Leipzig International School

LIS is an IB World School. In Grades 9 and 10 students follow a programme designed to prepare them for the IB, and in Grades 11 and 12 they take the IB Diploma Programme, choosing subjects such as business management, economics and psychology alongside the Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS. Many students earn the bilingual diploma; in 2026, 35 of 65 candidates did so, and the IB Diploma can be recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur.

The Kindergarten takes children in Nursery from age 1 to 3 and in Early Years from age 4 to 6, in English and German. Primary School covers Grades 1 to 5, with placement by age on 31 August (Grade 1 at age 6). Middle School runs from Grade 6 to 8, and High School covers Grades 9 and 10, which lead to a certificate equivalent to the Realschulabschluss, followed by the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12.

LIS describes itself as an inclusive learning community that empowers and inspires learners to make a meaningful impact on tomorrow's world, under the motto Learning to be a Citizen of the World. Its core values are being courageous, inclusive and proud: listening and persisting, belonging to a respectful community, celebrating diversity and taking responsibility for a positive impact on oneself, others and the world.

The main campus is a large historic school building in Schleußig, renovated in stages since 2006, with a sports hall built during the renovation, a school yard and a playground for younger children. The library holds more than 11,000 books and magazines, including a German collection and books in over 25 other languages. An 800 m² school garden serves as an outdoor classroom, and primary pupils have a makerspace. The separate kindergarten building has large outdoor play areas, its own library, an indoor gym and an art and music room, close to a forest.

Tuition includes learning support, English and German language support, books and materials, field trips, fruit, and medical support from two school nurses. A Student Support Team provides counselling and careers guidance. Primary pupils have before- and after-school care (Hort) from 7:00 to 17:00. Hot lunches can be ordered from the school caterer, or pupils can bring a packed lunch. There is no school bus or uniform, and income-based fee reductions are available.

As a full member of the German International School Sports Tournament (GISST), LIS fields teams in football, volleyball, badminton, tennis, basketball, swimming, cross country and track and field, with training twice a week after school. The enrichment programme includes clubs such as astronomy, robotics and contemporary dance, drawing, painting, printing and a photo club. The school stages at least one major drama production a year, musicals in primary and high school and a Christmas concert, and students also join student councils, Model UN and holiday surf and ski camps.