Germany ranks among the top education providers in the world. According to the latest PISA/OECD rankings, the country was position 11 out of 72 nations. Moreover, the country was ranked position 16 for its student’s impressive skills in both mathematics and science.
Generally, education in the country is mandatory for all children from ages six to 15 years. Moreover, children have the option of attending public school from primary to tertiary level for free. The country’s education system is based on “Grundgesetz” or the basic law, which stipulates that all students can access free quality education. The Federal Ministries of Education, Cultural Affair and Science is the main body governing education in the country. This department liaises closely with Länders (states) authorities, with the federal government playing a minor role.
There are five levels of education in Germany, which include:
In Germany, Early Childhood Education is not compulsory. Additionally, this stage is under the Child and Youth Welfare Sector and is for children between the ages of 2 ½ to 6 years. However, primary education is compulsory.
After Early Childhood Education students attend elementary school (Grundschule) from grade 1 to grade 4. However, this differs between cities. For instance, in Berlin, the elementary school ends after grade 4 while in Brandenburg, it stops after grade 6. After elementary school, students are separated according to their abilities and interests. The students can attend three types of secondary schools, which are:
Gymnasium prepares students for higher learning. Here, students reach grade 13 and sit for a final exam known as Abitur. Hauptschule and Realschule lead to vocational training. However, Realschule is broader as it serves as an intermediary for pupils who wish to join Gymnasium. Students complete Realschule after grade 10 with a final exam known as Mittlere Reife.
On the other hand, Hauptschule is practice-oriented, and students can either sit for a final exam (Hauptschulabschluss) after grade 9 or Realschulabschluss after grade 10. Grade 10 is categorized into two, lower level (10a) and a higher level (10b). Only students in 10b can enter the Realschule. This alternative for attaining Realschule education was introduced in 1981 following changes in school regulations. The type of school that a student attends is determined by the advice of the teachers and parent’s decision.
Additionally, in some states, students have the option of Gesamtschule (comprehensive school). This level takes place between the Hauptschule and the Realschule. It caters to students of all ability levels from 5th grade to 10th grade. Students who complete schooling in the 9th grade get the Hauptschule certificate whereas those who reach 10th grade are awarded the Realschule certificate.
After Hauptschule and Realschule, students can also join the Berufsschule. This option provides an apprenticeship and part-time academic study. After completing Berufsschule, the student receives a certificate in a specific field of work. Berufsschule and Gesamtschule are different from the other types of secondary levels in that they are exclusively controlled by the federal government, trade unions, and industries.
Regardless of the secondary school a child prefers, it is mandatory for them to complete at least nine years of education. For instance, if a student drops out of Gymnasium, then they must enroll in Realschule or Hauptschule for nine years. Moreover, all students must study at least one foreign language for a minimum of five years.
Edarabia showcases all private schools in Germany through which parents can filter by tuition fees, curriculum, rankings & ratings. There are many public, private and charter schools near you that cater to both expat and local students.
Depending on the level of education; kindergartens (pre-schools), primary, secondary and high schools will all have varying tuition fees. Most K-12 schools offer different curriculums and extra-curricular activities to support the intellectual and physical wellbeing of students. Admissions for the top international schools in Germany tend to have waiting lists so it is recommended that parents apply well in advance to secure a spot for their children. Additionally, each school has ratings based on parent reviews and are ranked below accordingly.
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