Boarding Schools

A boarding school is an educational institution where students not only attend classes but also live, eat, and spend their daily lives, often as part of a close-knit community with intensive supervision by educational staff (teachers, counselors, and dorm parents). In certain family situations or when frequent job-related relocations are involved, it can be a sensible alternative to a traditional school.

These are often high schools that prepare students for college or a career starting in 5th grade or only in high school. In addition, there are boarding schools with tracks for Hauptschule or Realschule, as well as those specializing in special education.

Boarding schools also differ significantly depending on who operates them. In Germany, church-run boarding schools make up the largest group. In addition, there are state-run reform schools, private schools, facilities operated by the Christian Youth Village Association, public boarding schools run by the states, and elite sports schools.

The costs for privately run boarding schools vary considerably and usually range from less than 1,000 euros to about 3,000 euros per month. For state-recognized degrees, parents can claim up to 5,000 euros per year in tuition as a tax deduction.

You can find boarding schools in Germany that are members of the Association of German Private Schools here.

Alternative School Models

In addition to the public school system , there are numerous alternative school models in Germany that are based on progressive educational approaches. Some of these schools are publicly funded—such as certain Montessori elementary schools—but the vast majority are run by private organizations.

If your child plans to pursue vocational training or a college degree in Germany after graduating from high school, you should carefully consider what opportunities the respective diploma actually opens up. Equally important is the question of whether the qualification is state-recognized or based on external exams.

Alternative school models are generally based on a more open approach to learning than public schools. Creativity, personal responsibility, and self-directed learning play a major role in this process.

Here are two examples:

Montessori Schools

The central guiding principle of Montessori education is: “Help me to do it myself.” Teachers encourage independent learning through close observation and, above all, rely on mixed-age independent work. In addition, integrated classes with peers are held to ease the transition to regular schools. Performance assessments are scheduled, often in the form of learning progress reports; grades are usually not given until the 4th grade. Since there are only a few Montessori high schools, students can earn their Abitur at only a few locations. Many Montessori schools follow an inclusive approach. While privately operated schools charge tuition, attendance at municipal Montessori schools is free of charge.

Waldorf Schools or Rudolf Steiner Schools

Waldorf schools are based on anthroposophy, a philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner. There are about 200 state-recognized alternative schools in Germany. Character assessments replace traditional report cards; there is no provision for repeating a grade. In the early years, instruction is primarily organized into blocks of lessons taught by a permanent homeroom teacher, supplemented by subject-specific instruction, such as in foreign languages. All state-recognized high school diplomas, including the Abitur, can be earned at Waldorf schools. Since public funds cover only part of the costs, income-based tuition is charged.