Secondary Education in Germany

Boarding schools for international students in Germany

All of the boarding school offerings including the living space, duties, projects, daily routines, and after school and weekend activities are conceived to further these goals and provide the students with a nurturing and safe environment. Young people in Europe grow up speaking many different languages and experiencing a wide range of cultures. They experience a truly international education and are prepared to take on a leading role in shaping the future of our world.

The German educational System

The German education system is different in many ways from the ones in other countries, but it produces high-performing students. The overwhelming majority of German students attend public schools. But, there are also many private schools. Although education is a function of the federal states, and there are differences from state to state, some generalizations are possible.

Children aged three to six, may attend kindergarten. After that, school is compulsory for nine or ten years. From grades 1 through 4 children attend elementary school (Grundschule), where the subjects taught are the same for all. Then, after the 4th grade, they are separated according to their academic ability and the wishes of their families, and attend one of three different kinds of schools: Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium. Grundschule teachers recommend their students to a particular school based on such things as academic achievement, self-confidence and ability to work independently. However, in most states, parents have the final say as to which school their child attends following the fourth grade.

The school year starts around mid August/September and ends around 1 July but exact dates and school holiday dates vary from state to state. There are generally six weeks over the summer holidays, two weeks in the autumn (Herbstferien), two or three weeks at Christmas (Weihnachtsferien), a week at Easter (Osterferien) and various state and religious holidays. Private schools have their own school calendar.