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Deutsche Schule Genf

Switzerland, Geneva

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, French
Fees CHF 11,450 - 14,600
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 440
Type Co-educational
Opened 1975
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum German Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Taught languages German, French, English, Spanish
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Deutsche Schule Genf is a German international school in Geneva serving students aged 3 to 18. Endorsed by the Federal Republic of Germany, it belongs to a network of German overseas schools and follows the German curriculum with local anchoring. In secondary grades (ages 12–18) students learn in a competence-oriented environment that balances challenge with flexibility. Core subjects provide a solid foundation, while optional courses allow tailoring toward interests and goals. Multilingual instruction and intercultural competence are emphasized, and students develop critical thinking to meet challenges. The Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA) is the final diploma, opening access to universities in Switzerland, Germany. Career and study orientation includes visits to EPFL and ETH Zürich, fairs, internships, and exchanges with partner universities and companies. Extracurriculars span cultural activities, study trips, and international exchanges, alongside political evenings and projects with international organizations in Geneva. It provides individualized support in a human-scale setting.

Chem. de Champ-Claude 6, 1214 Vernier, Switzerland

The Essentials

Deutsche Schule Genf has 440 pupils, instruction in German, French.

Location
Deutsche Schule Genf is located at Chemin de Champ-Claude 6, CH-1214 Vernier, in the Geneva metropolitan area. It is easily accessible by public transport; the Champ-Claude stop on lines 6, 19, 53, and 57 is opposite the school, and the Genève-Vernier-La Plaine regional train stop is nearby, about a 10-minute walk away.

Stages
Elementarbereich (Kindergarten and pre-school), Grundschule (primary school), Sekundarstufe (secondary school).

Type
German international school (Deutsche Auslandsschule).

Pupil Nationality Mix
About 440 students from over 20 nations attend; the majority are German-speaking, with many students coming from local French-speaking and international backgrounds.

Additional learning support
Support and inclusion for students with learning difficulties: Several teachers, a special education teacher, and a social pedagogue support students with special needs. Support is tailored to the individual situation, including for dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, and is provided in close collaboration with families and involved professionals.

Country affiliation
Germany (supported by the Federal Republic of Germany)

School day structure
Elementarbereich (ages 3–6): flexible care times with morning arrival between 7:45 and 8:30, drop-off 7:45–8:00, and optional afternoon care at 13:15, 16:30, or 17:30; Ferienbetreuung (holiday care) 8:30–17:30. Grundschule (ages 6–11) ends compulsory lessons at 13:10, with a variety of ateliers available after the official part of the day until 17:45.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The Mensa offers daily balanced meals prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian options are available daily, and dietary needs are accommodated. Meals can be purchased as a yearly subscription or meal vouchers, with prices varying by level (Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary).

Governance and Ownership
The school is sponsored by the Verein für deutschen Schulunterricht im Kanton Genf, Schweiz. The sponsor is represented by its board, and the school is led by a director (Schulleiter). The school provides German language instruction and German curricular content, and includes French language instruction in the Canton of Geneva along with Swiss culture.
Fees

Annual tuition at Deutsche Schule Genf ranges from CHF 11,450 to CHF 14,600 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrollment fee
- One-time non-refundable enrollment fee: CHF 500.00. The fee is due with the submission of the application; if it is not received within two weeks the application will not be further considered. The enrollment fee is refunded only if the school is unable to offer a place.

Tuition fees by school stage (annual amounts in CHF)
- Kindergarten (morning only): CHF 11,450.00 per year.
- Vorschule / Preschool (morning only): CHF 11,450.00 per year.
- Grundschule (Primary) Klassen 1–4: CHF 12,750.00 per year.
- Sekundarstufe (Secondary) Klassen 5–12: CHF 14,600.00 per year.

Afternoon programme (Ateliers) — annual fees in CHF
- Ateliers (until 16:45) — fee by number of afternoons per week:
- 1 afternoon: CHF 2,080.00 per year.
- 2 afternoons: CHF 3,952.00 per year.
- 3 afternoons: CHF 5,616.00 per year.
- 4 afternoons: CHF 7,072.00 per year.
- 5 afternoons: CHF 8,320.00 per year.
- Ateliers (until 17:45) — fee by number of afternoons per week:
- 1 afternoon: CHF 2,565.00 per year.
- 2 afternoons: CHF 4,922.00 per year.
- 3 afternoons: CHF 6,586.00 per year.
- 4 afternoons: CHF 8,527.00 per year.
- 5 afternoons: CHF 10,745.00 per year.
- Note: Costs for midday meals are not included in the atelier/afternoon programme fees; kindergarten and preschool children who participate in the afternoon programme are automatically registered in the mensa.

Other specific fees and optional charges
- Goethe examination fees for students (examples):
- Goethe-Zertifikat A1: CHF 80.00. A2: CHF 180.00. B1 Komplett: CHF 280.00 (individual modules also priced). B2 Komplett: CHF 330.00 (individual modules also priced). If the certificate is to be posted an additional CHF 10.00 applies. Examination fees are invoiced/collected separately.
- Mensa / lunch: Meal prices vary by school stage (Kindergarten / Primary / Secondary) and by chosen arrangement (annual subscription or meal tokens); mensa fees are charged separately from tuition and atelier fees.
- Uniforms: No uniform fee is listed in the school fee schedule. The fee schedule does not include any mandatory uniform charge.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The annual tuition amount is invoiced at the start of the school year and is payable by 31 October of that school year. On re-registration a portion of the fee may already be due at the end of the preceding school year. On request, payment may be made in two equal instalments due 31 October and 31 January.
- Late enrolment during the school year: fees are calculated at 1/10 of the annual amount per month; the commenced month is charged in full. The months of July and August are not charged. The amount for late enrolment is immediately due.
- Re-registration (to reserve a place for the following school year): a non-refundable re-registration fee equal to 15% of the current year's tuition is charged in spring; if the place is taken this amount is offset against the tuition for the coming year. Payment deadline for the re-registration fee is 31 March; failure to pay by this date may result in loss of the place.
- Withdrawal / notice periods: Withdrawals are only possible at the semester break or at the end of the school year and must be received in writing by 30 November (for the spring semester) or by 31 March (for the summer semester). Even if a pupil leaves early, the fee for the respective half-year remains due. For the final graduating class (Klasse 12) the full annual fee is always payable.

Refunds and reductions
- Enrollment fee (CHF 500.00) is non-refundable except when the school cannot offer admission; in that case the enrollment fee is refunded.
- Re-registration fee (15% of current year tuition) is non-refundable; when a place is taken this amount is credited against the tuition for the upcoming year.
- Reductions (fee relief) may be granted in justified cases when applied for before the start of the school year; applications are handled confidentially. Fees for the afternoon programme and other special courses are excluded from reductions.

Late payment and collection
- If payment is not received on time a reminder is issued. A second reminder is sent 14 days later by registered letter; in that case an administrative surcharge of CHF 50.00 is applied. Continued non-payment may lead to debt collection procedures and to exclusion of the pupil from lessons. Bank charges caused by payments in a foreign currency are borne by the payer.

Payment methods and account details
- Payments are to be made in CHF to the school's bank account. The school provides Crédit Suisse account details and IBAN/SWIFT for international transfers. Bank charges for payments in foreign currency are borne by the payer. (Crédit Suisse — IBAN: CH23 0483 5065 4954 6100 0; SWIFT CRESCHZZ80A; account number: 654954-61).

Boarding / residential fees
- Boarding is not listed in the school's fee schedule and no boarding/residential fees are included. The published fees cover day-school tuition, afternoon programmes and separately charged services such as mensa and examination fees.
Academics

Deutsche Schule Genf teaches German Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
In the secondary level, students aged 12 to 18 learn in a competence‑oriented environment that balances challenge with flexibility. Core subjects provide a solid academic foundation, while optional courses allow students to tailor their educational path to their interests and goals. Multilingual instruction and intercultural competence are emphasized, and students develop critical thinking to meet demanding academic and professional challenges. The Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA) is the final diploma at the secondary level, opening access to leading universities in Switzerland, Germany, and worldwide. Career and study orientation focuses on practical exploration, including visits to EPFL and ETH Zürich, participation in study and career fairs, internships, and exchanges with partner universities and companies in Switzerland and internationally. Extracurricular learning includes cultural activities, study trips, and international exchange programs, as well as political discussion evenings and projects with international organizations in Geneva, enriching students' global awareness and civic engagement.

Higher Education Progression
The Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA) is internationally recognized and opens access to leading universities in Switzerland, Germany, and worldwide.

Gifted and Talented
The school hosts information evenings about intellectual giftedness in partnership with ASEHP, covering topics such as recognizing giftedness, when IQ testing is useful, and next steps after a diagnosis; organized by the Inclusion Team.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school fosters curiosity, global awareness, and academic excellence in a caring, human-scale environment where each child receives individual attention. The afternoon programme includes activities in sports, creativity and languages, supporting social development in a safe, stimulating setting.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Several instructors, a special needs teacher, and a social pedagogue support children with special needs.

Mental Wellbeing
Afternoon programme includes a variety of activities in sports, creativity and languages in a safe and stimulating environment.

Safeguarding
The safeguarding concept for bullying describes the school as a safe space with preventive measures and a No-Blame-Approach to addressing bullying incidents, guided by trained staff.
Parent Experience

History
For 50 years, the Deutsche Schule Genf has offered a comprehensive education for children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 in Geneva. It is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany and belongs to a worldwide network of 136 German overseas schools. Students follow the German curriculum, which is complemented by strong local anchoring. The educational goal is the Deutsche Internationale Abitur, a qualification that opens access to the best universities in the world. The school fosters curiosity, openness to the world, and academic excellence in a respectful, international environment, while offering a family-like setting with individualized support.

Community
The school operates in a respectful, international environment that promotes academic excellence, curiosity, and intercultural openness. Being relatively small in size, it offers a family-like atmosphere with individualized attention for students. DSG belongs to a worldwide network of 136 German overseas schools and is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. The student council gives students a strong voice in shaping school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents' Council forms an important bridge between families and the school and actively participates in school life. The school is carried by the Verein für deutschen Schulunterricht, a nonprofit association under Swiss law. It is led by a seven-member elected board that bears legal and financial responsibility and runs day-to-day operations. The Parents' Council collaborates with the board and school leadership to support the DSG community. The student council gives students a strong voice and enables them to actively shape school life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The German School of Geneva offers high-quality education for students aged 3 to 18. Endorsed by the Federal Republic of Germany, it is part of a global network of German schools abroad. Students follow the German curriculum, enriched with a strong local focus, and prepare for the Deutsches Internationales Abitur, which opens doors to top universities in Switzerland, Germany, and worldwide. In a caring and international environment, the school promotes curiosity and intercultural openness, while providing a human-scale setting with personalized support for each student.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The after-school program is full of exciting activities—from sports challenges to creative projects and playful language learning. From 5:45 pm, students can participate in a wide range of ateliers such as sport, theatre, music, cooking, crafts, and more. During school holidays, the school organizes camps for different age groups in a safe, nurturing environment. The language school offers German courses for external children and young people aged 4 to 19 at all levels, and from January 2026 will also offer French and German courses for adults.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
After-school AGs include academically oriented activities such as a Chemistry Olympiad and robotics. A science program is also offered during lunch breaks. These activities are supervised by teachers and aim to foster independence, curiosity, and engagement in a structured, supportive environment.

Arts & Creative
Afternoon ateliers include choir, pottery, drawing, and other arts projects. Dance and improvisational theatre are offered as well. These activities are supervised by teachers and encourage creativity, collaboration, and self-expression.

Cultural & Language
English language activities are offered for beginners and for advanced learners. French conversation sessions are available for selected classes. A children's choir is part of the language-focused program, and there are additional language workshops to support multilingual development.

Social & Hobbies
Afternoon AGs include a variety of social and hobby-based activities such as board games, multisport, movement games, graffiti group, and theatre. There are crafts and photography projects that promote teamwork and peer interaction. The programs are designed to be inclusive and collaborative.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Movement-based activities and team sports are central to the program, with multisport and ball sports on offer. Excursions occur about once a month to provide outdoor experiences. The daily rhythm includes structured activities, free time, and recreation to support physical activity and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
German is the language of instruction across the school from age 3 to 18. The school prepares students for the Deutsches Internationales Abitur, equivalent to the Swiss Matura or French Baccalauréat. External language offerings include German courses for external children and youths aged 4 to 19, with Goethe examinations available on site. From January 2026, French and German courses for adults will be offered at various levels.

Bilingual Teaching
DSG runs a bilingual literacy program in German and French. In kindergarten, bilingual literacy is introduced and the two languages are learned concurrently. The program targets preschool and primary levels, emphasizing early bilingual development and cognitive benefits noted in research. Many studies show that early bilingual learning facilitates the acquisition of other languages.

Immersion Programs
DSG uses a bilingual literacy approach in German and French as an immersion-based program. In kindergarten, the two languages are learned in parallel as part of the curriculum. The program aims to foster functional bilingualism and cognitive development through early exposure, and runs from preschool through primary school.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the online form to arrange a personal appointment. The secretariat will contact you to schedule a meeting with the head of the relevant school level, on-site or via videoconference, whichever you prefer. The next steps of your application will be discussed during this meeting.
2. After the initial meeting, you discuss the next steps of your application together. For students who join DSG later in their schooling, taster days are offered. These days help families and students experience the DSG environment before applying.
3. We keep you informed about the status of your inquiry and respond as soon as possible. If additional documents are required, you will be notified promptly. The admissions process is designed to be clear, timely and straightforward.

Waitlist
If a German course is fully booked, additional registrations are placed on a waiting list; a place cannot be guaranteed. The number of participants is limited.
School Events
The school has not added events
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