Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
Badgasteiner Strasse 11, 28359 Bremen, Germany. The campus is located on the University of Bremen campus. It is well-connected to Bremen's public transport network, and many students travel to school by tram or bus.
Early Learning (ages 3-6); Elementary/IPC (Grades 1-5); Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum (Grades 6-8); IGCSE (Grades 9-10); IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12).
Private International School
ISB hosts students from over 53 countries.
Germany
The school day begins at 8:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm; on Fridays, dismissal is at 2:10 pm. Depending on the timetable, IB classes may end at 3:50 pm on certain days.
No dedicated school bus; public transport is used (tram/bus) to travel to school.
Boarding is provided on the University of Bremen campus. ISB offers individual rooms with an attached bath, toilet and ensuite kitchenette. The boarding house is a short walk (5–7 minutes) from the school. Guardianship is arranged by the School, and meals are included (three meals per day plus a healthy snack).
ISB Canteen provides all-day dining from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages. The weekly canteen menu offers a variety of options, with a garden-to-plate connection and a focus on local and school-grown produce to support nutritional awareness and inclusivity of dietary preferences.
The school operates as a non-profit and depends on donations and sponsorships. FRIENDS OF ISB (Freundeskreis) brings together the ISB Support e.V. and the PTA to support ISB's community and projects. The school is also connected to international accreditation and associations (e.g., CIS, ECIS, AGIS) through its admissions and governance framework.
Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum for Grades 6 to 8 covers English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, with arts, humanities and physical education. The program is student-centred and inquiry-based, with Cambridge Checkpoint assessments to monitor progress. Global Perspectives is a core component that develops critical thinking, research, analysis, evaluation and collaboration. Cambridge IGCSE is offered for Grades 9 to 10, covering languages, mathematics, sciences and humanities, and is recognized as equivalent to the German Mittlere Reife under certain conditions. IBDP is offered for Grades 11 to 12, spanning six subject groups with Higher and Standard Levels, plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS, and is globally recognized as a German university entrance qualification.
Teacher to student ratio is 1:8; average class size is 16.
IBDP results exceed international averages: the average IB score is 35 points, compared to the global average of 31; 96% of students pass the IBDP in a non-selective school. IGCSE results in 2024 were at or above international averages across most subjects. IQB national testing shows ISB students significantly outperform Bremen averages in German proficiency. ISA (PISA) testing shows strong performance in Mathematical Literacy, Reading, and Scientific Literacy across ESB and NESB cohorts.
A University Counsellor supports students in life after school, including higher education planning; the IBDP is globally recognized and fully recognized as a German university entrance qualification; the ISB campus on the University of Bremen provides access to university resources and facilities to support applicants.
The school integrates Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education into daily activities to help children develop essential life skills and emotional intelligence. Philosophy for Children (P4C) is used to encourage thoughtful discussions and reflective thinking. These practices help children understand their feelings, build strong relationships, and develop empathy and respect for others. The Early Learning Centre uses IEYC and IPC frameworks, blending structured themes with play to support social development. The literacy program, Jolly Phonics, supports language development in a supportive, collaborative environment.
The school offers in-class support for students with mild to mid-level learning difficulties. Support is provided in a limited manner. The school is non-selective and does not conduct entrance tests.
English is the language of instruction. German is offered as a second language from Grade 2 onwards at a native or non-native level. French or Spanish is offered as a third language from Grade 5 onwards. Students with limited English language skills receive support from the EAL team.
The well-being of our students is paramount at ISB. We offer a comprehensive support system, including counselling services, wellness programs, and pastoral care, to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and valued. Our dedicated staff are available to provide guidance and assistance to help students navigate challenges and thrive both academically and personally.
Admission Process: The International School of Bremen uses a four-step admissions process. Inquiry and Initial Contact: Start by filling in an inquiry form, emailing the admissions officer or calling. Personal Interview: A personal interview is conducted face-to-face or online. Experience ISB First-Hand: Visit the school for a tour, spend a day experiencing what it's like to be a student here, or stay overnight in boarding facilities. Formal Offer and Enrollment: After a successful interview and visit, a formal offer is extended; to secure a place, complete the acceptance documents and pay the fees. Admissions for Boarding Students: Selection is based on interview performance, English proficiency, and a careful assessment of needs, with boarding designed for students aged 14 and above and focused on independence, community living and academic progression. For inquiries and more information, reach ISB by email or phone.
ISB has a Bursary Programme to support families unable to pay full school fees, adjusted to gross family income. ISB is an independent, self-supporting educational institution registered in Germany as a non-profit association and recognized in the State of Bremen as an “anerkannte Ersatzschule.” The bursary programme applies to students in grades 1–12. Parents or guardians can file an application for a reduction of school fees by submitting a bursary application form; the family's assets and gross monthly income are considered and annual reviews apply. If the annual gross family income is below EUR 100,000, an application can be filed. Applicants must submit a registration certificate proving main residence in Germany and financial details including bank statements; discounts apply to annual fees, the registration fee and the application fee, with reductions shown in the Bursary Reduction Guidelines. All interested families can file their bursary application by email.
Hemmingstedter Weg 130, 22609 Hamburg, Germany
Early Years (ECC, ages 3–5) ; Junior School (Grades 1–5) ; Secondary School (Grades 6–12; IB Middle Years Programme 6–10; IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme 16–18)
Private international school; independent, non-profit association
63 nationalities represented; top nationalities include United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, India and South Korea; Germany is the host country.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support
Germany
The school offers English-language curricula for students from age 3 to 18. The majority of co-curricular activities run from 15:00 to 16:30, with After School Care available until 18:00.
Three school buses run by HVV serve the outer Alster region and Hafen City; buses stop at regular stops and are available to students in Grades 1–12. Cost and route information differ each year. Hamburg resident students travel free across the HVV regional network (as of 1 Sep 2024).
Hot lunch options include vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian choices, with a salad bar and menus based on seasonal, organic, locally produced vegetables and fruits. Sodas and chocolate-topped donuts have been removed to limit sugary foods during the school day.
ISH is a private, co-educational, non-selective day school. It operates as a non-profit and is governed by a Board of Trustees.
The school provides a continuous international curriculum from Early Years to Grade 12. The Early Years follows the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), with Early Years 3 introducing Foundations phonics, Reader's and Writer's Workshop, and Math in Focus. The Junior School (Grades 1–5) uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with cross-curricular IPC units in Science, History, Geography, Art, Technology and International Understanding; there are specialist teachers in Music, German, Physical Education, Library Skills and ICT, and a Wellness program including Mindfulness and digital citizenship. The Secondary School (Grades 6–12) follows the International Baccalaureate framework: the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) for Grades 11–12; French or Spanish begins as a third language in Grade 6, and a strong pastoral care program supports students through tutor groups. Language support is provided through Mother Tongue and English as an Additional Language (EAL) provisions to help students access the curriculum.
6.5:1
ISH IB Diploma Programme results 2024 show an average DP score of 32.1 out of 45, with an average DP class grade of 5.08 out of 7 and an average grade across all subjects of 5.09 out of 7. 55% of DP students scored more than 30 points. 100% of CP Diploma recipients were awarded the CP Diploma. 85% of ISH graduates matriculated at colleges and universities worldwide.
85% of ISH graduates matriculate at colleges and universities worldwide. Destinations span Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, including universities such as the University of Antwerp, KU Leuven, McGill University, University of Toronto, Hamburg School of Business Administration, TU München, and the University of Edinburgh.
The Student Support Services Team (SSST) screens, determines services, and monitors referred students with significant social, emotional, behavioural, or academic differences. Following a referral, SSST members assess the student's needs through consultation, observation, and testing, and provide a team recommendation regarding the required support. The department comprises Learning Support, School Counselling, College Counselling, on-site occupational and speech therapists, School Nurses, and liaises with outside specialists to provide a broad range of services. Counselling services include support of the pastoral care program, behaviour management support, individual personal counselling, group counselling, social skills training, and group guidance lessons in classrooms, with parent consultations and staff in-service as part of the programme. The aim is to promote student well-being and healthy adjustment across the school community.
The Learning Support program strengthens academic skills within the context of a student's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Services are provided after referral and may include remedial and compensatory instruction, skill development, re-teaching, and content support. MYP and DP students may be eligible for inclusive assessment arrangements. There are two on-site speech therapists and an occupational therapist available. The SSST liaises with outside specialists and therapists to provide a wide array of services for ISH families.
English is the main language of teaching and learning at ISH. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native English speakers across grade levels, coordinating with classroom teachers to integrate content. The EAL department operates in both the Junior School and the Secondary School, with Junior School EAL Services using a mixed pull-out and push-in model for Group A Beginner English Language Learners and Group B Intermediate learners, and advanced learners in a monitor group receiving in-classroom support. Secondary School EAL supports students to progress toward mainstream classes. German, French, and Spanish are offered as Modern Foreign Languages.
Pastoral care and counselling are central to ISH wellbeing. The SSST provides school counselling in the Junior School and the Secondary School, with a collaborative process to define and follow through with a personal improvement plan. Counselling services include support of the pastoral care program, behaviour management support, individual personal counselling, group counselling, social skills training, and group guidance lessons in classrooms, plus parent consultations and staff in-service. The team provides on-site occupational and speech therapists and School Nurses to support mental health, and liaises with outside specialists as needed.
Child protection and safeguarding are top priorities. ISH is in strict compliance with German law and follows international best practices to ensure child safety.
ISH has an ongoing admissions process with mid‑year entry possible. An inquiry submitted via the online form starts the process to arrange a campus visit or a call and is not a formal application for admission. An online application follows the inquiry. Admissions Officers are Margaret Metzler and Karolin Mutzel.
ISH offers a Financial Aid (FinAid) program to help families cover tuition. Eligibility is based on income and assets; the top gross income threshold for a one‑child family is €150,000, with asset‑based adjustments increasing the tuition amount. Full tuition may be charged for higher income or asset levels, according to the 2024–2025 Schedule of Fees. Applications are considered after a formal admission offer is made; families request a financial aid form from finaid@ishamburg.org, review eligibility, and submit a single PDF application signed by both parents. School fee reductions are granted for one year and must be reapplied annually; approval is provisional until the previous year's tax return is submitted.
Frankfurt, Germany; Schumannstrasse 4-6, 60325 Frankfurt; located near Messe Frankfurt-Westend
Nursery, kindergarten and elementary school under one roof; Fintosch International Toddler School & Kindergarten; FINTOSCH Multilingual Primary School
International Toddler School & Kindergarten; Multilingual Primary School
Germany
Whole-day childcare from 7:45 am to 7:00 pm; flexible opening hours from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm; closes for seven days a year
All-year day-care program; open from 7:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on working days; after-school activities are available during day-care hours.
Healthy nutrition is emphasized; the school prioritizes physical activity.
Fintosch GmbH (International Toddler School & Kindergarten) and Fintosch gGmbH (Multilingual Primary School) govern the school; Managing Director is Silvia Staab-Nickel.
Education in English and German; IPC International Primary Curriculum; Hessian curriculum integrated with IPC.
Students thrive when they feel supported, secure and motivated; teachers create a dynamic, nurturing learning space.
Balanced bilingual education with teaching conducted equally in German and English; from Grade 3 onward a third language is added.
Six hours of sports per week and healthy lessons.
Application: We review your application.
First contact: In a personal conversation we discuss all relevant matters so that we understand all your personal needs.
Consultation: We get to know each other better and tailor the education of your child to its individual needs.
Admission: You will receive our confirmation and your child will be admitted.
Visiting Fintosch: Advance reservation required.
Nursery School: Schumannstraße 4-6: Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Gräfstraße 47 – 51: Tuesday from 09:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Primary School: From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entry Date: Basically, an entry is possible at any time; tell us your personal desired date.
Childcare Options Nursery School: 2/3 and 5 days week; 5 days week for Kindergarten children; Part time: 07:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Full time: 07:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (6:00/7:00 p.m.).
After the fourth grade you have the choice: The school starts with an entrance level for children from the age of five; after the fourth grade you can choose whether to switch to the German or international school system.
Language of Instruction & Curriculum: English and German are the languages of instruction at Fintosch Multilingual Primary School in a 50%–50% distribution. The Hessian curriculum is followed, and the IPC is used for the primary curriculum.
Sports and healthy nutrition: 90 minutes of sports three times a week; movement sequences are integrated into the classroom.
Family closeness and solid structures: The school emphasizes family closeness, aims to prepare children as world citizens of tomorrow.