Top 15 Best International Schools Berlin, Germany

Top 15 Best International Schools Berlin, Germany

International Schools Berlin

There are 20 international schools in Berlin.  Most of these follow the German Curriculum but 6 also offer the International Baccalaureate.  The primary language in the majority of these schools is English and many are bi-lingual.

Living in Berlin

Germany’s capital city, Berlin, is the second most highly populated city in Europe with a population of more than 3.7 million.  In spite of this, Berlin is considered one of the safest cities in the world and is very highly rated in terms of quality of living.  Berlin is clean and green with lots of urban parks and green spaces, but with fewer cars than many cities due to the popularity of cycling.  In fact if you would like to drive in the city centre Environmental Zone, you must have a low emission vehicle and obtain a green sticker to prove it.  The many different cultures represented in Berlin make it a foodie’s paradise, especially as eating out is relatively inexpensive compared with other European cities.  There are many business opportunities in Berlin as, after Silicon Valley, it is often referred to as the start-up capital of the world.  Berliners are active, casual dressers with their own brand of direct, loud and rather crude humour.  They even have their own unique vocabulary and dialect called Berliner Schnauzer, although English is widely spoken. 

Prenzlauer Berg, to the north east of the city, is great for young families.  It is a friendly neighbourhood with clean streets and plenty of playgrounds, creches and a good selection of speciality food stores, cafés and restaurants.  This area is very convenient for Berlin Bilingual and the Berlin Cosmopolitan schools.

Friedrichshain, situated to the east of the city centre, is a popular with families and young people.  The area has plenty of art, culture, a good selection of cafés and restaurants and an excellent nightlife.  This area is convenient for the Berlin Metropolitan and many others. 

Schöneberg, situated to the south west of the city, is a traditional, leafy residential area that retains an eclectic, bohemian feel, with a good selection of shops and restaurants.   This area is convenient for the Nelson Mandela and the Swedish schools.

The affluent, neighbouring area of Charlottenburg, to the west of the city, is a much quieter and more traditional place to live.  It has beautiful architecture, clean streets lined with trees and easy access to a variety of exclusive shops, bars and restaurants.  This area is close to Berlin British and Charles Dickens Primary schools.

Neukölln, extending out to the south of the city, has an arty, international feel and is considered an up and coming area, so it is a cheaper place to live than the other neighbourhoods mentioned so far.  It is within a reasonable distance of Phorms Bilingual Berlin-Süd and John F Kennedy schools.

Kreuzberg, just to the south of the city centre, is a friendly, arty, casual area with beautiful architecture and lots of green walkways and parks.  It is close to Lycée Français and Ecole Voltaire.

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Where Berlin international schools are distributed (view our List of International Schools in Berlin to see a live map):

Best international schools in Berlin

Best International Schools in Berlin - Rankings

Note: our rankings are based on parent, pupil and teacher reviews. If you think your Berlin school should be in the top 15, get reviewing - we want to hear from real people with real experiences at schools so parents, teachers and pupils get the real story when they research their next school. You can find your school in the full List of International Schools in Berlin, or search by name here.


BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School logo BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School 

5.0 from 11 reviews

Curriculum

IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

3 to 18

Max Class Size

20

Description

BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School BBIS IS A LEADING INTERNATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL

Welcome to BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School, a place where students are empowered to reach their unique potential and thrive on a global stage.

As one of the world’s leading International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, BBIS proudly offers three IB programmes in the Primary, Middle and Diploma years of schooling to students from over 70 countries, as well as a huge range of extra-curricular activities. Inclusive, diverse and expansive, we’re here to help each student discover and develop their passions in a warm and welcoming environment.

While English is our language of instruction, BBIS is a truly international school.

Our students hail from families who come from across the globe and share our values of humanity, tolerance and empathy. Together, we are building a caring, internationally minded community of students, teachers and alumni – people who truly have the potential to leave a positive mark on our world.

Every year, we welcome around 780 day students and around 80 boarding students, from 3 to 19 years of age. These students spend their days developing invaluable, life-long skills like critical thinking, languages and intercultural competencies across our early education, primary and secondary areas:

- From ages 3-6, children join our early education community, which takes inspiration from Reggio Emilia
- From ages 6-11, students join Grades 1 to 5 to pursue the IB Primary Years Programme
- From ages 11-19, students join our secondary school to pursue the IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme

In all of these programmes, we encourage students to be courageous and explore new opportunities, fostering a pioneering spirit that will help them succeed, no matter what the future holds.

Our overarching goal at BBIS is to help students become happy, well-rounded humans.

Our classes are small – usually with fewer than 20 students – so that everyone receives individual attention and support. Beyond the classroom, collaboration and cooperation between staff, students, parents and the wider community is very important to us.

Growing up is not easy, but we understand the challenges and changes that occur. We support our students with dedicated, caring professionals at every step of the way. This nurturing approach – coupled with 24/7 security and a strong child-protection policy – makes BBIS a safe and supportive environment for your child.

 Read BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School reviews

Svenska Skolan i Berlin 

5.0 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

Swedish,Norwegian

Primary Language

Swedish

Ages

6 to 12

Description

Svenska Skolan i Berlin offers students a responsive, individual-based, safe and competent teaching together with dedicated educators. All in an unbeatable bright, lush and creative school environment in the heart of Berlin.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Svenska Skolan has been run in Berlin. This year we are celebrating our 113th anniversary. This makes us the world's second oldest Swedish foreign school. The premises at Landhausstrasse 26-28 offer a unique Swedish environment with fragrant cinnamon buns from the café, Swedish daily newspapers and magazines as well as an adult and children's library. Here Swedish and German celebrations are celebrated.

 Read Svenska Skolan i Berlin reviews

Berlin Bilingual School 

4.8 from 11 reviews

Curriculum

German

Primary Language

English

Ages

6 to 18

Description

Berlin Bilingual School, a unique and vibrant school in one of the most exciting cities in the world. We are a school with dedicated, committed and hard-working teachers and educators. We provide a challenging bilingual curriculum for children whose families have settled in Berlin.

As a school we seek to take our pupils and students on a journey of educational and personal development, a journey which harnesses the merits of bilingual German and English education, celebrates cultural diversity and instills a love for learning. We encourage our pupils to be curious about and open to the world around them, become independent thinkers and be ready and prepared to be challenged and challenge themselves in preparation for what the future may hold for them. We prepare our students for German as well as international qualifications. Our students work hard to achieve their academic goals but as important as academic progress is the personal development of our students and the pastoral care we provide for every child. We encourage every child to follow their own interests, develop and share their talents and pursue other interests in order to allow them to become well-rounded people. 

 Read Berlin Bilingual School reviews

Quentin Blake Europe School 

4.7 from 7 reviews

Curriculum

German

Primary Language

English

Ages

6 to 12

Description

Quentin Blake Europe School is a public primary school with the special educational focus of bilingual education.  A major objective is integrated bilingual learning groups with bilingual instruction beginning in first grade. The students and teaching staff in each class are half native or mother tongue speakers of either German or English. Native speakers conduct the language lessons in smaller divided groups of Mother Tongue and Partner Tongue.  Half of our student body and staff are native speakers of English.  Since English has become lingua franca in so many countries of the world, we have lively cultural mix with students and teachers from countries as diverse as Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Kenya, South Africa, the USA and many other countries.

One of the many benefits of our school is that the children receive both Mother Tongue and Partner Tongue in small groups of usually twelve students.  Mathematics is taught in German while Topic, history, general science, geography, music and art are taught in English. Beginning in 5th grade the children also receive instruction in French.

 Read Quentin Blake Europe School reviews

Berlin Metropolitan School 

4.6 from 9 reviews

Curriculum

IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

3 to 18

Description

Berlin Metropolitan School is the oldest international school in the center of Berlin. 1,000 students from 52 countries attend our school and are taught using the best international and national curriculum programs.

The Berlin Metropolitan School is an all-day school, allowing students from kindergarten through 12th grade to complete a modern and values-based education, culminating into an internationally recognized diploma. An international team of more than 200 dedicated employees lead the way for the learning success of our students.

 Read Berlin Metropolitan School reviews

Berlin International School 

4.6 from 7 reviews

Curriculum

IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

6 to 18

Description

Berlin International School (BIS) at Campus Dahlem is part of the international and bilingual branch (E/G) of Stiftung Private Kant-Schulen gGmbH. We offer both nationally and internationally recognized educational opportunities from first grade through the end of secondary school to children and young adults whose families are internationally mobile, or based in Berlin and looking for challenging educational programs in a culturally diverse, multilingual setting.

At Berlin International School, we value the similarities and differences each person's cultural heritage brings to our lives. We celebrate and share our diversity on a daily basis both inside and outside the classroom in order to enrich the learning experience for our students and the whole school community.

 Read Berlin International School reviews

École Voltaire 

4.4 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

French

Primary Language

French

Ages

3 to 11

Description

École Voltaire Berlin, while still called Voltaire College, opened in 1994 after the withdrawal of the French forces from Germany in the historic district of Reinickendorf (north of Berlin), first of all primary school, the establishment could then accommodate any French or foreign child wishing to receive a French education.

École Voltaire Berlin is open to its environment: speakers in the cultural field, contacts with Berlin institutions, outings, events, school trips, discovery classes.

 Read Ã‰cole Voltaire reviews

Berlin Cosmopolitan School 

4.4 from 11 reviews

Curriculum

German, IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 18

Description

Berlin Cosmopolitan School (BCS) is a non-profit international school with a focus on the sciences, music and dance in the heart of Berlin. We offer Kindergarten and Preschool as well as Primary and Secondary School (German: Gymnasium). Our school, founded in 2004 with its two campuses, is located in Berlin-Mitte in a very quiet area between Alexanderplatz, Monbijou Park, Hackescher Markt & Prenzlauer Berg.

Today about 700 students from over 45 countries are enrolled at BCS. As an International Baccalaureate World School we are authorized to offer the curriculum of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme on the basis of the educational framework of Berlin. After 12 years, students may graduate with the IB Diploma and the German Abitur. At Berlin Cosmopolitan School we encourage students to become active and responsible world citizens.

This includes strong academics and multilingualism as well as the development of social and intercultural skills.

 Read Berlin Cosmopolitan School reviews

Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin 

4.0 from 6 reviews

Curriculum

German

Primary Language

English

Ages

6 to 18

Description

Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin is not a traditional school. Our central focus is not so much on imparting knowledge as on providing children with comprehensive individual support and a modern, learning-friendly environment. We help them to acquire social and academic skills both individually and in groups, in a relaxed but goal-oriented learning situation.

This aim set by the founder of the school, Bettina Würth, characterizes the work of both learning partners and learning coaches. One of the most important premises is that each learning partner is supported according to his/her individual needs. This means that every learning partner behaves like a learning entrepreneur, which means that he or she realizes and accepts his or her own responsibility.

Our joint conviction that everyone is able to reach this goal is the basis for this behaviour.

 Read Freie Schule Anne-Sophie Berlin reviews

John F. Kennedy School Berlin 

3.9 from 8 reviews

Curriculum

American, German

Primary Language

English

Ages

6 to 18

Description

John F. Kennedy School is one of the most sought-after and renowned schools in Berlin. Consistently high standards and the respective results ensure that we receive applications from all over the world every day.

The school’s bicultural, bilingual program is up-to-date and future-oriented. It is also a guarantee for the partnership between the United States of America and Germany with its very special, historically founded meaning for Berlin. The John F. Kennedy School considers it its educational mandate to develop the student’s entire personality. 

 Read John F. Kennedy School Berlin reviews

Berlin British School gGmbH 

3.9 from 10 reviews

Curriculum

English

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 18

Max Class Size

20

Description

Berlin British School (BBS) is a warm and caring community of local and international families from all over the world. While we prepare our students to strive for academic success, we pride ourselves on our holistic education and have a genuine determination to know and care for everyone.

A central part of a student’s education at the Berlin British School is to nurture the development of character through an engaging curriculum and supportive pastoral care programme.

Our School is an inclusive school and offers an excellent education to students aged 2-18. In Grades 9 and 10, the school offers a number of International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) courses, the German MSA (Mittlerer Schulabschluss) and in Grades 11 and 12, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The IB DP is often described as the gold standard of international education. This allows our school the ability to adopt the best, internationally acclaimed enquiry-based learning process, whilst also fulfilling the requirements for Ersatzschulstatus (official recognition in the local school system).

Following an education at the Berlin British School, our students have been accepted into some of the top universities in Germany, the UK, the USA and the rest of the world.

 Read Berlin British School gGmbH reviews

Swiss International School - Berlin 

3.9 from 6 reviews

Curriculum

German, IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

3 to 18

Description

Swiss International School Berlin's educational concept lies at the heart of our social, pedagogical, didactical and entrepreneurial approach. But every concept is only as good as its implementation in everyday school life – that is why we make it our highest priority to live by it on a daily basis. The students are at the centre of all our efforts.

English and German play equal roles in school communication – in the classroom and in all parts of day-to-day school life. As a result, children learn to express themselves naturally and confidently in both languages. Our schools are part of the Swiss International Schools Group, which has been a pioneer in the bilingual education arena since 1999. At present, more than 3.700 students attend SIS schools at one of our 16 locations in Switzerland, Germany and Brazil. 

 Read Swiss International School - Berlin reviews

International Montessori School Berlin 

3.7 from 6 reviews

Curriculum

Montessori, English

Primary Language

German

Ages

5 to 13

Max Class Size

22

Description

The International Montessori School Berlin is a private school in Berlin-Wansee located in the beautiful Landhaus Oppenheim. We are international – and bilingual! Our students come from a great diversity of countries; many are growing up in bilingual families.

Both our German and English speaking educators use the immersion method when they communicate with the children.

 Read International Montessori School Berlin reviews

Platanus School Berlin 

3.3 from 7 reviews

Curriculum

German

Primary Language

English

Ages

3 to 16

Description

Platanus School Berlin is a bilingual educational institution (German/English) based in Berlin-Pankow with Kindergartens in two different locations and a Primary and Secondary School with a focus on mathematics and science. In our kindergarten, we ensure holistic and age appropriate care which takes the individual capabilities and talents of the children into consideration. Our ambitious educational concept and immersive bilingualism is ideal preparation for the children to continue in our primary school. Under the roof of a distinguished, listed building, our bilingual primary and secondary school offers optimal learning conditions, where natural curiosity and individual needs can find their place from Grade 1 all the way through to Grade 10.

Here, children and young people can learn in a calm environment, test themselves, develop their talents, deepen their interests, learn about cultural diversity and internalise languages. The time a child spends at kindergarten and school is an intensive and also incredibly important chapter in their lives and we would like to invite you and your child to spend this time with us in an international, caring and open community.

 Read Platanus School Berlin reviews

Nelson Mandela School 

3.3 from 28 reviews

Curriculum

German, IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

6 to 18

Description

Nelson Mandela School Berlin provides quality bilingual education to children from a wide variety of backgrounds. English and German are our school’s official languages, but we do not stop at introducing our students just to German and Anglo-American values and traditions.

As a truly international school and a member of UNESCO’s Associated Schools Project Network (ASP), it is our business to acquaint our students with as many different aspects of life on this planet as possible – and to enable them to make a positive difference wherever they go.

Being named after Mr. Mandela, sub-Saharan Africa in general and South Africa in particular have a special place in our hearts, and we try and let that show wherever and whenever we can – be it in our classrooms or beyond. 

 Read Nelson Mandela School reviews

Other International Schools in Berlin

There are 5 other international schools in Berlin that didn't make it into our Top 15, either because they didn't have enough reviews or its review rating was too low. If your school is one of those and you think it should make the Top 15, make sure you add your review and tell your story via the school links below.

School Curriculum Rating
Phorms Bilingual School Berlin-Süd German 3.1 / 5
Phorms Bilingual School Berlin-Mitte German 3.0 / 5
Lycée Francais de Berlin French, German 2.6 / 5
Charles Dickens Primary School Berlin German 2.0 / 5
Wangari Maathai International School German n/a

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Juliet Ryder

My family and I are originally from the UK but have also lived in Australia and Spain. We have always wanted to make sure that our 3 boys have the best possible experience living abroad and that our travels have a positive impact on their education.


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