Selecting a school in Germany can seem like the top stressor when moving with children. Websites seldom reveal real daily life, and each family has unique priorities. This guide centers on practical questions and an easy decision framework — particularly for families considering a move to Berlin.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your nonnegotiables. Most mistakes come from families weighing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you drive each day often matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL help, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication approach.
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 “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 concise one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. 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 average class size for that age group?
- How do you accommodate new students 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 students who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is your policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Everyone Usually Dreads)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the entire daily expense.
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 can be challenging for children.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
Key Takeaway
Typically, the right school for your family is the one that aligns with your everyday schedule— where it's located, the level of support, and the daily ease for your child — rather than the institution with the most eye-catching advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Berlin (commute, routines, questions to ask), contact us — or call +49 30 55501234.