According to current data from the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education (KMK), around 9 to 10 percent of all students in Germany attend a private school. That is more than 800,000 students, and although it sounds like a small minority, the number has been growing steadily for years. More and more families are specifically looking for alternatives to the public school system, whether because of educational convictions, international life plans, or the wish for more individual support for their children.
How Many Students Attend a Private School in Germany?
Currently, more than 800,000 students in Germany attend a private school. This share has increased significantly over the past two decades. The range of private schools has grown especially in large cities and economically strong regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg.
At the same time, demand is rising: parents are gathering information earlier, comparing schools more intensively, and making more deliberate decisions than previous generations.
It is also interesting that not all private schools are expensive or elitist. Many operate as nonprofit institutions and reinvest all their income in running the school. This means that the money benefits students directly, for example through more modern facilities, smaller classes, or a wider range of courses.
What Should Parents Know About Private Schools in Germany?
In Germany, there are basically two types of private schools: substitute schools (Ersatzschulen) and supplementary schools (Ergänzungsschulen). Ersatzschulen replace public types of schools and must be state-recognized. They follow the curricula of the German states and award officially recognized qualifications.
Ergänzungsschulen, on the other hand, offer educational programs that do not exist in this form in the public system, for example international curricula such as the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Both types of schools are subject to state supervision but have more educational freedom than public schools. International private schools are generally recognized as Ergänzungsschulen and offer qualifications that are accepted by universities worldwide. When comparing schools, parents should pay close attention to which qualifications a school awards and whether these are recognized in Germany and internationally.
Why Do Parents Choose a Private School?
The reasons are as varied as the families themselves. Here are the most common motives parents mention:
- Smaller classes and individual support: At many private schools, the student-teacher ratio is significantly better than at public schools. A ratio of six students per teacher allows for a completely different kind of support.
- International curriculum: Families who live internationally or plan to enroll their child at a university abroad look for schools with qualifications recognized worldwide.
- Multilingual education: English as the language of instruction, German as a required subject, and additional languages such as French, Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese from grade 6 are not unusual at international private schools.
- Stability and reliability: Parents value a structured environment with guaranteed class coverage, regular progress checks, and clear communication.
- Values and school culture: Many families deliberately choose a private school because of the values it lives by, such as respect, integrity, and cultural openness.
What Is the Difference Between a Private School and a Public School?
The most obvious difference is funding. Public schools are fully funded by the state, while private schools usually charge tuition. But the difference goes deeper than that.
Private schools have more freedom in designing their curriculum, selecting their teachers, and organizing everyday school life. This makes it possible, for example, to carry out weekly progress assessments that identify learning gaps early and close them in a targeted way. Public schools follow government requirements more strictly, which ensures consistency but leaves less room for individual approaches.
Another difference lies in continuity: at some international private schools, students stay for an average of eight years, which fosters a stable learning environment and long-term friendships. In addition, many private schools operate as all-day schools with supervision until late afternoon, which is especially relevant for working parents.
Who Is an International Private School Right For?
An international private school is not only intended for children from abroad. It is a good choice for all families who consider the following points important:
- You want your child to study at a university abroad later on, for example in the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, or another country.
- You live internationally as a family or are planning a move abroad.
- You want your child to grow up in a multilingual environment and master English at a native-speaker level.
- You are looking for a school that gives equal weight to academic achievement and personal development.
- You would like close communication with the school and regular feedback on your child’s learning progress.
German-speaking families are also increasingly choosing international private schools because they want to give their children global perspectives and a future-proof education. The IB Diploma, for example, is recognized at German universities and at the same time provides access to universities worldwide.
How Do You Choose the Right Private School?
Choosing the right private school is one of the most important decisions parents make for their children. A few concrete questions can help:
- Which qualifications does the school offer? Check whether the qualifications are state-recognized and whether they give your child access to German and international universities.
- What accreditation does the school have? Reputable international schools are members of recognized organizations such as Cognia, the Council of International Schools, or Cambridge.
- How large are the classes? Smaller classes mean more attention for each child. Ask about the student-teacher ratio.
- How does the school communicate with parents? Regular feedback, digital platforms, and open communication channels are a good sign.
- What do former students say? Alumni feedback gives you a realistic impression of what the school really delivers.
- Visit the school in person. An open house or a campus tour gives you a feel for the school culture, the facilities, and the team.
How Does ISR International School on the Rhine Support Families in Choosing a School?
We know that choosing the right school is a big and sometimes overwhelming decision for many families. At ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss, near Düsseldorf, Germany, and in Düsseldorf, we accompany families from more than 60 nations on this journey, openly, personally, and without pressure. From kindergarten to the IB Diploma Programme at ISR, we offer a continuous international education that prepares students specifically for universities in Germany and worldwide.
- Qualifications recognized worldwide: With the Cambridge IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, doors are open for our graduates to universities all over the world, including German universities.
- Small classes, real support: With a ratio of about six students per teacher, we know every child personally and support them in a targeted way.
- Multilingual environment: English as the language of instruction, German as a required subject, and additional languages from grade 6 prepare children for life in a connected world.
- Transparent communication: Regular progress reports and open conversations with teachers ensure that parents are always well informed.
- A stable, international school environment: Our students stay with us for an average of eight years, which builds trust, continuity, and a genuine sense of community.
If you would like to see for yourself, we warmly invite you to attend one of the ISR Info Days. We look forward to meeting you and your family.
