rooms with two bathrooms, are arranged one behind another, forming a residential 'snake' in a row of four houses.

Uniform Requirement
Daily School Dress is worn on school days up to and including lunch and afternoon lessons. The formal school uniform is worn on special occasions and by order of the Head of Boarding only. The Boys' and Girls' uniform details include white shirts or blouses with dark blue jumpers, navy blazers for Year 10, and blue or beige pants or skirts, with closed dark shoes.

Food Options
Breakfast and lunch are required meals for all students, except on weekends; dinner is required for Years 5–8. Take-away food orders are only allowed on weekends for Years 7–10, and not allowed for Years 5–6.

House System
Residential houses: four double rooms with two bathrooms per house, arranged in a line described as a 'snake' on the northern campus.

Governance and Ownership
Schule Schloss Salem gGmbH is the operating company; it is supported by the non-profit association Schule Schloss Salem e.V.; the association's board acts as supervisory board for the gGmbH and for the Salem College.
Fees

Annual tuition at Salem Castle School ranges from EUR 4,450 to EUR 55,980 for 2026/27.

Application / Admission fees

- Admission fee (one-off): EUR 1,900.
- Administration surcharge (one-off): EUR 1,900 (applies to certain admissions to cover integration into the German Gymnasium system).

Tuition and boarding fees (school and boarding fee) — by year group

- Classes 5–10 & 10PLUS:
- Per month: EUR 4,200.
- Per year (annual SBF): EUR 50,400 (before any annual-payment discount).

- Classes 11–12:
- Per month: EUR 4,290.
- Per year (annual SBF): EUR 51,480 (before any annual-payment discount).

- International Classes (Grades 8–10):
- Per month: EUR 4,290.
- Per year (annual SBF): EUR 51,480 (before any annual-payment discount).

- IB Students (Year 1 & Year 2):
- Per month: EUR 4,665.
- Per year (annual SBF): EUR 55,980 (before any annual-payment discount).

- Per-term amounts (approximate): the school invoices annually or monthly; if a parent prefers per-term figures, divide the annual fee by three terms. Approximate per-term amounts therefore are:
- Classes 5–10 & 10PLUS: EUR 16,800 per term (EUR 50,400 ÷ 3).
- Classes 11–12: EUR 17,160 per term (EUR 51,480 ÷ 3).
- International Classes 8–10: EUR 17,160 per term (EUR 51,480 ÷ 3).
- IB Year 1 & 2: EUR 18,660 per term (EUR 55,980 ÷ 3).
- Note: these per-term figures are calculated from the published annual SBF and are presented as an approximate term breakdown.

Security deposit / refundable advance

- Security deposit if paying by direct debit (one-off): equal to one monthly SBF (examples: EUR 4,200 for Classes 5–10; EUR 4,290 for Classes 11–12 and International Classes; EUR 4,665 for IB). The security deposit is refundable when the contract is terminated and the account settled.
- Security deposit without direct debit (one-off): equal to two monthly SBF amounts (examples: EUR 8,400; EUR 8,580; EUR 9,330 depending on the year group).

Boarding component and what the SBF covers

- The School and Boarding Fee (SBF) is the single annual rate that covers the schooling and boarding programme for each enrolled student. The SBF covers core services such as classroom instruction, pastoral care, accommodation, and meals. Additional incidental costs (extra tuition, individual music lessons, specialist coaching, some excursions, IB exam fees, travel, and similar items) are billed separately.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Typical additional costs (examples billed separately): individual music lessons, extra tuition or remedial lessons, special sports coaching (e.g., golf, horse riding), materials for guilds/creative lessons, books (when not supplied), pocket money, telephone charges, travel and airport transfers, visa/document costs, school trips and exchanges, and IB registration/exam fees. These fall under the school's list of incidental expenses and are charged to the parents' account when used.
- Example estimate for incidental expenses: approx. EUR 200 per month for items such as individual music lessons, exchange programme charges, uniform, excursions and similar extras — this figure is presented by the school as a rough monthly example of typical incidental costs.
- Trial / taster overnight stays: EUR 300 per night for residential taster stays (maximum 2 nights for younger applicants); the fee is deducted from the SBF when a contract for that school year is signed.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment frequency: the SBF can be paid annually (single payment) or monthly. An annual payment is eligible for a discount (specified annually; historically a 2% discount has applied for annual payment).
- Due dates and invoicing:
- If paying annually, the full school-year SBF is due in advance, normally four weeks prior to admission or four weeks prior to the start of the school year. For families not making that advance payment, the school requires loan/guarantee arrangements to secure the SBF.
- If paying monthly, monthly instalments are due in advance on the first workday of each month.
- Security deposit and admission-fee timing: the admission fee is due shortly after signing the contract; the security deposit is invoiced with the first SBF invoice and is due within the payment terms stated on the invoice. The security deposit is non-interest-bearing and refundable after the student leaves and the parents' account has been settled.
- Contractual notice and payment obligation: parents' contractual payment obligation for a school year continues through 31 August of the calendar year (i.e., fees for the school year remain due through the end of the school year even if the student leaves earlier), and notice deadlines apply if the contract is to be terminated at the end of a school year. Termination with notice generally requires six months' notice with effect at the end of a school year; the school specifies the calendar deadline for that notice.

Refunds and termination-related provisions

- The security deposit is refunded after contract termination once the parents' account has been settled and any outstanding charges paid.
- Trial / taster fees are deductible from the SBF if a contract is signed for the same school year.
- The admission fee and administration surcharge are one-off and not described as refundable in routine circumstances; other refund or cancellation rules are governed by the School and Boarding Contract and the General Terms and Conditions (termination notice periods, exceptional termination without notice for important reasons, and the school's right to set off debts against the deposit).

Payment methods and practical payment information

- Mandatory direct debit for payments originating in Germany; direct debit reduces the required security deposit to one monthly SBF amount. Payments from Germany are handled by direct debit.
- Bank transfer (SEPA) is accepted; the school publishes its bank account (IBAN/BIC) for EUR transfers. For transfers from non-EU countries in foreign currency, the school supports processing via Flywire. Credit card payments are not accepted.

Sibling and alumni discounts

- Sibling discount: when siblings attend simultaneously, each sibling's SBF is reduced by 10 %.
- Alumni (children of former Salem students) discount: a 1.5 % reduction on the SBF is applied.

Notes on account handling and incidental charges

- The SBF is credited to a parents' account held by the school; additional incidental costs used by the student are invoiced separately and debited from that account. Monthly account statements are provided. Overdue payments attract interest on arrears as specified in the General Terms and Conditions.
Academics

Salem Castle School teaches German Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 10 to 18.

Curriculum
Schule Schloss Salem offers two graduation paths: the Abitur (taught in German) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) (taught in English). Grades 5–10 follow the Baden-Württemberg curriculum, with a choice from grade 8 between German-taught classes and English-taught International Classes (IC). All IC classes are taught in English, with most teachers native English speakers, and IC lessons follow the Baden-Württemberg curriculum; IC students are integrated into the German education system in English and receive intensive support. In the Upper School, students may pursue either Abitur or IB, with preparation for both. Classes are small, averaging about 15 students, with a project-based, interdisciplinary approach.

Student Teacher Ratio
1 to 4

Gifted and Talented
International Classes begin in grade 8 and are taught in English with intensive support; IC content follows the Baden-Württemberg curriculum and prepares students for Abitur or IB in the Upper School. A specialization option is available from grade 8 through grade 10 in science, music or language (Spanish or French as a third language).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Salem's approach to social and emotional learning is embedded in its health and wellbeing framework and intensive pastoral care. Health and wellbeing, living in the wider world, and relationships are the three core themes guiding the curriculum from Grade 5 through graduation. The program emphasizes stress management, digital citizenship, and healthy relationships, supported by a health team and a school medical center. Intensive pastoral care is provided in the boarding program to support student wellbeing. The curriculum also highlights character development and leadership responsibility as part of personal growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Salem has an Inclusion Policy that provides comprehensive support for students with diverse needs. The school is accredited for special sensitivity to chronically ill pupils and maintains an internal support network including an Academic Support Coordinator, with access to external counselling when appropriate. The policy covers learning difficulties and differentiation, offering individualized plans, coaching, and subject-specific support, coordinated with families, teachers and specialists. Staff training and confidential counselling are part of the framework, and inclusion is integrated across both German and international programmes.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Schule Schloss Salem offers an integrated language school for students arriving with no knowledge of German. In Grades 5 & 6, small German-as-a-Foreign-Language classes are taught about 18 hours per week, enabling rapid participation in classroom life. After completing the year, language students take CEFR examinations (B1) in cooperation with Goethe-Institut and Humboldt-Institut and then join regular classroom lessons; they also receive a weekly four-hour course in German as a Foreign Language. The integrated language program is a core part of the Year 5 & 6 curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing is a central pillar, with three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World, and Relationships. The health curriculum runs from Grade 5 to graduation and supports personal development and resilience. A health team and school medical center provide ongoing support, with external counselling available as needed; a crisis team is in place to respond to emergencies.

Safeguarding
Schule Schloss Salem has a Policy on the Protection of Children and Adolescents (CPP1). The policy assigns responsibilities to school management and staff to safeguard pupils and ensures there is a designated crisis response structure; staff are recruited and trained with child protection in mind, and there are clear procedures for reporting suspected mistreatment to management, with confidentiality maintained. The policy also outlines access to external counselling and support, and provides guidance on signs of mistreatment and appropriate response.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1920 by Prince Max von Baden, Kurt Hahn and Dr Karl Reinhardt. From the outset it became the nucleus of several other school foundations and educational initiatives with an international reach. The IB programme is an important part of Salem's international focus and is taught in English. The school is connected to international networks such as Round Square and other collaborative initiatives. Salem hosts almost 600 students from around 45 nations, making it the largest boarding school in Germany.

Community
With almost 600 students from around 45 nations, Schule Schloss Salem is the largest boarding school in Germany. The school offers a wide range of clubs, services, guilds, instruments and sports that enable students to develop their interests within a vibrant international community. Living internationalism is fostered through Round Square, which connects Salem to a global network of schools for exchanges, projects and conferences, alongside the IB focus. The Altsalemer Vereinigung (ASV), Salem's alumni network, has over 4,000 members and regularly organises regional meetings.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents' Council is the elected representative body of the parents of Schule Schloss Salem. It is elected for three years and meets 3-4 times per school year, with a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson elected from among its members. The Parents' Council is an independent link between parents and the school, addressing topics at the start of the school year and recording minutes. The meetings cover boarding school and school-related topics and inform parents about current events, measures and changes affecting school and boarding life. The Parents' Council represents the pedagogical and educational goals of Schule Schloss Salem both within the parent body and in public. Friends of Salem Association, established in 1925, supports projects at Salem and hosts events such as the Night of Friends and the traditional Christmas Dinner, helping to connect parents, former parents, alumni and friends and to sustain the school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Salem Campus serves Years 5–10 and includes Rentamt with dormitories and a Learning Centre, Schrote for extracurricular activities with a Learning Centre (7–8) and an Assembly Hall (5–10), an infirmary at Oberes Tor, and Junibau with a swimming pool and dormitories. Oberer Langbau houses an Arts Centre and Pastoral Care, while Unterer Langbau and the Mint Centre provide a Learning Centre, science spaces, and a library. The campus includes 14 sports facilities and a Sports Hall that contains a Gymnasium, a Fitness Room, and a Student Kitchen, with additional indoor and outdoor spaces for recreation and events. A Clubhouse, Carpentry facilities, and an Emergency Services Centre (Fire Brigade, THW, First Aid) support practical activity and safety across the campus. The site map also shows multiple entrances, dining and administrative spaces, and other living amenities across the grounds.

Sports Facilities
The campus offers 14 sports facilities for soccer, hockey, basketball, track and field, and beach volleyball. The Sports Hall provides a Gymnasium, a Fitness Room, and a Student's Kitchen for indoor activities. Indoor sports and public events take place in Zehntscheune, and there are outdoor fields and spaces to support a wide range of athletic activities. These facilities are complemented by adjacent spaces for recreation and competitive events across the campus.

Academic Facilities
Learning Centres are distributed by year group: Years 5–6 in Rentamt, Years 7–8 in Schrote, and Year 9 in Unterer Langbau. Unterer Langbau and the Mint Centre host sciences spaces and a library, alongside the Learning Centre for Year 9. Oberer Langbau houses an Arts Centre and Pastoral Care, while the Kurt Hahn Archive is on site to reflect Salem's heritage. The Monastery area includes the International Office and a Music Centre, underscoring the school's support for wider educational and cultural activities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities are centered in the Schrote building (Extracurricular Activities for Years 5–8), with a Learning Centre for Years 7–8 and an Assembly Hall (5–10). The Clubhouse includes Carpentry facilities for hands-on projects. An Emergency Services Centre houses Fire Brigade, THW, and First Aid, supporting student life and safety beyond standard academics. These spaces together with the Schrote complex enable a range of clubs, projects, and performance opportunities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Extra-curricular Activities are central to Salem's boarding education, enabling students to gain experiences beyond the classroom and to take on responsibility. Activities span a wide range of areas, allowing students to follow their interests and talents and to develop their personalities continuously. The guiding motto is 'Experimentation. Discovery. Development.'

Arts & Creative
Arts, Music and Theatre are part of Extra-curricular Activities. Students have opportunities for creative expression and performance as part of campus life. These activities complement academic study and support personal development.

Cultural & Language
Democracy and Clubs are listed as Extra-curricular Activities. They enable student participation in civics, debate, and cultural activities. The variety of clubs supports cultural engagement and language development.

Social & Hobbies
Clubs are offered as part of Extra-curricular Activities. Students connect with peers, pursue shared interests, and develop social skills. The program emphasizes exploration of hobbies and social engagement beyond class.

Community & Service
One Health is listed as an Extracurricular Activity category. This reflects a cross-disciplinary approach to health that connects human, animal, and environmental health. The category supports community-oriented and wellbeing-focused activities.

Leadership & Professional
Salem features youth leadership and public-speaking opportunities through initiatives such as TEDxSchuleSchlossSalem Youth and participation in THIMUN. The school's news highlights student leadership in debates and international conferences. These experiences develop leadership and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor Education and Sports are part of Extra-curricular Activities. The programme supports well-being, physical health, and development of personal resilience. The motto 'Experimentation. Discovery. Development' emphasizes growth through activity.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for the English-delivery strands and the IB Diploma Programme. German is the host country language and is required for IB students; DaF classes support non-native speakers in German. Other languages offered include Spanish, French and Latin, with self-taught language options and teacher-supported language development. The school library is stocked in English and German and includes sections in French and Spanish.

Bilingual Teaching
Daily life at Salem is bilingual. The International Classes (grades 8–10) deliver the Baden-Württemberg curriculum in English. English is the language of instruction, and German remains the host country language.

Immersion Programs
The International Classes provide an English-delivery strand for grades 8–10. ESL support is available for English learners. Spanish, French and Latin are offered as additional languages within the programme.
Admissions

Admissions
Path to Salem in three steps:

1. Submit a written application.

2. The admissions process includes a personal interview with the applicant and a campus visit for the parent and child, including a tour of the castle grounds, classrooms and dormitory buildings; an alternative is a digital meeting and virtual tour.

3. Complete a placement test. Prerequisites for admission: for Abitur at Salem, German language proficiency (written and spoken) is required to participate in Gymnasium-level instruction. For students enrolling in international classes and the IB Diploma Programme, fluency in English (written and spoken) is required, and an assessment test across subjects is used. Admission is possible at the start of each school year for entry into grades 5–11; admission to grade 12 or mid‑year entry is not advisable but may be possible in individual cases. Online information events: 45‑minute online information sessions on various topics are available; register to attend.

Scholarships
Schule Schloss Salem has a scholarship programme to enable talented students to attend regardless of income. The scholarship fund is around 3.2 million euros and currently supports about 20 percent of students. The programme is funded mainly by the Kurt Hahn Foundation and the school; Wolfgang Dürr Foundation and Beck'sche Foundation Berlin also contribute, with additional support from private donors and the Dornier Foundation.
School Events
The school has not added events
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