International Schools & Kindergartens in Berlin

International Schools & Kindergartens in Berlin – The Complete Guide (2026)

Berlin has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations for international families — and the city’s education landscape reflects that. With over 20 international and bilingual schools, a generous free-childcare system, and a network of state-funded bilingual schools that rivals anything in London or Paris, Berlin offers families an unusually wide range of choices at every price point.

This guide from FARAWAYHOME covers everything relocating families need to know: international and bilingual schools with current tuition fees, the Kita-Gutschein system that makes kindergarten essentially free, bilingual Kitas accepting the voucher, Berlin’s school system explained for newcomers, a district-by-district map of where schools cluster, and a step-by-step enrolment timeline.

 

 

How Berlin’s School System Works

If you’re coming from the UK, the US, or most other countries, Berlin’s school structure will look different — but in ways that actually benefit international families.

Berlin uses a six-year primary school (Grundschule, Grades 1–6), which is longer than the four years used in most other German states. Children don’t face the high-stakes decision about secondary school until age 12 rather than 10, giving newcomers more time to adjust to a new language and culture. After Grade 6, students enter either a Gymnasium (Grades 7–12, leading to the Abitur after 12 years total) or an Integrierte Sekundarschule (ISS, Grades 7–13, Abitur after 13 years). Gemeinschaftsschulen, or community schools, span Grades 1–13 and combine both tracks under one roof.

The Abitur is Germany’s university entrance qualification and is recognised worldwide. At Berlin’s bilingual state schools, students can additionally earn a bilingual Abitur with C2-level language certification in their partner language — an internationally competitive credential at zero tuition cost.

Compulsory schooling (Schulpflicht) applies to every child living in Germany from age 6, regardless of nationality or visa status. Homeschooling is not permitted. Children who do not speak German receive Willkommensklassen (Welcome Classes) — intensive German instruction for groups of 12–15 students over 6–12 months, targeting B1 proficiency before transitioning to regular classes. Welcome Classes are available from Grade 3; children in Grades 1–2 typically join regular classes directly and acquire German through immersion.

 

International Schools in Berlin – Full Directory with Fees

Berlin has approximately 20–24 international and bilingual schools — the largest concentration in Germany, ahead of Frankfurt (11) and Munich (9). Curricula include the International Baccalaureate (IB), British A-Levels and IGCSEs, the French Baccalauréat, and Berlin’s own bilingual Abitur programmes. Fees range from completely free at state schools to around €24,400 per year at the most expensive private institution.

 

School	Type	Curriculum	Ages	Annual fees
BBIS (Kleinmachnow)	Private	Full IB (PYP, MYP, DP)	3–19	€14,900–€24,400
BIS (Dahlem)	Private	IB (PYP, MYP, DP)	6–18	€12,300–€18,240
Berlin British School (Charlottenburg)	Private	British / IGCSE / IB DP	2–18	€13,100–€19,400
Berlin Metropolitan School (Mitte)	Private	IB / IGCSE / Berlin state	3–18	€1,200–€14,740 (income-based)
Berlin Cosmopolitan School (Mitte)	Private	IB PYP / IB DP / Berlin state	2–18	€10,800–€15,840 (income-based)
Phorms Berlin (3 campuses)	Private	Bilingual DE-EN / Abitur	2–18	€1,416–€12,456 (income-based)
ISB / Kant Schule (Steglitz)	Private	Bilingual DE-EN / Abitur	6–18	~€12,300–€18,240
Berlin Bilingual School (Friedrichshain)	Private	Bilingual DE-EN / IGCSE	5–16	€1,200–€6,156 (income-based)
Platanus Schule (Pankow)	Private	Bilingual DE-EN / STEM	5–19	From €1,200/year (income-based)
JFK School (Zehlendorf)	State (free)	German-American bilingual	5–19	€0
Nelson Mandela School (Wilmersdorf)	State (free)	Bilingual DE-EN / IB DP	6–19	€0 (IB exam fees apply)
Lycée Français / Franz. Gymnasium (Tiergarten)	State (free)	Franco-German / AbiBac	10–19	€0
SESB schools (~35 locations)	State (free)	Bilingual (9 languages)	6–19	€0

Fees as of school year 2025/26. Income-based fees show minimum to maximum range. Additional costs (registration, lunch, uniforms, IB exams) apply at most schools — see details below.

 

BBIS – Berlin Brandenburg International School

Located on a 360,000 sqm forested campus in Kleinmachnow, just southwest of Berlin, BBIS is the region’s premier full-IB school offering all three IB programmes from Early Years through the Diploma. Around 900 students from over 70 nationalities study here, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:7. Boarding is available from Grade 9. Tuition ranges from €14,900 (Early Years) to €24,400 (Diploma), with boarding adding €24,400 per year. An income-based reduction programme can lower fees to as little as €175 per year for qualifying families. BBIS runs school buses to and from Berlin and Potsdam. Website: bbis.de

 

BIS – Berlin International School

Situated in Dahlem (Steglitz-Zehlendorf), BIS is a CIS-accredited IB World School serving Grades 1–12 with students from over 60 countries. Tuition runs from €12,300 (primary) to €18,240 (IB Diploma). The campus connects directly to Kant-Kindergarten International, creating a seamless pathway from age 3 through graduation. BIS is particularly popular with diplomatic and corporate families based in the leafy southwest of the city. Website: berlin-international-school.de

 

Berlin British School (BBS)

Founded in 1994 when British Forces withdrew from Berlin, BBS operates three campuses across Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, serving ages 2–18. The curriculum blends the British National Curriculum with IGCSEs (Grades 9–10) and the IB Diploma (Grades 11–12). BBS offers two streams: a bilingual German-English Ersatzschule and a monolingual English Ergänzungsschule. Fees range from €13,100 to €19,400 per year, with a 2.5% sibling discount. School uniform is required. Website: berlinbritishschool.de

 

Berlin Metropolitan School (BMS)

BMS is the largest international school in central Berlin, located on Linienstraße in Mitte. Around 1,135 students from 65 countries attend from Kindergarten through the IB Diploma. Fees are income-based, starting from €100 per month for families earning under €30,000, up to €1,340 per month at the highest bracket — making it one of Berlin’s most accessible international schools. Kindergarten places require a Kita-Gutschein; without one, fees increase by approximately €500 per month. Free school lunch is provided for Grades 1–6 through Berlin Senate funding. Website: metropolitanschool.com

 

Berlin Cosmopolitan School (BCS)

Located between Alexanderplatz and Hackescher Markt in Mitte, BCS serves around 700 students from 45+ countries, aged 2 through Grade 12. Students can earn an IB Diploma, a bilingual German Abitur, or both. Fees are income-based with maximums of €10,800–€15,840 per year. Distinctive features include a school forest in Prenden with weekly forest days, a Nature Campus at Müggelsee, and over 50 extracurricular programmes. School uniform is required. Website: cosmopolitanschool.de

 

Phorms Berlin

Phorms operates three bilingual German-English campuses in Mitte, Zehlendorf (Süd), and Prenzlauer Berg, offering immersion education from nursery through the Abitur. Fees are income-based, starting at €118 per month for families earning under €50,000, rising to €1,038 per month above €130,000. Generous sibling discounts apply: 25% for the second child, 50% for the third, and 75% for the fourth. A loyalty discount of 10% kicks in after six years, reaching 20% after ten. Scholarships of up to €150 per month are also available. The Mitte campus additionally offers Cambridge International qualifications. Website: phorms.de

 

Berlin Bilingual School

With its primary campus in Friedrichshain and secondary in Weißensee, Berlin Bilingual School serves around 420 students from 30 countries in a bilingual German-English programme leading to IGCSE qualifications. Income-based fees range from €100 to €513 per month, with subsidised places available for families in financial need, gifted students, and refugee families — making it one of Berlin’s most inclusive private schools. Website: berlin-bilingual-school.de

 

Free Bilingual State Schools – Berlin’s Hidden Gem

Many international families arriving in Berlin assume that a bilingual education requires five-figure annual tuition. Berlin’s free state bilingual schools prove otherwise — and some of them deliver results that rival the most expensive private institutions.

 

John F. Kennedy School (JFKS)

Berlin’s most famous bilingual school is entirely tuition-free. Co-governed by the Berlin Senate and the U.S. Embassy, JFKS offers a unique German-American programme where students can graduate with an American High School Diploma (including AP courses), a German Abitur, or both. Around 1,700 students are taught by 174 faculty across a large campus in Zehlendorf. Admission is extremely competitive — over 1,000 families apply annually. Entry is primarily via lottery for the Entrance Class at age 5, and students must be Berlin residents. Dependents of U.S. Embassy staff receive guaranteed admission. JFKS is NEASC-accredited. Website: jfks.de

 

Nelson Mandela School

This free state international school in Wilmersdorf offers a bilingual German-English programme with the IB Diploma (authorised since 2005). Students from over 60 countries attend Grades 1–13. Each class has both a German-speaking and an English-speaking teacher. Tuition is completely free, though IB examination fees must be paid by families. Admissions prioritise high-mobility international families, making it particularly attractive for corporate relocations. Website: nelson-mandela-schule.net

 

Lycée Français de Berlin / Französisches Gymnasium

Founded in 1689 for Huguenot families, this is the oldest public school in Berlin. It operates simultaneously as a German public school and a French government school through AEFE. Students from approximately 50 nationalities can graduate with the Abitur, the French Baccalauréat, or the combined AbiBac. Tuition is free or minimal. Note that this is a secondary school only (Grades 5–12). Website: fg-berlin.eu

 

Staatliche Europaschule Berlin (SESB)

SESB is perhaps the best-kept secret in Berlin’s education landscape. This state-funded bilingual school system spans approximately 35 locations with around 7,000 students, offering nine language combinations: German with English, French, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Greek, Portuguese, or Polish. Classes are composed roughly 50/50 of native speakers in each language, taught by native-speaking teachers. By the time students sit their Abitur, they achieve C2-level proficiency in their partner language — a qualification with real international currency.

Key SESB pathways for English-speaking families include Quentin-Blake-Grundschule and Charles-Dickens-Grundschule (German-English primary) feeding into Schiller-Gymnasium (secondary) in Charlottenburg. Admission is by language proficiency test and lottery — not by income or academic achievement. All SESB schools are completely free.

 

 

Hidden Costs Beyond Tuition

Tuition is only part of the picture. Most international schools charge additional fees that can add €1,500–€5,000 or more per year on top of the headline figure.

 

Cost category	Typical range	Notes
Registration / admission fee	€50–€7,500	One-off; BBIS highest at €7,500, most charge €500–€2,000
School lunch	€0–€120/month	Free for Grades 1–6 at state and many private schools (Berlin Senate funded)
School bus	€1,000–€3,000/year	Available at BBIS, BBS; not all schools offer transport
Uniform	€100–€300	Required at BBS, BCS, Phorms
IB examination fees	€1,500–€4,000	Not included in tuition; paid per exam session
Extracurriculars	€250–€360/activity	Per season; varies widely by school

 

Tax deductibility – a frequently missed benefit

Under German tax law (§10 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 EStG), 30% of eligible private school tuition is deductible as Sonderausgaben (special expenses), up to a maximum deduction of €5,000 per child per year. Only fees directly related to schooling qualify — boarding, meals, and materials are excluded. Separately, two-thirds of childcare costs (Kita, Hort) up to €4,800 per child per year are deductible under §10 Abs. 1 Nr. 5 EStG. A family paying €16,000 per year in school fees could save between €960 and €2,160 in taxes depending on their marginal rate.

 

Kindergartens & Kitas in Berlin – The System Explained

Berlin eliminated Kita fees entirely on 1 August 2018, making it one of Germany’s most generous states for childcare. The mechanism is the Kita-Gutschein (childcare voucher): parents apply at their local district Jugendamt (youth welfare office), and the voucher covers the full cost of daycare at any participating Kita — public, non-profit, or approved private.

Remaining costs are minimal: a mandatory €23 per month for meals (Verpflegungspauschale), plus up to €100 per month for optional extras such as organic food upgrades, specialist classes, or excursion fees (a cap introduced in January 2025). Families receiving social benefits with a berlinpass-BuT are exempt from meal costs entirely.

 

How to apply for the Kita-Gutschein

Apply at the Jugendamt of your residential district 2–9 months before your desired start date. You will need: your Meldebescheinigung with your child’s name, a birth certificate, passport copies, and proof of employment or student status. Processing takes approximately 6–8 weeks. The voucher is valid for 7 months to find a Kita place. A practical tip: request a 7–9 hour ganztags (full-day) voucher if possible — Kitas prefer these because they receive more funding, which makes securing a place significantly easier.

 

Legal entitlement and waitlists

Every child over age 1 has a legal right (Rechtsanspruch) to a Kita place in Germany. In practice, Berlin historically faced a deficit of 17,000+ places, but the situation has improved significantly in 2025 due to declining birth rates. The city expects a drop of around 20,000 children by 2028. Waitlist times vary dramatically by district: Prenzlauer Berg, Pankow, and Mitte remain the most competitive, while outer districts like Reinickendorf and Marzahn-Hellersdorf have more availability.

General guidance: start looking 6–12 months before your desired start date, ideally during pregnancy. Apply to 5–10+ Kitas simultaneously and follow up every three months. The Kita year starts in August, making that the easiest month to find a spot. Use Berlin’s Kita-Navigator (kita-navigator.berlin.de) to search the city’s approximately 1,800 publicly funded Kitas by location, pedagogy, and availability. Note that the platform’s availability data is often outdated — supplement with direct contact and local parent groups on Facebook.

 

Eingewöhnung – the settling-in period

Virtually all German Kitas require a mandatory gradual settling-in process lasting 2–6 weeks. One parent must be available throughout. The Berliner Modell is most common: it begins with 1–2 hour visits with a parent present, introduces the first brief separation on day 4, and then gradually extends separation over 2–4 weeks. The Münchener Modell is a more flexible alternative that runs 4–6 weeks and places greater emphasis on the child’s active role and peer group. Plan your work schedule accordingly — this period is non-negotiable.

 

International & Bilingual Kitas in Berlin

Berlin has a growing number of bilingual and English-medium Kitas, many of which accept the Kita-Gutschein. This means international-quality early childhood education for little more than €23 per month in meals — or in some cases with moderate additional fees of €100–€450 per month.

 

Kita	District	Languages	Ages	Additional monthly cost
Kant-Kindergarten International	Dahlem	English (+ German)	3–6	Under €200 + Gutschein
Kiddies International	Steglitz-Zehlendorf (7 sites)	German-English	0–6	~€23 meals + €90 activities
Berlin Kids International	Prenzlauer Berg	German-English	0–6	~€23 meals only
Platanus Kindergarten	Pankow	German-English	3–6	~€73 (voluntary €50 + meals)
Phorms PhorMinis	Mitte / Zehlendorf / P. Berg	German-English	1–6	€135–€349 (income-based) + €70 meals
BCS Kindergarten	Mitte	German-English (IB PYP)	1–6	~€450 (fees + meals + materials)
Be Smart Academy	Friedrichshain / Mitte	English-German	1–6	~€350 + Gutschein
Villa Luna	Charlottenburg	German-English	1–6	~€300–€450 + Gutschein
Multi Lingua	4 locations	German-English-Russian	1–6	Gutschein accepted
Asilo Italiano	Wilmersdorf	Italian-German	1.5–6	Gutschein accepted

All Kitas listed accept the Berlin Kita-Gutschein. “Additional monthly cost” is the amount families pay on top of the voucher. Availability changes frequently — contact Kitas directly for current waitlists.

 

Kant-Kindergarten International

Located on the BIS campus in Dahlem, this is the natural feeder kindergarten for the Berlin International School. The primary language of instruction is English, with German lessons for all children. Capacity is 180 children in 11 groups of approximately 15. Ages 3–6 only (no Krippe). Children get priority BIS admission with early application. An inquiry-based education approach draws from the IB PYP framework. Website: kant-kindergarten.de

 

Kiddies International / Kiddies Family

A network of 7+ bilingual German-English facilities across Steglitz-Zehlendorf, including Dahlem, Wannsee, and Lichterfelde, with a total capacity of over 350 children from 9 months upward. The Kita-Gutschein covers the main costs — parents pay only €23 per month for meals plus up to €90 per month for additional activities. Each facility has its own kitchen with daily fresh food, including on-site bread baking. Website: kiddiesfamily.com

 

Berlin Kids International

Run by Pfefferwerk Stadtkultur gGmbH on Wichertstraße in Prenzlauer Berg, this Kita serves 85 children from 9 months upward in a fully bilingual German-English environment using the one-person-one-language principle. With the Kita-Gutschein, parents pay essentially only €23 per month for meals. Nominated for the German Kita Prize 2021, the facility consistently receives strong parent feedback. Website: pfefferwerk.de

 

Phorms PhorMinis

Available at all three Phorms campuses (Mitte, Lichterfelde/Süd, Prenzlauer Berg), PhorMinis provides fully bilingual German-English immersion from age 1 or 2. The Kita-Gutschein is required for admission. Additional monthly fees through the Förderverein are income-based, ranging from €135 (income under €20,000) to €349 (income above €130,000), plus €70 per month for organic catering. The seamless pathway into Phorms primary school is a significant draw for families planning long-term. Website: phorms.de

 

Where to Live – Schools & Kitas by District

Berlin’s international schools are not scattered randomly across the city. They cluster in distinct districts, and choosing the right school often means choosing the right neighbourhood. Here is where the main options are concentrated.

 

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

The highest concentration of international education in Berlin. Home to Berlin British School (three campuses in Grunewald and Westend), Nelson Mandela School, Charles-Dickens-Grundschule (SESB German-English), the Swedish School, and multiple bilingual Kitas including Villa Luna. This traditionally affluent district offers elegant Wilhelmine architecture, easy access to Grunewald forest, and one of Berlin’s strongest English-speaking expat communities. Rents run approximately €16–22/m²; a two-bedroom apartment costs roughly €1,800–2,400 per month. Excellent U-Bahn and S-Bahn connections to central Berlin. Browse furnished apartments in Charlottenburg.

 

Steglitz-Zehlendorf (including Dahlem)

Berlin’s most family-oriented suburban district and home to JFK School, BIS, ISB (Kant-Schule), the International Montessori School, the Japanese International School, and the Kiddies International network. Grand villas, Grunewald forest, the Botanical Garden, swimming lakes at Wannsee and Schlachtensee — it is the most spacious, green, and safe option. Rents are more moderate at €12–18/m², with a three-bedroom costing roughly €1,600–2,200 per month. The trade-off: it is 35–45 minutes to central Berlin. Browse furnished apartments in Zehlendorf.

 

Mitte

Home to Berlin Metropolitan School and Berlin Cosmopolitan School in the city centre, plus the Lycée Français in Tiergarten and several bilingual Kitas including BCS Kindergarten and Be Smart Academy. The most cosmopolitan and internationally connected district, with the best public transport links. Also Berlin’s most expensive area: rents run €18–22/m², and a three-bedroom apartment costs €2,500–3,200+. Best for centrally located professionals who want walkable urban living. Browse furnished apartments in Mitte.

 

Pankow / Prenzlauer Berg

Nicknamed “Pregnant Hill” for its massive popularity with young families. Home to Platanus Schule, Berlin Bilingual School (secondary campus in Weißensee), Phorms Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin Kids International, and extensive SESB options. Beautiful Altbau buildings, countless playgrounds, hip cafés. A strong international community of young European, British, American, and Scandinavian families. Rents: €17–21/m² in Prenzlauer Berg, cheaper in wider Pankow. Browse furnished apartments in Prenzlauer Berg.

 

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

Berlin Bilingual School (primary campus) and Be Smart Academy are located here, alongside SESB streams in German-Turkish, German-Spanish, and German-Italian. A vibrant, multicultural district with an edgier character than Prenzlauer Berg. Good for creative families. Rents are rising rapidly at €15–20/m². Browse furnished apartments in Kreuzberg.

 

Enrolment Timeline & Checklist

Relocating to Berlin with children requires planning well ahead. Here is a practical timeline working backwards from your arrival date.

 

12–18 months before arrival

Begin researching schools. Identify 3–5 target schools based on curriculum, fees, language, and location. Submit applications — private international schools accept rolling applications, but popular ones like JFKS, BMS, and BBS fill quickly. For state schools and SESB, registration periods are typically September–October of the year before school starts.

 

6–9 months before arrival

Secure temporary housing. A furnished apartment from FARAWAYHOME near your target school is ideal for the first 3–6 months while you navigate the permanent rental market. Apply for the Kita-Gutschein if applicable (requires Anmeldung, so this may need to wait until arrival).

 

Within 14 days of arrival

Complete your Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt. This is the essential first administrative step that unlocks school registration, Kita-Gutschein application, health insurance, bank accounts, and Kindergeld (approximately €250 per month per child). Book your Bürgeramt appointment online at service.berlin.de as early as possible — wait times run 2–6 weeks.

 

Documents you will need

For state schools: Anmeldebescheinigung, your child’s birth certificate (certified German translation helpful), passport, vaccination records (measles vaccination is mandatory), previous school reports (certified translations helpful), and proof of health insurance. For private international schools: application form plus fee (€50–€200), birth certificate and passport copies, school reports from the previous 2–3 years, 1–2 teacher recommendation letters, proof of immunisations, and often an entrance assessment or interview. Important: you must legally register your child at the assigned catchment-area state school even if you plan to attend a private school.

 

Apostille guidance

Private international schools in Berlin typically do not require apostilled school records — certified copies and translations suffice. German state schools generally do not require apostilles for enrolment either. However, obtain apostilled copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and school records before leaving your home country. This is far easier to arrange from the issuing country than from abroad.

 

After-school care (Hort)

Berlin’s Hort system provides before- and after-school care for Grades 1–6, integrated into the city’s all-day school concept. Hours include early morning (6:00–7:30), afternoon (13:30–16:00), late afternoon (16:00–18:00), and school holidays. Grades 1–2 are completely free. Grades 3–6 are income-based at €16–€194 per month.

 

How to Choose – International vs. State School

The decision between international and state schooling in Berlin depends on three main variables: how long you plan to stay, your child’s age, and your budget.

For stays under three years or families who relocate frequently, international schools provide curricular continuity. The IB Diploma and IGCSE qualifications are recognised worldwide, and children can transfer between IB schools across countries with minimal disruption.

For long-term or permanent moves with children under 8, German state schools — especially SESB bilingual programmes — often offer the fastest language acquisition, the strongest path to the Abitur, and zero tuition. Children in this age group typically acquire native-level German within 12–18 months of immersion.

Children aged 10 or older who arrive with no German face the steepest challenge in state schools. Bilingual or international schools are usually a better fit in this scenario, with the option of transitioning to a state school once German proficiency is established.

For budget-conscious families, investigate the free bilingual options first — JFKS, Nelson Mandela School, and SESB schools deliver globally competitive language skills and internationally recognised qualifications at zero tuition cost. The difference over a full K–12 education is significant: a state school path costs roughly €3,000–€30,000 in total over 12–13 years (Hort, materials, trips), while a mid-range international school runs €150,000–€300,000+ per child over the same period.

 

 

School Year 2025/26 – Key Dates

 

Holiday	Dates
Christmas 2025/26	22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
Winter	2–7 February 2026
Internationaler Frauentag	8 March 2026 (Berlin public holiday)
Easter	30 March – 10 April 2026
Ascension bridge day	15 May 2026
Pentecost	26 May 2026
Summer	9 July – 22 August 2026

 

Last updated: February 2026. All fees, dates, and contact details are based on the most recent information available at the time of writing. Schools and Kitas update their fees annually — confirm directly before making financial commitments.