The Berlin school landscape
Berlin's flagship private internationals are Berlin International School (BIS), Berlin Brandenburg International School (BBIS) in Kleinmachnow, Berlin British School (BBS), and Berlin Cosmopolitan School. The unique Staatliche Europa-Schule Berlin (SESB) network offers 17 free public bilingual schools that pair German with one of nine partner languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Turkish). The famous JFK School is a German-American public lycée that delivers both the German Abitur and US High School Diploma.
Berlin's open culture, lower cost of living, and strong public school system make it the most affordable major capital for expat families in Western Europe. Many families relocate specifically for the SESB or JFK option.
Free SESB or JFK School?
Berlin's free public bilingual schools are world-class but oversubscribed. Our guide explains eligibility, application timing, and how to maximise your chance of a place.
Most popular neighbourhoods for families
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and Zehlendorf are the heart of expat family Berlin with JFK School in Steglitz-Zehlendorf nearby. Pankow / Prenzlauer Berg appeals to creative-class families and hosts Berlin Cosmopolitan School. Kleinmachnow (just outside the city) hosts BBIS. Mitte and Friedrichshain offer central living with many SESB primaries. Read our guide to living in Grunewald with international schools. For the leafy southwest school belt by JFK and the Freie Universität, read our guide to living in Dahlem with international schools. For the traditional expat hub in the west of the city, read our guide to living in Charlottenburg with international schools. For the leafy south west home of Berlin International School, read our guide to living in Steglitz with international schools. For a green, established district in the City West, read our guide to living in Wilmersdorf with international schools. For the family heart of the eastern inner city near Berlin Metropolitan School, read our guide to living in Prenzlauer Berg with international schools.
