Best private schools in Germany 2026

• Language choice: you can choose courses in German or English,
• The development of linguistic skills that will be useful for further higher education abroad and building a successful career at the international level,
• Studying according to the principle of a structured system: step-by-step mastering of basic and additional disciplines from simple to specialized levels,
• A multicultural community of students, thanks to which every child feels comfortable. He is part of a friendly team and at the same time gets acquainted with the traditions of other countries and peoples.,
• The availability of extracurricular programs that take place in the format of classical extension courses,
• Creative workshops and sports sections, diverse training, including cultural and entertainment excursions, concerts, etc.,
• A variety of approaches: from traditional secular schools to religious ones.

Jamie Perfect

Director of the International School of Bremen

Why do parents value primary and secondary schools in Germany so much?

German primary and secondary schools offer a balanced education that prioritizes critical thinking, discipline, cultural understanding, and practical skills. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, offered by many international schools including ISB, is highly esteemed worldwide.

On average, studying in German independent institutions where children are offered full-board accommodation can cost from €25,000 to €45,000. This fee is charged for a full academic year, and the price includes all basic services: accommodation, tuition, and meals. Most of the additional excursions, electives and other formats are paid separately.

Each German private school imposes individual requirements on future students, but the package of documents is usually standard in all institutions.:

• Report cards with current grades and marks for the previous couple of years,
• A motivational essay (on request),
• Letters of recommendations from teachers and the school principal (on request),
• A scanned passport, 
• Fully completed registration and application forms,
• Language certificates received after passing the test.

If all the stages of submitting documents are completed correctly, the administration will review the application and invite the foreign child to an online or offline interview. When this part of the admission campaign is completed, the potential student will need to take the entrance exams (most often, schools conduct tests in mathematics and a foreign language).

Smapse is the official representative of many private boarding schools in Germany, so our experts can help you with the selection of schools and further admission.

Unlike many public schools, which may focus solely on technical subjects or applied sciences, the best private schools in Germany offer comprehensive academic programs. All of them strive for academic excellence and prepare students for entering prestigious universities in the country.

The German education system is designed for 12 years, starting with universal primary education. As students move on to secondary school, they are offered several specialized studying directions.

However, private schools in Germany tend to focus on academic rigor and are designed for students who seek to continue their education at the highest level.

There are three main types of secondary schools in Germany: Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium.

Among them, gymnasiums are considered the most academically demanding, offering intensive courses that prepare students for university education. After graduation, students receive a matriculation certificate, which is a prerequisite for entering a university in Germany.

Although approaches to education may vary from region to region, teaching standards are high everywhere, making gymnasiums a popular choice for many families.

Private schools in Germany offer a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond the basic subjects. Students benefit from additional language courses and advanced specialized subjects. Some even offer primary education, although this is less common. Successful completion of the one-year Studienkolleg course allows students to enter leading German universities.

• Gymnasiums with German-language programs: lead students to obtain the Abitur certificate, which is quoted in many universities in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and other countries.
• Independent schools with English-language courses: most often, international schools teach children in this language. Foreign students usually have A-level and IB programs to choose from, which, upon successful completion, open the doors to thousands of world universities and colleges for teenagers.

Advantages and disadvantages of English schools

Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2026 Smapse rankings

Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2026