Parent
We are quite pleased with the level of support for children with learning disabilities and overall teacher engagement. Communication is good and the PTA fosters an inclusive school with year-round activities, though don't expect a tight-knit expat community. We have never experienced the school day being cut short due to sick-leave of teachers, and all lessons seem to be covered throughout the year. Overall, the facilities are good, the teachers are motivated, and class sizes are smaller than in public schools, however, for the price, we expected more extra curricular activities and afterschool/holiday care offered by the school and not from expensive external providers.
7 hours legally constitutes an all-day school, which covers 8am-3pm (not possible for working parents of primary school kids, even with ECAs). Public schools have after school care (Hort) often until 5pm or early drop-off from 6am and also cover most holidays at a fraction of the price. Not so much BBIS, even though I was told they also get public moneys for being an "all-day school", and therefore using another school's afternoon or holiday care is not allowed!
Regarding extra curricular activities, the school charges providers a lot of money (even their own teachers!) to offer activities on the school premises, which I cannot understand considering the high school fees (which also seem to be ever increasing). Public schools in our district have a larger variety of after-school activities and for a lot cheaper.
Basically, on top of the school fees, parents also have to pay for after-school-activities, school lunches, excursions, class trips, sports uniforms, etc. This begs the question wheather the school is really a non-profit organization (Which schools have a CEO and CFO?). The school definitely needs to find a better balance between spending their money on new developments of their campus as well as covering the needs of the families at an acceptable price.
P.s. If your child wants to attend a German university and requires fluency in German, this is also not a strong suit of BBIS.
5 other reviews for BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School - (Reviews aren't verified )
Showing 3 reviews by parents and students.
Parent
Overall we are quite happy. You have to work with your child at home as well and not only reply the work at school. Teachers are quite good and many activities.
Parent
In my opinion, the school unfortunately does not live up to the good reputation it supposedly has. Academically, we were disappointed. Some good teachers, but unfortunately also a high fluctuation. Our child didn't feel comfortable and was glad when we were able to leave.
We will not recommend this school to anyone.
Parent
The school does Not live the values promoted.,. Communication very poor, dealing with mistakes incredibly bad: The administration of the school made a formal mistake (typing mistake !) with the result of a downgrading of the IB score. No change possible .,No communication, no support when it came to correction. Board communication non existing. Initiatives formulated by parents concerning doubts with respect to exorbitant travel costs (and the climate effects) for a 4 days trip by plane are not even considered / discussed. Education level compared to good public German schools is low. Some teachers very caring and professional.