You prepare a child emotionally for an international school by taking their feelings seriously, making the move tangible in small steps such as visiting the school together, keeping routines stable, and staying closely involved during the first weeks.
In the IB Diploma Programme, students take six subjects from six subject groups (languages, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts) and must also complete the three core elements: the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS.
An international school in Neuss teaches predominantly in English, follows an internationally recognized curriculum, leads to diplomas such as the Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma, and admits students through a clearly structured process that parents should start early.
An international school can offer children intensive multilingualism, internationally oriented diplomas, everyday cultural diversity, individual learning paths, and early preparation for university and careers, depending on the specific school and the child's goals.
At an international school in Düsseldorf, children can usually learn at least three languages: English as the language of instruction, German as a required subject, and an additional foreign language such as French, Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese.
At an international school, students can earn the Cambridge IGCSE at the end of grade 10, the IB Diploma in grades 11 and 12, and often a school's own High School Diploma, with the IB Diploma also able to count as the German university entrance qualification.
The IB Diploma is generally more demanding than A-Levels because students must perform in six subjects at once plus the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS, while A-Level students specialize in three to four subjects.
You should start looking for a private school in Düsseldorf one to two years before the desired start date and ideally apply in the fall of the previous year, between October and December.
There is no single best age to start private school, but earlier is usually better, since most international private schools accept children from age three and switching later is possible at any school age with good support.
A private school in Düsseldorf differs from a public school mainly in funding, curriculum, and individual support: it charges tuition but can offer its own educational concept, smaller classes, and internationally recognized diplomas.
