Selecting a school in Germany can seem among the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has distinct priorities. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision method — particularly for families considering a move to Berlin.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, set your non-negotiables. Many decisions go wrong because families try to weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily driving time is more important than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local curricula.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, discipline, and communication approach.
Choosing Without Overwhelm: A Practical Guide
A practical method that suits relocating families well:
A simple process
- Begin by narrowing options based on location. In Berlin, congestion can transform a solid school into a daily challenge.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about what the class actually looks like. class sizes, turnover among teachers, and how information is shared.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Schedule a single visit (or online tour) for each finalist. Rely on what you observe rather than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise, one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. This helps avoid the sense that everything feels identical.
Questions to Ask Schools That Matter
These questions tend to uncover more than generic requests to describe the program:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you onboard new students mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers update parents (weekly notes, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you assist children who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What are the policies for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat management and indoor/outdoor time handled during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School choices involve more than just tuition. Consider the full ongoing expenses:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day schedule matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school typically is the one that meshes with your family's actual schedule: where you are, the support you receive, and everyday ease for your child — not the one with the most eye-catching marketing.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Berlin (commute, routines, what to ask), contact us — or call +49 30 1234567.