What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?
Most expats coming to Frankfurt choose to send their children to the international schools. If the children happen to speak German, parents may also go with a local public or private school.
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What are some examples of these schools?
You will find three international schools in the Frankfurt area: the International School of Frankfurt (ISF) in Frankfurt-Sindlingen, the Frankfurt International School (FIS) in Oberursel (Taunus/North of Frankfurt) and the European School Frankfurt in Frankfurt-Praunheim.

The International School of Frankfurt (ISF) is an English language, co-educational school that offers classes starting in kindergarten. The school gives its students two options for the route to university: ISF high school diploma grade 12 and US Advanced Placement exams grade 12.

  • The Frankfurt International School (FIS) offers international education for children age 3 to Grade 12 based on the International Baccalaureate Program. Classes are held in English. German language instruction is also available throughout all grades. French and Spanish classes can be taken in grades 6 to 12. It has a second campus in Wiesbaden for students age 3 – Grade 8.
  • The European School Frankfurt was built primarily for the children of employees of the European Central Bank. It offers instruction in four different language tracks: German, English, French and Italian. The school also has a two-year pre-school program and classes from grades 1 to 9. Beside these international schools, Frankfurt also has a French School (from pre-school to high school) and a Japanese School (grades 1 - 9).

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Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?
Competition in international schools is high nowadays. Frankfurt International School and the European School Frankfurt have very long waiting lists. Therefore, parents must apply as early as possible.

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Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?
There are only very few bilingual pre-school places available for expat children. Basically there are three pre-schools in the greater Frankfurt area that Crown Frankfurt can recommend:

  • International Bilingual Montessori School of Frankfurt is an independent, private and tuition-based primary and pre-school. The school accepts children ages 20 months to 5 years. The international teaching staff of German and English native speakers follows the Montessori program with a full-day schedule that ends at 3pm. Hot lunches are served to all children.
  • Taunus International Montessori School, located in Oberursel near Frankfurt, offers an English-language pre-school program for children ages 3 to 6. The school, which typically has about 50 children from 15 nationalities enrolled, provides half-day or full-day programs with a hot lunch option.
  • K.I.D.S. Kindergarten e.v. is a private kindergarten initiated by parents of children with English-speaking backgrounds and can accommodate up to 20 children in a mixed age group of 3- to 6-year-olds. The school day is from 8am to 2:30pm and a hot meal is provided.

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How are most kids transported to and from school?
The ISF and FIS offer transportation by bus. Prices for transportation depend on the distance to the schools.
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When does the typical school year start and end?
The school year at the international schools usually starts in September and lasts until June/July, however local German schools begin their term in August.
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Is there anything else I should know about local schools?
Parents are very welcome to send their children to local schools, provided the children speak German. Within Frankfurt, your choice might be the Goethe Gymnasium, a traditional German public school. The majority of classes are held in German; beginning in 7th grade, several classes are also taught in English. The school offers students three routes to University: The German Abitur, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the US Advanced Placement exams.

Anna-Schmidt-Schule, considered one of the top schools in Frankfurt, maintains a link with the
German public school system but is a private, self-organized, state-registered school and is based on the Montessori education system. As a UNESCO project school, it is one of 6,000 member schools in 160 nations that have dedicated their work to promotion of international understanding and cooperation. The school offers classes from grades 1 to 13 and awards the German Abitur to those who have successfully completed the program.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.