Selecting a school in Germany may seem like the toughest aspect of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what daily life is truly like, and families have varying priorities. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Berlin.
First: Determine What “Good” Looks Like for Your Family
Before assessing schools, set your non-negotiables. Most decision errors occur when families compare everything simultaneously without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the time spent driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: options such as British, American, IB, or local curricula.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: alignment with a school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Berlin, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily grind.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise one-page checklist and rate each school after the visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions typically uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it isn't.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than you expect.
The Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual schedule: its location, available support, and everyday comfort for your child—not the one with the most eye-catching advertising.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Berlin (commute, daily routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +49 30 12345678.