Munich International School Early Years is the youngest phase of MIS, the largest of the international schools in Munich. It takes children from age 4 into the start of the IB Primary Years Programme, the foundation stage of the school's full IB continuum. The emphasis at this age is on play based learning, settling children into an English medium environment and laying the social and language foundations that the later primary years build on.
Early Years at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | IB Primary Years Programme, early childhood phase |
|---|---|
| Stages | From age 4, the entry to the IB continuum |
| Founded | 1966 (Munich International School) |
| Accreditation | Part of MIS; CIS and NEASC accredited, IB authorised since 1980 |
| Language | English medium with German introduced |
| Fee band | Premium; early childhood priced separately by hours |
| Campus area | Near Starnberg, south west of Munich |
Curriculum and academics
The Early Years phase begins the IB Primary Years Programme, the first stage of the IB continuum, delivered through play based and inquiry led learning suited to young children. Rather than formal lessons, the day is built around guided play, early literacy and numeracy, and the routines that help four and five year olds settle. English is the language of the classroom, with German introduced gently so that children begin to gain the host language from the start.
Because the phase feeds directly into the school's primary years on the same campus, children progress without changing schools, which matters for families who value continuity through a relocation. The early years are about confidence, language and social foundations rather than measurable outcomes, so the right questions for a visit are about ratios, settling and the daily rhythm rather than results.
Plan early years costs
Use the fee calculator to estimate early childhood fees by hours plus the extras at Munich International School.
Munich International School Early Years fees
Early childhood places at MIS are priced separately from the main grade schedule and depend on the hours a child attends, sitting within the school's premium position at the top of the Munich international school fees range. Because the rate varies by the daily hours and changes annually, treat any figure as indicative and confirm the current early childhood schedule directly with the school.
The one time entrance fee for new students, published at around EUR 9,400 per child, applies on entry whatever the age, so families joining at early years pay it at the start rather than later. Budget further for lunch, the school bus given the Starnberg location, and materials. Ask whether sibling discounts apply if you are enrolling more than one child.
Admissions
Admission to the early years centres on the main August intake, with mid year places where there is room. For the youngest children the process is light touch, focused on a settling visit and a conversation with the family rather than formal testing, since the aim at this age is a good fit and a smooth start. An application fee applies, with the place confirmed by the registration and entrance fees.
Early years places at MIS are sought after because they secure a path into the wider school, so apply as soon as a Munich move is confirmed. Families relocating mid year should ask about availability in the specific age group, as the youngest cohorts can fill quickly.
Location and who goes there
The early years phase is on the main MIS campus near Starnberg, in the lake district south west of Munich. For the youngest children the commute matters more than for teenagers, so families in central Munich should weigh the daily journey by school bus or S-Bahn against the campus setting, while families in the southern suburbs are close by.
The early years community draws the same international mix as the wider school, with many families settling near the campus to shorten the journey for young children. For how the Starnberg area compares with city districts and where international families cluster, the Munich city hub maps the neighbourhoods and their schools.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and accepts no payment from schools, so we publish parent reviews only after confirming the reviewer is part of the school community. If your family knows the Early Years phase first hand, please share your experience through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
What age does Munich International School Early Years start?
The Early Years phase takes children from age 4 into the start of the IB Primary Years Programme, the foundation stage of the school's IB continuum.
How much are Munich International School Early Years fees?
Early childhood places are priced separately by the hours a child attends, within the school's premium fee position. A one time entrance fee of about EUR 9,400 also applies on entry. Confirm the current early childhood schedule with the school.
What is the curriculum in the early years at MIS?
It is the IB Primary Years Programme delivered through play based and inquiry led learning, in English with German introduced gently, suited to four and five year olds.
When should I apply for Munich International School Early Years?
Apply as soon as a Munich move is confirmed. The main intake is in August with mid year places where there is room, and the youngest cohorts can fill quickly.
Does the early years phase lead into the rest of the school?
Yes. It feeds directly into the primary years on the same Starnberg campus, so children progress through the IB continuum without changing schools.
