German Boarding Schools

Student-centered teaching is preferred to a teacher-centered approach. Thus, the individual learner is in focus, taking the active part inside the classroom. As a strong emphasis is put on activity based teaching, the students are permanently encouraged to participate actively. Examples of this kind of teaching methods are inquiry-based learning, open classes, free work, project work, future workshops, simulation games and learning by teaching. In either case, the students are guided towards building and experiencing new knowledge at the same time.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5 -13)

Branch of study

• Languages
• Natural sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, single rooms

Special features

Psychologist at school

We understand every single human being to be a singular creation of God. To preserve and keep dignity of everyone is the moral foundation of our work. We assume responsibility for these values as well as the preservation of humans, nature and all creation.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5 -13)

Branch of study

• Fine arts
• Languages
• Natural sciences
• Social sciences
• Sports

Accommodation in boarding home

Single and twin rooms

Special features

Russian, French or Latin as a new language in Year 11

Spanish or Chinese as a language workshop

Special support for talented students in the fields of music and soccer/handball

Looking back at a 175-year-long history Gaesdonck has turned into an excellent modern boarding school. We are convinced that Gaesdonck is an outstanding place for young students to develop their talents and skills. Especially highly motivated children find an open and inspiring atmosphere that will help them to bring out the best in themselves. Anyhow, Gaesdonck is more than just a very good school. Our Advanced Classes are truly unique: they offer our senior students a pre-academic education in “Arts & Design”, “Business Economics” and “Medical Science”.

For us, it is all about Mind, Heart and Character! You entrust your child to us and it will develop to a well-educated, happy and decent personality

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5 -13)

Branch of study

• Course system

Individual choice of courses in different areas (e.g. natural sciences, social sciences, languages, fine arts)

Accommodation in boarding home

Single rooms

Special features

Advanced Classes "Arts & Design", "Business Economics" and "Medical Science"

In-house language school for deepening German language skills and communication abilities

Language certificates: Cambridge, LCCI, TOEFL and DELF (French)

Religion is a compulsory subject

The Ecole d’Humanité is a bilingual, progressive boarding school offering a holistic education. The Ecole’s university-preparatory curriculum develops core academic competencies and fosters 21st century skills. In small classes of six to 10, students are immersed in core subjects through theme-based instruction, where they are encouraged to follow their curiosity, take intellectual risks, and make cross-curricular connections.

The academic program is augmented by an extensive co-curricular program with a wide range of athletic, cultural, and outdoor activities that support the well-rounded development of students.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 7-13)

College Preparatory US High School Curriculum (Years 8-12 & optional post-grade Year 13)

Branch of study

Languages
Natural and social sciences
Arts and humanities

Accommodation in boarding home

Small boarding houses in campus chalets with twin rooms

Special features

Instruction in English and German

Student–teacher ratio of 4:1

Average of 8 students per dorm

A rural location in the Swiss Alps

A skiing and snowboarding program

Extensive outdoor program including two multi-day hikes per year

A rich arts curriculum

International-mindedness, tolerance and kindness characterise the togetherness on our campus. Our holistic, humanistic approach—with an element of internationalism—offers an important alternative to the state school system. Our systematic involvement of arts and music contributes to the creativity and spirit that helps to improve all areas of young people‘s development at our school.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 7 -12)

Branch of study

• Fine arts
• Languages
• Natural sciences
• Social sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin and single rooms with shared bathroom facilities

Special features

Own language school on campus

Cambridge English, German certificates (telc)

Own music school on campus

Special support for talented students in the fields of music and soccer/handball

The Gymnasium Lindenberg combines a social integrative basis with a blend of direct instruction and group work approaches. The school program aims at tolerance, responsibitity, a realistic self-assessment and mutual respect. Senior students regularly support younger students in academic and social activities.

The family environment and international atmosphere of the Humboldt boarding home supports and encourages students to integrate quickly into German everyday life. Social contacts inside and outside the boarding home are established and students are supported academically and socially throughout their school career.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Languages
• Natural sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, Year 12 students can stay in single rooms

Special features

Students attend the public school and stay at the private Humboldt boarding home

Students can stay in the boarding home on weekends and holidays (except summer holidays)

Boarding home is open 365 days/year.

Educational approach in accordance with the curriculum of the state Rhineland-Palatine.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-12)

Branch of study

• Fine arts
• Languages
• Natural sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms

Special features

All-day school (lessons from 8 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.)
Groups inside the boarding home are divided by sex and subdivided by age range

The Ernst-Kalkuhl-Gymnasium is run by the fifth generation of the family Kalkuhl-Heel, creating a familiar atmosphere in a traditional surrounding.

We see our pedagogical work guided by principles of humanity. Our boarding school trains pupils to be both open-minded and tolerant. Supporting language courses for German as a foreign language do not only ensure academic success but also a quick integration into the school community. In an atmosphere of trust, education goes beyond the acquisition of cognitive skills alone. The varied cultural, sporting and communal activities provide a setting in which pupils get to know themselves and gain confidence in their abilities.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Natural sciences
• Languages

Art & literature

Accommodation in boarding home

Single and twin rooms

Special features

German as a foreign language support: International students have 4 hours of classes every week

Urban surrounding in the international city of Bonn (capital city of Germany until 1990), the school is located only 4km from the city center with good connections to Cologne (40 minutes) and the Cologne/Bonn airport (15 minutes) by train

Despite urban setting the famous nature conservation area “Siebengebirge” is nearby (2 km)

The boarding school only closes over Christmas and during summer holidays.

For more than 50 years we offer an extremely wide range of courses and course combinations in school, so that students can choose their favorite and best classes. To enhance their motivation, each student’s individual progress is discussed regularly. Due to small classes and individual support in the school and in the boarding school, the learning process is less stressful.

The varied activities outside school help students to improve their social competence and try out different sports and activities to find their own individual way.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5 -13)

Branch of study

• Fine arts
• Languages
• Natural sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, single rooms available

Special features

Chinese is a potential Abitur subject for Chinese students

School marks are given on a monthly basis

Since 1909. Statute: Humanity and open-minded to all cultures

Combination of education and upbringing: responsibility, character forming, individual furthering of the students’ abilities like sports, music and handicrafts, creativity, respect to others and the skill to judge correctly.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5 -13)

Branch of study

• Fine arts
• Languages
• Natural sciences
• Social sciences
• Sports

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms and single rooms

Special features

MINT-EC school
UNESCO project school
Career orientation

With our international boarding school, we have created a multilingual learning environment for global thinkers and future decision makers from all over the world. Students are part of a unique education program – the German Baccalaureate, an international High School Diploma recognized by universities worldwide.

Our school offers an excellent international education through full-day schooling with a college-preparatory curriculum, comprising both English and German courses and a focus either on technical/scientific or on business courses.

Educational form

Grammar school (2-3 years, with general qualification for university entrance)

Branch of study

• Business and economics
• Natural sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Single and twin rooms in shared apartments (3-5 students)

Special features

General language of instruction is English, German is an obligatory subject

Students need at least a qualification for Year 10 in their home country as only upper level classes are taught.

School and boarding home are located on separate campuses, next to the university campus and close to a nearby shopping mall

We are a school with a strong sense of tradition. Values such as loyalty, honesty and tolerance are important for us. This is the school where most of the members of the German resistance were educated who were involved in the plot to assassinate Hitler. We are a popular school with a mixture of day and boarding pupils. We are a Siemens partner school and a Round Square School.

The head of boarding is English and a relaxed but industrious atmosphere permeates the school. Good manners are important and we hold regular dinners and events.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5 -12)

Branch of study

• Natural sciences
• Languages

Lessons according to the curriculcum for the state of Thuringia, which is widely used at German schools abroad

Accommodation in boarding home

Single rooms, twin rooms and multiple bed rooms depending on age

Special features

Integrated music academy with regular concerts open to the general public

The only boarding school in Western Germany with a training college and a commercial college. Principles of a modernized classical education, vocationally orientated.

Educational form

Higher Grammar Commercial School
(3 years, with general qualification for university entrance)

Higher Commercial School
(2 years, with qualification for University of Applied Sciences entrance)

Branch of study

• Business and economics

Accommodation in boarding home

Single rooms

Special features

Students need at least a qualification for Year 10 in their home country as only upper level classes are offered.

Support of intelligent students who are not achieving their potential; support for dyslexia, private lessons and coaching during summer holidays.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 7-12)

Branch of study

• Languages
• Natural sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms and single rooms

Special features

Individual student selection due to very small classes

Special focus on developing students’ individual learning potential

Students work with iPads in all lessons

Summer school: intensive two-week program combining academic study with a mix of sports and social activities

In a quiet location on Lake Ammersee we lead students on an individual path to the Bavarian Abitur. Small classes and motivating learning concepts are the basis of an excellent school education. The orientation towards linguistics and economics is a daily practice due to its internationality. Numerous workshops promote personal talents.

Landheim Ammersee offers a particularly future-oriented upper school with an academic tutoring system, in which students are continuously mentored by a single teacher throughout their entire upper school years leading up to the Abitur. Approximately 20% of Landheim students are international. The German high school diploma (Abitur) serves as the gateway to top German-speaking universities such as TUM and LMU in Munich and ETH Zurich.

The “Model United Nations” program will take a select group of Landheim students to the United Nations in New York every year.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Languages
• Business and economics

Focus on fine arts possible in upper level classes (Years 12-13)

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, a few single rooms

Special features

Innovative high school

20% international students

Global network

Alternative school adhering to the educational ideas of German Reformpädagogik (learning with head, heart and hand). Students live in a school village together with fully trained teachers and educators in a stimulating community environment.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5 -13)
Technical secondary school (“Fachoberschule”) (Years 5 -12)

Branch of study

• Course system

Years 11-13: emphasis on business sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Single rooms and twin rooms in self-contained buildings, housing one boarding school family each

Special features

Students live in a school village, in which agriculture and animals play an important role in everyday life

Boarding school education by Hermann Lietz since 1904; “Reformpädagogik” based upon Pestalozzi (head, heart and hand).

Educational form

Grammar school
(Years 5-9, Years 5-10, senior classes leading to “Abitur” continue in Schloss Bieberstein)

Technical secondary school (“Fachoberschule”)
(Years 11-12)

Branch of study

• Course system

Fixed offer of subjects leading to "Mittlere Reife" (GCSE equivalent) or "Fachhochschulreife" (University of Applied Science entrance qualification)

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, students live in boarding school families of 8-10 students

Special features

All students live on campus, no external students, 12 boarding school families and 12 teachers live on campus

Our educational concept is based on the fundamental idea of the founder of the school, Hermann Lietz, who propagated learning with the head, the heart and the hands. This holistic learning approach does not only focus on lessons and subjects, but tries to foster students' personality.

The school team is very enthusiastic about aligning with every student's interests, thereby consolidating strengths and overcoming weaknesses and awakening interest in new things. Teachers put great value on enabling students to discover their various talents, whether in theater, music or art and elocution, in competitions and natural history excursions. All disciplines that are offered over and above study lectures have an important impact and all students' interests are supported.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 10-13)
Grammar school (Years 10-12), entry only with admission exam

Branch of study

• Course system

Fixed offer of subjects leading to a general Abitur as only upper level classes (10-12 / 10-13) are taught. Focus on business sciences (10-13).

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, single rooms for senior students (final school year)

Special features

Students below Year 10 can start in Hohenwehrda and change to Bieberstein afterwards.

Individual – Inclusive – International

The Max-Rill-Gymnasium Schloss Reichersbeuern is a co-educational, state-approved private grammar school with a boarding house in Bavaria. The school was founded in 1938 and is situated in a historic castle south of Munich. With around 140 pupils, it is one of the smallest grammar schools and boarding schools in the state.

Its manageable size allows for highly personalised support: teachers know their pupils well and provide continuous guidance throughout the learning process.

There is a particular focus on social sciences, natural sciences and the performing arts (music, art, theater). This curriculum is complemented by digital learning using iPads and modern teaching methods. International pupils are specifically admitted and integrated into everyday school life. Partnerships with schools in China and Europe promote intercultural learning and exchange.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Social sciences

Special focus on fine arts (music, arts, theater) possible

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms (Years 5-10) and single rooms (Years 11-12)

Special features

Chinese is a potential Abitur subject
Digital classes with iPads
Parents contact also available online

At the Pädagogium we are not exclusively focused on teaching academic knowledge, but we are equally concerned with teaching our students social skills and preparing them for all vital matters. They are to understand that in order to succeed and excel in life, mental ability is just as important as skills and commitment.

Thus, life at the Pädagogium combines academic education with a multifaceted range of offers to work in groups enabling students to learn to assume social responsibility.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Languages
• Natural sciences
• Social sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Single rooms

Special features

Preparation for Cambridge Certificate and DELF (French language certificate)

We educate our students in the spirit of the German Constitution. Mainly, we communicate to the students that all people are equal without looking at the color, the religion, sexuality or other individual facts. We respect each other and stand together in all kinds of situations. We prepare our students for their future career and for the reality of our different social societies.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Course system

With compulsory subjects and subjects of choice

Accommodation in boarding home

Single and twin rooms

Special features

Preparation for Cambridge Certificate and DELF/DALF (French language certificates)

Large variety of advanced courses to increase flexibility towards choice of subjects for “Abitur” exams

Holistic approach in accordance with the curriculum of the state North Rhine-Westphalia. Schloss Heessen provides small classes and courses. Individual homework times and the active promotion of talents pave the way to successful education. At the boarding school educators promote individual self-development through professional coaching. A varied leisure program lets arise no boredom for everybody. Living and learning take place in a familiar private school with an international flavor.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5 -13)

Branch of study

• Course system

With compulsory subjects and subjects of choice according to the state guidelines

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms

Special features

Close relation to local sports clubs and several institutions of higher education

Nestled in the peaceful Jagst valley, the Schloss-Schule Kirchberg assists students from around the world to find their own path to academic and personal growth.

With a diverse offering of academic, cultural, athletic and technical courses and activities, students are able to discover and foster their individual potential while learning to take responsibility for themselves and their community.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-12)

Branch of study

• Natural sciences
• Visual arts and design

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, occasionally single rooms

Special features

10-plus class: special program for international students to deepen their academic, social and methodic knowledge of the German school system as a preparation for upper level classes (11-12)

Equestrian sports program (riding lessons, competing, riding badges)

Program for academically gifted students

“Early Study” at University of Würzburg or University of Stuttgart

Cooperation with a professional basketball club (Crailsheim Merlins)

Birklehof stands for an excellent schooling, which is closely related to an integrated education program and based on the unity of living and learning in a boarding school.

Education at Birklehof is characterized by three principles: humanity, responsibility and courage. Within a very individual atmosphere which is shaped by warmth and mutual respect, the adolescents are encouraged to actively involve themselves into the everyday life of their school. Consequently, a sense of responsibility, social skills, independence, individual initiative as well as the ability of decision-making are fostered constantly.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-12)

Branch of study

• Fine arts
• Languages
• Natural sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

10 boarding homes for girls and boys
Twin rooms, single rooms in Year 12

Special features

Obligatory German as a foreign language support for international students

Special MINT program (only possible for students starting in Year 9)

Marienau focuses on the individual. This means small classes, an attractive range of languages and individualized instruction. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning.

Active engagement is at the center of our work. We reach these goals with the use of cooperative learning, portfolio work and successful traditional methods like lecture, discourse and project. The “International Team” is established to meet the needs of international students and serves as an interface between students, parents and the school.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Fine arts
• Languages
• Natural sciences

Economic & ecological sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, single rooms in Years 12-13

Special features

All-day school

High Seas High School^® (cf. Hermann-Lietz-Schule Spiekeroog)

Cooperation with external sports clubs (e. g., soccer, golf)

Schule Schloss Salem is a secondary boarding school on Lake Constance with a multinational orientation hosting students from over 45 nations.

For 100 years now, Schule Schloss Salem has seen itself as a polis in which boarding school and school provide an enriching, value-conscious and demanding framework for the comprehensive personal development of each individual child.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5 -12)

Branch of study

• Languages
• Natural sciences
• Culture
• Music

Accommodation in boarding home

Years 5-10: multi-bed rooms (max. 4 students per room)
Years 11-12: twin rooms

Special features

Taking active responsibility for the boarding school life is part of the daily routine, including obligatory after-class services

Music can be selected as a major subject for students starting in year 8

Every human being is unique. If you encourage young people’s talents, they grow to be self-confident personalities. The feeling of security plays an essential role. True family tradition is lived. This gives the school a personal atmosphere of security and well-being. School uniform is obligatory.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Business and economics
• Languages

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms

Special features

Youth forum discussions (lecture series with well-known public figures)

Literature and media week (lectures, artistic performances, theater plays)

Careers information day (with school alumni)

Higher education information day (with university representatives)

We prepare students for their future life, emphasizing both academic and social skills. Our teaching methods as well as special projects and school programs follow this idea. We want to establish an atmosphere in which all students feel welcome and valuable, experience joy in the learning process and train cooperation and self-responsibility. We encourage our students by our own example to take care of their health, of the environment and of other people. Those values are based on our holistic Christian approach.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Course system

With compulsory and non-compulsory subjects of 3 core areas: I. Languages, Literature & Arts; II. Social Sciences & Economics; III. Mathematics, Natural Sciences & Technics

Accommodation in boarding home

Single and twin rooms

Special features

Certified as health-promoting school

School for climate protection

Student-run enterprise “Energy Agency Marienhöhe”

Horseback riding project

Learning coaches supporting students in cooperation with subject teachers

Religion is a compulsory subject

The Steinmühle Internatsschule is embedded in a reform-educational tradition. We prepare students for a self-determined and forward-looking life. Responsibility and self-efficacy, enjoying learning, faith in oneself and others, clarity, courage, enthusiasm and empathy are important pillars of a fulfilled life. We try to convey these values in order to enable young people to orient themselves in the most different situations and to accept challenges with curiosity and competence.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Fine arts
• Languages
• Natural sciences
• Sports

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms (Years 5-9), single rooms (Years 10-13)

Special features

Own stable on campus with experienced staff

Own boatshouse with landing stage

Own tennis court

Outstanding digital infrastructure

Inclusive water sports center

Cooperation with local sports clubs

Cooperation with local music school

Close connection to the Marburg university

Since 1949, the Louisenlund Foundation, situated close to the Baltic Sea, has been offering its students small, motivating learning groups with varied and distinctive learning and experience opportunities, which lead to the German high school graduation called Abitur. To develop personal strengths and talents, there is a wide range of additional educational activities on offer, including sailing, theater or orchestra, technical relief work or the debating society.

With students and teachers from over 20 nations, we give everyone at Louisenlund the opportunity for international exchange and consciously promote intercultural understanding. As member of various international associations such as Round Square, the young people have regular contact with other cultures. Since its foundation, Louisenlund has been a place where personalities can develop who have the courage to take on responsibility and volunteer to serve the community and act as shapers of the future.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-13)

Branch of study

• Fine arts
• Languages
• Natural sciences
• Social sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, single rooms

Special features

plus-MINT talent development center (Years 10-13)
Biotechnological S1 laboratory
Observatory
School's own research vessel
Over 70 guilds, services and activities

The former Urspring monastery is a place of shared living and learning in the calm and relaxed atmosphere of a historic site.

Approximately half of the students live in the boarding school and come from all over the world. This private school guides them through interdisciplinary and practice-oriented learning toward the Baden-Wuerttemberg Abitur. Students between the ages of eight and 20 study in classes with an average of only 16 children or teenagers. To support their German language and cultural skills, we operate our own language institute.

In addition to a primary school and an eight-year academic high school (G8), Urspringschule also offers the option of a dual qualification (“Abitur and skilled craft certificate”) in three vocational fields: carpentry, tailoring, and precision mechanics, as well as a three-year advanced high school program after grade 10 (G9). Team play for life: Talented basketball players at the Urspring Basketball Academy have the opportunity to play in one of Germany’s most successful school and youth teams. Team Urspring is recognized by the German Basketball Federation as a basketball boarding school and therefore offers high-quality academic education combined with elite sports support.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-12 and 5-13)

Branch of study

• Natural sciences

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms

Special features

Apprenticeship diploma parallel to classes from Year 8 or 9 onwards possible (approx. one year after the Abitur): carpenter, tailor, industrial mechanic

Urspring Basketball Academy

At the Zinzendorfschulen you live and learn in a unique ambiance of historic surroundings and the unspoiled countryside of the Black Forest.
The Zinzendorfschulen are characterized by a variety of educational paths. This variety offers optimal choices according to students' own interests and abilities.

With more than 200 years of experience in education we can assure schooling and boarding on a high level. Supporting common sense, taking care of each individual in a very personal and trustful manner and our lively extra-curricular program make everyone feel immediately at ease.

Educational form

Grammar school (Years 5-12 and 5-13)

Branch of study

• Languages
• Natural sciences
• Visual arts and design
• Music

Accommodation in boarding home

Twin rooms, single rooms (depending on age)

Special features

Decentralized campus with school and boarding home within walking distance

Religion is a compulsory subject for all students

Special tutoring and activity program for international students

Golf course with golf school in town