Changemakers for a new tomorrow

Bavarian International School (BIS) is a community of 1,250 learners and 180 education leaders, working together to bring out the best in young people from over 60 nations, all within a caring and international environment.

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BIS students are supported to become global citizens and future changemakers with outstanding language, communication and critical thinking skills, an intercultural mindset and a deep understanding of digital technology.
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BIS is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, spanning two campuses in Munich-Schwabing and Haimhausen, where talented, globally-focused educators care for students ages three to 19. BIS is a private, non-profit, all-day school which ranks among the best international schools in Germany and in Europe. The IB Diploma score average is four points higher than the worldwide average year by year; in 2023 more than every fifth BIS student scored over 40 points in the IB DP. In addition, BIS is the only international school in Germany offering all four IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP). 

A caring, international community

About 74% of BIS students come from international families, with the other 26% of students coming from local Munich families. One of the school’s strengths is its connected, intercultural community which is continuously developing through a spirit of caring and belonging. English is the language of instruction at both campuses, but BIS also offers German, Spanish, French, Japanese and Mandarin as main languages, as well as over a dozen languages in the Home Language Programme."The children and young people are just happy at BIS. This positive spirit immediately inspires new families and every visitor," says Dr. Chrissie Sorenson, Head of School at BIS. The caring culture at BIS is further defined by additional guidance for students at every turn: language and learning support, mentors, school counsellors, and university and career advisors. Students are encouraged to develop themselves outside of the classroom as well, by taking part in one of 80 after school activities. These include coding, engineering, drama, music, debating, chess, athletics, as well as some signature programmes, such as the Model United Nations, the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, and the Eco-school project. Bavarian-International-School-robotics

Digital pioneers

Educational Technology is integrated into everyday learning in a meaningful way, future skills are taught in an age-appropriate manner and  the basics of coding are already taught in Primary School.  Artificial intelligence (AI) is applied in a critical, reflective context in the Secondary School. The combination of specialised Educational Technology Coordinators, digitally-savvy teachers and a dedicated IT team underlines BIS as a digital pioneer. From Early Childhood to Grade 2, we work with iPads as class sets; in Grades 3 to 5, each student receives an iPad from BIS; in the Secondary School from Grade 6, the "Bring your own device" (BYOD) program applies.

The school of the future - already today

BIS never stands still and works continuously on the further development of the school and the learning experience. The next chapter will include the funding and building of the new Creativity & Innovation Centre (CIC) from Easter 2024 to late summer 2026. This state-of-the-art building will offer open, flexible and interdisciplinary learning spaces, science and computer labs, design tech studios and much more for 750 students. The academic focus of the space will be "STEAM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths). The new 25 million euro innovation campus underscores BIS's claim to be the school of the future - already today.www.bis-school.com

Facts and figures

Locations: Munich and Haimhausen, Bavaria (Germany)Founded: 1991  Type of School: International School, only IB World School in Germany offering all four IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP); non-profit organisation, private and all-day school from Kindergarten to Secondary School (from age 3 to 19)Students: 1,250 from more than 60 nationsTeachers: 180 from more than 40 nationsCharacteristics:- Academic excellence- Educational Technology pioneers- extensive extracurricular programmes - Counselling, Wellbeing and Learning Support programmes - Career and University mentoring - very closely connected community- School bus transportation at both campuses- School catering by ORGANIC GARDEN

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