Timothy Thomas
Head of School
MIS is a highly regarded, academically leading international school with over 1200+ students from ages 4-18 representing more than 60 nationalities and a world-class teaching staff of over 160 from around 30 countries. Our spacious 26-acre campus is situated in an idyllic nature preserve near Starnberg.
We nurture, challenge and inspire our students to become:
• academically successful, life-long learners,
• creative and innovative thinkers,
• ethical, globally-minded contributors, and
• healthy, well-balanced individuals
Our vibrant, diverse, student-centred programme of learning is supported by superior facilities and resources, like our:
• Performing Arts Centre
• Design and Technology Suite
• New Makers' Laboratories (built '19)
• 1-to-1 Laptop Programme (Apple MacBooks)
• Olympic-sized 8-lane Track-and-Field Complex
• NEW Quadruple Gymnasium with Dance and Fitness Studio and grandstands for approx. 800 spectators (from Summer '22)
• Two student libraries (primary and secondary)
• Modern Languages Complex
• Differentiated outdoor play spaces for early childhood and primary years
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 38 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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1200
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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65
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Most common nationality
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German-American
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Ratio of local students to international students
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70% international, 30% local
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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English language support is provided for students with varied English language proficiency in our Junior School (EC 4/5 - grade 4) and Middle School (grades 5-8).
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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German is taught as part of the curriculum for students in all grade levels.
French, Spanish and Mandarin are offered in Middle and Senior School.
Students studying in the IB Diploma Programme have the opportunity to select a self-taught language as a subject.
Additionally, students can access a Multilingual Learning Programme taught as an After School Activity.
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Max. number of students per class
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Class size maximum of 24 is in effect. We aim to have between 18 and 22 students in a class.
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Average number of students per class
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18
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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Munich International School believes that a contemporary learning environment should reflect the technology-rich experiences available to students and staff outside schools. To this end MIS has, since 2008, provided one-to-one access to MacBooks for faculty and for students in grades 7, 8 and 10-12. In addition MIS provides a very low student to device ratio of both MacBooks and iPads, as appropriate, to younger students. Every classroom has interactive whiteboard technology. There is high speed wireless access for students, teachers and the whole MIS community.
Students in all grade levels have access to our Makers' Spaces which offer technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, coding and computing, video and sound production.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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Yes, MIS has been able to adapt full distance instruction via
- Microsoft Teams
- Seesaw
- ITS-Learning
- Microsoft 365
- and others
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External examinations or assessments available
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IB Diploma
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Results in these examinations
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IB results of Class of 2021:
MIS Average Diploma Points: 38 points
4 MIS students earned a perfect score of 45 points
40 MIS students earned a total of 40 points or over
100% of MIS students completed the requirements for the full diploma
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes.
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Approximate hours of homework given
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Junior School: 20 mins reading / day
Middle School: suggested 10 mins / day per grade level
Senior School: amount can vary in each grade level
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Yes.
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Learning support offered
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MIS has a team of dedicated learning support staff who support students in all three divisions of the school. These specialised staff provide small class lessons that are designed to meet student learning needs. Our specialised learning support staff collaborates closely with Homeroom and subject teachers to ensure that differentiated instruction meets the individual learning needs of all students in all their classes. Additionally, MIS has a school-wide Learning Support Coordinator who ensures that teachers can adapt instruction to the individual differentiation needs of your child.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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The MIS Learning Support teachers also provide individualized learning services for students who are identified as gifted, able, and talented. Those students who are identified are provided enrichment through small group learning opportunities and further differentiated instruction in their lessons. Our gifted, able, and talented students also benefit from the breadth of different learning opportunities, ranging from elective subjects such as coding to innovative learning spaces such as the Maker Lab where they can engage in advanced and individualised learning.
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Student access to education psychologist
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MIS students access a team of experienced on-site school counselors providing academic and social emotional support throughout the school day. MIS has close links with educational psychologists in the Munich area who provide services in a variety of languages. MIS school counselors and the learning support coordinator can help families access these external specialists, ensuring that MIS can collaborate with and implement the recommendations made by those professionals.
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Entry evaluation for students
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Our decisions are based upon the application materials submitted. It is possible that a discussion with the appropriate Principal/Head of School may be required.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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English placement testing may be arranged depending on submitted documents, grade level and language proficiency of the student(s).
All Senior School students for whom English is not their Mother Tongue will take an English language placement assessment as part of the application process.
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Waiting list
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Normally, places are available during the school year, however, it is possible that a waiting list may be brought into effect for any grade level.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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We normally have a rolling programme of admission throughout the school year, subject to place availability.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes, subject to place availability.
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School start time
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9:05
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School finish time
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Junior School: 15:15
Middle and Senior School: 16:05
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Supervised care before/after school
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Students in grades 1-4 can take part in the After School Care programme.
All students can also take part in the After School Activities programme, which runs until 16:15 for Junior School children and until 17:45 for students in grades 5-12.
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School bus service available
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Yes. MIS provides an extensive bus service, to and from school for all students in all grade levels. We offer approx. 80 different bus routes covering approx. 80% of the areas in which MIS students reside.
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School provided lunches
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Yes. MIS has a cafeteria providing freshly prepared and cooked organic meals and snacks to students at lunch. Snacks are available to students taking part in After School Activities.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Our caterer can provide advice in respect of dietary requirements and for example food allergies. Parents and students are encouraged to discuss requirements with the caterer.
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Uniform required
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No.
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Sports facilities at the school
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Olympic-sized 8-lane track and field complex, triple gymnasium with adjacent dance and fitness studios, differentiated outdoor play spaces for early childhood and primary years. For 2022, MIS will have a new fitness and athletics complex which includes a quadruple gym.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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Founded in 1966, Munich International School is an independent, non-profit IB World School (IBO) that has been authorised by the IBO since 1980. MIS is officially recognised by the Bavarian ministry of education and fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Munich International School promotes excellence in learning and in individual student growth and development.
Munich International School nurtures, challenges and inspires our students to become:
academically successful, life-long learners,
creative and innovative thinkers,
ethical, globally-minded contributors, and
healthy, well-balanced individuals
who will thrive and make a positive impact in a complex and changing world.
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Teaching approach of the school
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MIS promotes excellence in learning and individual student growth and development through
- Integration of students' individual interests, needs, and goals.
- Outstanding teachers, many of whom are IB authors, examiners, curriculum leaders and workshop leaders.
- Engaging and future-oriented curriculum (inquiry, technology, making, innovation and multi-modal literacies.
- Holistic approach to education as the arts, music, drama, and even film are integrated into the curriculum.
- Over 60 activities are also offered in after-school programmes.
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Campus
MIS is a community school where more than 1200 students comprising 65 nationalities learn together on a single, purpose-built campus.
Easily accessible from Munich, the School takes full advantage of its 26-acre campus in an idyllic nature preserve near Starnberg to provide students with high-quality educational experiences both within well-equipped classrooms, laboratories and performing arts spaces and in our exceptional outdoor facilities.
Learning
MIS is dedicated to providing a holistic education that aims for high academic standards, international understanding and responsible citizenship.
Authorised for the IB Diploma Programme in 1980, MIS possesses decades of experience as a mature, highly successful IB World School. Aside from the IB Diploma Programme, MIS was among the first schools to achieve authorisation for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in 1998. Not surprisingly, MIS is home to many of the examiners, subject leaders and curriculum writers for the IBO.
After School
The co-curriculum strengthens curriculum work. Students involved in the arts, clubs and sports are more likely to be recognised for academic excellence.
The activities programme is essential to achieving the MIS Mission and provides a uniquely suitable path for intercultural communication, community and understanding. Learning through the co-curriculum is a valuable and enriching aspect of growing up, helping students to develop resilience, adaptability, self-confidence and a sense of identity.
Munich International School offer students a diverse assortment of co-curricular activities that inspire participants to develop new skills, discover and nurture individual interests and talents and share intercultural perspectives while fostering new social networks and friendships.
Junior School
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students between the ages of 4 and 10 years. It encompasses learning not just in the classroom but also through other means of learning within the whole community. The PYP is an international, transdisciplinary programme designed to foster the development of the whole child by encompassing students’ social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to their academic welfare. Students develop an understanding of important concepts, acquire essential skills and knowledge, develop particular attitudes and learn to take socially responsible action. The PYP combines the best research and practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant, challenging, engaging and significant educational framework for all children.
Middle School
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasises intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world. It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement—essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders. It builds upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and prepares students to meet the academic challenges of the IB Diploma Programme (DP). At the end of Grade 10, students sit the eAssessments, i.e., the external MYP exams.
