Home > Germany > Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region > Cologne International School
IB, British, and German
Bilingual
Ages 6 to 18

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CityRhine-Ruhr metropolitan region
CurriculumsIB, British, and German
Languages of instructionEnglish and German
Age RangeAges 6 to 18
Boarding available
Yearly fees: Not public
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Quick summary of key school information

Language of instruction English and German
Native English and German teachers
Extra languages (other than English and German)
Class sizes Average 20 students / class
Maximum 24 students / class
Extracurricular activities
School bus
School's webpage:

This school does not make their fees public for the academic year 2023/2024.

Address: Rudi-Conin-Straße 10, 50829 Köln, Germany

CIS offers two learning paths across three school forms – from first grade through graduation:
Bilingual Primary School: A bilingual primary education in German and English for grades 1-4, using a unique combination of the NRW-state primary curriculum and the IB Primary Years Programme.
1. International Secondary School: An English-language program for grades 5-12, following the IB and Cambridge Secondary I curricula. Students work towards the Cambridge IGCSE qualifications in grade 10 and the IB Diploma in grade 12.
2. Gymnasium bilingual: A German-language NRW-state-approved program with an extensive focus on English for grades 5-13. Students acquire the middle school qualification (Mittlerer Schulabschluss) in grade 10 and the Abitur in grade 13.
Is this school a perfect match for you?

Tell us your preferences and we’ll calculate your compatibility.

  • Based on 10 different criteria including price and location
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All the details about this school in their own words

We have organised the information available for this school into 11 sections and 40 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
Number of students

470

Number of nationalities represented in the school

52

Most common nationality

German

Ratio of local students to international students

40:60

Native English and German speaking teachers

The majority of our teachers are native speakers.

Language support for students not fluent in English and German

Yes, we support each student individually according to their needs.

Additional language classes offered by the school

Spanish, French

Max. number of students per class

24

Average number of students per class

20

Does the school employ teaching assistants?

No

Use of technology in the classroom

We use iPads, Macbooks and Smart TVs in the classroom.

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)

Our school uses virtual classroom technologies in times of emergencies like the recent COVID-19

Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?

Through our curriculum students learn about different religions and world views but the school does not offer any specific religious education classes. Students are however able to practice their own religion, eg. they are able to withdraw for prayer practice.

How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion?

As stated above, Students are able to practice their own religion, eg. they are able to withdraw for prayer practice.

External examinations or assessments available

PYP, MYP, IGCSE & IB Diploma

Results in these examinations

The average IB Diploma score is 34. The highest score achieved so far was 42.

Do teachers assign homework to their students?

In primary school, homework is generally not assigned, At times the teachers may ask parents to practice vocabulary or reading with their kids.
Once the students join the secondary school, they will have more assigned coursework.

Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs

Yes, we have specialized staff or specialized programs to support children with special learning needs.

Learning support offered

In our primary school, materials and tasks are adapted to the learning level of each student and learning group. A comprehensive support system, with remedial and enrichment lessons and one-on-one care tailored to the respective needs of each student, offers further individualization.
In our secondary school, we utilize a range of learning and teaching styles – individual coaching, technology-integrated learning, group projects and independent study – to suit all types of learners. Because learning is a partnership, we provide families with frequent feedback points throughout the year, as well as conference time between teacher, student and parents.

In addition, we have a special needs department which is able to provide students with learning difficulties or socio-emotional disorders with needed support.
Coaching, counseling and career guidance in the upper years of the secondary school further support students as they make important decisions about their future ambitions

Student access to education psychologist

Yes, the students are provided with access to an psychologist if needed.

Entry evaluation for students

Since there are no placement tests at Cologne International School, we ask applicants to take part in a (online or on-site) meeting with our school management team (and if possible, for the student to spend an entire day in a class). This not only allows our school management to get a better picture of the child as a unique learner, but also gives parents first-hand experience with our school.

Once enrolled the students are assessed in order to establish the suitable learning group.

Waiting list

If all spots in a grade are taken, applicants will be put on a waiting list.

Deadline for registration (new academic year)

We have rolling admissions,

Students can join after academic year begins

Yes, of course. We are aware of the fact that relocations may happen throughout the school year.

School start time

Between 8:00 and 08:15 am.

School finish time

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, school ends at 3:30 pm. On Tuesdays and Fridays, school ends at 2:45pm.

Supervised care before/after school

We offer extracurricular activities until 5:30pm.

School bus service available

We have a school bus that runs between the old campus in Widdersdorf and the new campus at Butzweilerhof,

School provided lunches

Yes

Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)

Yes

Uniform required

No

Extracurricular activities or clubs offered

Ball games, dance and cheerleading, football, rock climbing, yoga, athletics, football, gymnastics, reading time, theater, arts and crafts, choir, music and games, science experiments, volleyball, golf, basketball, speed reading, be happy, big band, brass band, jazz band, photography, social media hub, string ensemble, poetry slam, STEM, media club

Sports activities included

What physical activities and sports are included, depend on teh age group. Thus said, the curriculum can include aesthetic movement, such as gymnastics, or aerobics, team sports, such as football, basketball, handball, volleyball and hockey as well as individual sports, such as athletics or swimming.

Sports teams or sport competitions available for students

No, since Germany has a very good local club structure and many students join a local club after school or on the weekends to play sports at a high level, we decided to offer sports clubs that are only just for fun.

Facilities at the school

Boarding facilities, library, science labs, Music rooms, Art rooms

Sports facilities at the school

Our large sports hall can be separated into three parts. Each part is equipped with a soccer and basketball field, ropes, rings, mats, etc. On our outdoor area there is a tartan track, a long jump pit, a basketball - as well as a soccer field.

Grades/ages available for boarding

For students age 15 - 18 years old.

Boarding facilities at the school

Our Boarding House is a modern style accommodation with plenty of daylight. It can host up to 20 students, either in a single room with private bathroom,
single room with shared bathroom or a double room with shared bathroom.

All apartments have WIFI and are fully furnished with beds, closets, desks, shelving, chairs, and lamps. Basic necessities such as bedding, sheets, towels,
and kitchenware are provided. The building has an extensive rooftop terrace where students can enjoy the view while sitting in deck chairs. Boarders share a
common room with a kitchen where they can meet, cook and eat which creates a sense of community.

Our boarders do not just share a space, but also engage in social activities together. They are cared for 24 hours 7 days a week throughout the academic
year by qualified staff. The boarders enjoy healthy, fresh meals throughout the day. On school days, our boarders have lunch together with all students in the
school cafeteria. Breakfast and dinner as well as all meals on holidays and weekends are shared together in the Boarding House. As we are aware that
students at the Boarding House come from all over the world and have diverse backgrounds, it is important to us to foster an environment where everyone
feels at home. Therefore, all meals served at school and the Boarding House take into account these different religious and cultural backgrounds and practices.

Qualities and characteristics best defining the school

Cologne International school is a fully integrated, international and bilingual IB World School from Grade 1 to graduation, which is unique in Germany so far!

We are committed to an international education within the local community, individualised support in small learning groups and the development of German and English language skills to a native speaker level with French and Spanish as additional language courses.

The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) to all students in Grades 1-5, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6-10 and the IB Diploma (IBDP) in Grades 11-12. The primary school starts off with a 100% bilingual approach to teaching and learning. The integrated secondary school also includes subjects taught in English and/or German in Grades 6-12, however students will have more flexibility in choosing their learning paths as their circumstances and plans change. The IB Diploma in Grades 11-12 also includes subjects taught and assessed in German and/or English.

Teaching approach of the school

Dynamic teaching and learning in a flexible, bilingual environment. An International Baccalaureate World School, which is also an NRW state-approved private school. A caring school community which fosters a love for learning, a commitment to shared values and excellent communication skills. All of this is Cologne International School.

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