Selecting a school in Germany may seem like the most stressful part of moving with kids. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning to relocate to Berlin.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, outline your non-negotiables. Many choosing mistakes occur when families compare everything simultaneously without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day is more important than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: the language your child is immersed in throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Pick Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Berlin, congestion can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- 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 one-page checklist and rate each school after touring. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions typically uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students who join mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is your policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school involves more than tuition alone. Consider the total daily costs:
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.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right school usually means selecting the option that best fits your family’s real schedule—consider location, support, and everyday comfort for your child, not the one with the most flashy marketing.
If you’d like help prioritizing for Berlin (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +49 30 1234567.