Frankfurt, as Germany's financial hub, hosts one of the largest concentrations of international families in the country, and its international school sector has grown to match. Relocating families choose between well established English medium international schools and a strong, free Hessen state system, usually deciding on the basis of how long they expect to stay.
The school landscape in Frankfurt
The best known English medium options sit in and around the city. Frankfurt International School, in nearby Oberursel, is a long established IB World School and the anchor of the local international sector. ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein Main, the Metropolitan School Frankfurt and the Strothoff International School in the wider region add further English medium and IB provision. Alongside these, the Hessen state system is free and academically strong, and many families settling longer choose it, since younger children reach working German within about two years with structured support. Because these named international schools do not yet have individual profiles on GlobalSchoolGuide, use the city guide and fees hub below as your starting point and confirm every detail directly with each school.
How to move to Frankfurt with children, step by step
Relocating with school aged children rewards early planning. These five steps mirror how the GlobalSchoolGuide relocation desk sequences a family move, so nothing critical slips through the gaps between the offer, the housing search and the first day of term.
- Set your relocation timeline. Fix your move date against the school start and work backwards, allowing several months for shortlisting and applications in Frankfurt.
- Shortlist and apply to schools. Match three schools in Frankfurt to your child's age, curriculum and budget, then apply early because popular year groups fill first.
- Confirm fees and admissions. Request the current fee schedule and admissions requirements directly from each school, since published figures are reset every academic year.
- Choose a neighbourhood near school. Pick housing within a reasonable commute of your shortlisted school, because in Frankfurt your address and travel time shape your options.
- Settle the practical set up. Arrange residency, banking, health cover and the physical move, and time everything to the school calendar so your child starts with the year group.
Fees and budgeting
Premium international school fees in Frankfurt sit in the upper end of the German band and rise through the senior years, with additional costs for registration, transport and examinations. Published schedules change each academic year and vary between schools, so confirm the current figure directly with each school. Many employers in Frankfurt's financial sector contribute a schooling allowance, which materially changes what is affordable, so clarify that with your employer early.
Neighbourhoods and housing
Families using the main international school in Oberursel often settle in the northern belt around Oberursel and Bad Homburg, which shortens the commute and offers family housing with green space. Within the city, the Westend, Nordend and Sachsenhausen are established family neighbourhoods with good access. Housing in the desirable areas is competitive, so line up the school and test the commute before you commit to a district.
Language and settling in
German is the official language and the medium of the state system, but English is very widely spoken in Frankfurt's international and financial circles, so an international family can function comfortably. Children entering German schools receive language support and younger children typically reach a working level within about two years. Families expecting a short posting usually keep children in the international stream to protect continuity.
Curriculum continuity
Curriculum continuity matters most for families who move often or who have a child near public examinations. The main Frankfurt international schools anchor their senior years in the IB Diploma, which is recognised worldwide, so a child mid stream can usually continue without losing ground. The Hessen state route leads to the Abitur, a rigorous and respected qualification for those settling but a harder pivot for a family expecting another posting into an English medium system. Our IB curriculum overview explains how the Diploma travels between countries.
Residency, healthcare and admin
On the practical side, complete your Anmeldung, the address registration, soon after arrival, because the certificate it produces is needed for banking, tax, healthcare and school enrolment. Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, through either the statutory or a private scheme, so arrange it promptly. Sorting the Anmeldung, the health insurance and the school offer in the right order clears most of the early friction.
The admissions timeline
The Hessen school year starts in August or early September. International schools admit through the year subject to space, but popular year groups fill early, so begin your shortlist as soon as the move is confirmed. Registration usually involves an application, an age appropriate assessment and a deposit, so build those steps into your timeline rather than assuming a place will be held.
Is Frankfurt a good place to raise children?
Frankfurt is compact, green and well connected, with the parks along the river, the surrounding Taunus hills and a strong network of family amenities. Public transport is excellent and the airport makes onward travel easy, which suits internationally mobile families. Many relocating parents find the city practical and manageable once the school and the paperwork are settled.
Frequently asked questions
Are there international schools in Frankfurt that teach in English?
Yes. Frankfurt has one of Germany's largest concentrations of international families and a correspondingly broad English medium sector, including the long established international school in Oberursel and several other IB and English medium schools across the Rhein Main region.
Is the Hessen state system a realistic option for expat children?
For families staying more than a couple of years it often is. Hessen state schooling is free and academically strong, and younger children usually reach a working level of German within about two years with structured support. It leads to the Abitur.
How much do international schools in Frankfurt cost?
Fees sit in the upper end of the German band and rise through the senior years, with extra costs for registration, transport and examinations. Schedules change annually and vary between schools, so confirm the current figure directly and check whether your employer offers a schooling allowance.
Which neighbourhoods work best for families?
The northern belt around Oberursel and Bad Homburg suits families using the main international school there, while the Westend, Nordend and Sachsenhausen are established family neighbourhoods within the city. Secure the school and test the commute before committing to an area.
When should we start the school search?
As soon as the move is confirmed. Popular year groups fill early, and registration involves an application, an age appropriate assessment and a deposit, so early action protects your first choice.
Plan your move
Use these free tools and guides to turn this overview into a shortlist and a working plan for your family's move to Frankfurt.