Munich International School Primary is the junior school phase of MIS, the largest of the international schools in Munich. It runs the IB Primary Years Programme in English, taking children on from the early years through the primary grades and into the Middle Years Programme. As part of a school that holds the full IB continuum on one campus, the primary phase is a stage in a continuous path rather than a standalone school.
Primary at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) |
|---|---|
| Stages | Junior school primary years, broadly grades 1 to 4 |
| Founded | 1966 (Munich International School) |
| Accreditation | Part of MIS; CIS and NEASC accredited, IB authorised since 1980 |
| Language | English medium with German taught |
| Fee band | Premium, the top of the Munich range |
| Campus area | Near Starnberg, south west of Munich |
Curriculum and academics
The primary phase runs the IB Primary Years Programme, the inquiry led framework that organises learning around transdisciplinary themes rather than separate subjects taught in isolation. Children develop reading, writing and numeracy within topics that connect their learning, supported by specialist teaching in areas such as music, sport and languages. English is the language of instruction, and German is taught throughout so children settling in Bavaria gain the host language.
Because the primary phase sits inside the full continuum, it is designed to lead smoothly into the Middle Years Programme at the same school, so children progress without changing schools at the end of primary. For families comparing it with city primaries, the trade off is the campus facilities and the continuous IB path against the longer commute to Starnberg.
Compare MIS primary with other schools
Use the compare tool to put the MIS primary phase side by side with up to two other Munich schools on curriculum and fees.
Munich International School Primary fees
Primary fees at MIS sit in the premium part of the Munich international school fees range. For 2025 to 2026 lower primary tuition was published at roughly EUR 18,000 a year, rising through the grades, with the full schedule set out by year. These figures change annually, so confirm the current primary rate with the school before budgeting.
The larger one off cost to plan for is the entrance fee for new students, published at around EUR 9,400 per child in the first year, alongside registration and application fees. Budget further for lunch, the school bus given the Starnberg location, materials and trips. Sibling discounts are worth asking about for families enrolling more than one child.
Admissions
Admission to the primary phase centres on the main August intake, with mid year places where a year group has room. The school reviews previous reports and assesses English readiness, since the programme is taught in English, and can usually place children who are ready to access an English classroom or are close to it with support. An application fee applies, with the place confirmed by registration and entrance fees.
Primary year groups at MIS are popular because they secure a continuous path through the school, so apply as soon as a Munich move is confirmed and share full academic records. Families joining mid year should ask about availability in the specific grade.
Location and who goes there
The primary phase is on the main MIS campus near Starnberg, south west of Munich. For primary aged children the daily commute is a real consideration, so families in central Munich should weigh the journey by school bus or S-Bahn against the campus setting and facilities, while families in the southern suburbs and the lake towns are close by.
The primary community reflects the wider school's international mix, with many families settling near the campus to keep the journey manageable for younger 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
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Frequently asked questions
What curriculum is the primary phase at Munich International School?
It is the IB Primary Years Programme, the inquiry led framework that organises learning around connected themes, taught in English with German throughout.
How much are Munich International School Primary fees?
Primary fees sit in the premium part of the Munich range, with lower primary tuition published at roughly EUR 18,000 for 2025 to 2026, plus a one time entrance fee of about EUR 9,400 for new students. Confirm the current primary rate with the school.
What grades does the MIS primary phase cover?
The primary phase covers the junior school years, broadly grades 1 to 4, before children move into the Middle Years Programme at the same school.
When do Munich International School Primary applications open?
The main intake is in August, with mid year places where a year group has room. Apply as soon as a Munich move is confirmed, as primary year groups are popular.
Does the primary phase lead into the rest of the school?
Yes. It runs inside the full IB continuum and leads into the Middle Years Programme at the same Starnberg campus, so children progress without changing schools.
