The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum)
Taught languages German, French, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
International School of Hamburg (ISH) is a private, independent, non-profit international school in Hamburg, Germany, serving around 730 students from over 55 nationalities. The school offers a continuous international curriculum from Early Years to Grade 12. The Early Years follow the IEYC; the Junior School uses the IPC with cross-curricular units in Science, History, Geography, Art, Technology and International Understanding, supported by specialist teachers in Music, German, Physical Education, Library Skills and ICT. The Secondary School follows the IB framework: MYP for Grades 6–10 and DP and IBCP for Grades 11–12, with French or Spanish starting in Grade 6. The 41,000-square-metre campus includes a 19,000-square-metre building, a Performing Arts Centre with a 400-seat auditorium, a well-resourced library, campus-wide ICT, and science laboratories. ISH emphasizes pastoral care, EAL and Mother Tongue support, and sustainability, including Eco-School accreditation achieved in 2025 and biodiversity projects. ISH also emphasizes pastoral care and language support.
International School of Hamburg has instruction in English, German.
Location
Hemmingstedter Weg 130, 22609 Hamburg, Germany
Stages
Early Years (ECC, ages 3–5) ; Junior School (Grades 1–5) ; Secondary School (Grades 6–12; IB Middle Years Programme 6–10; IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme 16–18)
Type
Private international school; independent, non-profit association
Pupil Nationality Mix
63 nationalities represented; top nationalities include United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, India and South Korea; Germany is the host country.
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support
Country affiliation
Germany
School day structure
The school offers English-language curricula for students from age 3 to 18. The majority of co-curricular activities run from 15:00 to 16:30, with After School Care available until 18:00.
Bus service
Three school buses run by HVV serve the outer Alster region and Hafen City; buses stop at regular stops and are available to students in Grades 1–12. Cost and route information differ each year. Hamburg resident students travel free across the HVV regional network (as of 1 Sep 2024).
Fees
Annual tuition at International School of Hamburg ranges from EUR 12,790 to EUR 25,190 for 2026/27.
Application fee
- Application Fee per child: EUR 500. The Application Fee is due at registration and is non-refundable.
Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts)
- Early Years 1: EUR 12,790. - Early Years 2: EUR 13,790. - Early Years 3: EUR 15,680. - Grades 1–2: EUR 20,050. - Grades 3–5: EUR 21,240. - Grades 6–8: EUR 22,760. - Grades 9–10: EUR 24,230. - Grades 11–12: EUR 25,190.
Per-term / instalment detail and two-instalment option
- Standard payment: the full annual Tuition Fee is payable in advance, at the latest by 1 August (for students who start in August). - Two-instalment option (surcharge applies): it is possible to pay in two instalments for which there is a surcharge equal to 5% of the annual Tuition Fee (i.e., total payable becomes 105% of the Tuition Fee). First instalment: 60% of the Tuition Fee (plus any Campus Development Fee levied that year) due by 1 August. Second instalment: 45% of the Tuition Fee due by 1 January. The surcharge of 5% applies to the overall two-instalment option.
- Instalment component examples (showing 60% and 45% components and the 5% surcharge amount). First instalment = 60% of the annual Tuition Fee (plus Campus Development Fee if applicable); second instalment = 45% of the annual Tuition Fee. The separate 5% surcharge amount is shown as an additional charge on top of these instalments. - Early Years 1 (EUR 12,790): 60% = EUR 7,674.00; 45% = EUR 5,755.50; 5% surcharge = EUR 639.50 (total if using two-instalment option = EUR 13,429.50). - Early Years 2 (EUR 13,790): 60% = EUR 8,274.00; 45% = EUR 6,205.50; 5% surcharge = EUR 689.50 (total = EUR 14,479.50). - Early Years 3 (EUR 15,680): 60% = EUR 9,408.00; 45% = EUR 7,056.00; 5% surcharge = EUR 784.00 (total = EUR 16,464.00). - Grades 1–2 (EUR 20,050): 60% = EUR 12,030.00; 45% = EUR 9,022.50; 5% surcharge = EUR 1,002.50 (total = EUR 21,052.50). - Grades 3–5 (EUR 21,240): 60% = EUR 12,744.00; 45% = EUR 9,558.00; 5% surcharge = EUR 1,062.00 (total = EUR 22,302.00). - Grades 6–8 (EUR 22,760): 60% = EUR 13,656.00; 45% = EUR 10,242.00; 5% surcharge = EUR 1,138.00 (total = EUR 23,898.00). - Grades 9–10 (EUR 24,230): 60% = EUR 14,538.00; 45% = EUR 10,903.50; 5% surcharge = EUR 1,211.50 (total = EUR 25,441.50). - Grades 11–12 (EUR 25,190): 60% = EUR 15,114.00; 45% = EUR 11,335.50; 5% surcharge = EUR 1,259.50 (total = EUR 26,449.50).
Campus Development Fee
- Campus Development Fee (non-refundable and payable over two years when applicable): Year 1 at ISH = EUR 6,500; Year 2 at ISH = EUR 2,500. For students returning after an absence of one year or longer, prior payments are credited to this total. Departing students who have attended the school for two months or less in the year of their departure pay only half the Campus Development Fee levied in that school year.
Sibling discount
- For families with three or more children enrolled simultaneously: third child (lowest grade) receives a 10% reduction of the annual Tuition Fee; fourth child and any additional children receive a 15% reduction of the annual Tuition Fee.
Other costs and ancillary fees
- The annual Tuition Fee includes mandatory overnight and day trips, membership in the ISH Association, and one copy of the yearbook per child. School materials for Early Years are included; with the exception of Early Years, school materials such as paper and pencils are not included in the annual Tuition Fee. - Additional charges that may be invoiced separately to participating students: college testing, external testing and IB examinations, non-mandatory school day and sport trips, graduation expenses, After School Activities, After School Care, intramural and NECIS sports. - Lost school books: invoiced at replacement value plus a handling fee of EUR 10 per book not returned. - School bus fee: determined according to the number of students using the bus and invoiced separately. - Fees for self-taught and mother-tongue language courses, school photos, and hot lunches are invoiced and paid directly to the service provider.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Due dates: all tuition and fees for students starting in August are payable in advance, at the latest by 1 August. For students who start during the school year, payment is due at the school start or within two weeks after the invoice date. Past-due accounts incur a late fee of 5% per annum above the base rate of interest. All parents are liable for fee payments on the due date regardless of third‑party (company) agreements, and parents are liable for all bank charges incurred. - Two-instalment option: available only for families with a signed contract by 1 December; first instalment (60% of Tuition Fee plus Campus Development Fee, if applicable) due by 1 August; second instalment (45% of Tuition Fee) due by 1 January. For contracts signed after the school year start and before 1 December, the first instalment (60% plus Campus Development Fee if applicable) is due within two weeks of the invoice date and the second instalment by 1 January. A surcharge of 5% of the annual Tuition Fee applies to this two-instalment option.
Pro-rating and refunds (tuition refund rules)
- Pro-rating on late enrolment (percentage of Tuition Fee chargeable when a student joins after the school year start): - September: 100% - October: 95% - November: 85% - December: 75% - January: 65% - February: 55% - March: 45% - April: 35% - May: 25% - June: 15% - Refundable percentage on early departure (percentage of Tuition Fee refundable when a student leaves during the school year; written notification of withdrawal must be given by the legal guardian at least two full months to the end of the month to qualify): - September: 70% - October: 60% - November: 50% - December: 40% - January: 30% - February and later months: 0% refund. - General refund rule: fees are non-refundable with the exception of the Tuition Fee in the case of early departure, which is refundable according to the pro‑rata schedule above. The Application Fee and Campus Development Fee are non-refundable except as specifically set out for returning students or short-term attendance in the Campus Development Fee clause.
Boarding fees
- The school operates as a day school; there are no boarding facilities or boarding fees.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Payments are accepted by bank transfer in EUR to the account details provided for the school. The school provides two bank accounts for EUR transfers; bank transfer payments should include the child's name and invoice/account numbers in the payment reference. Parents are liable for any bank charges. The bank details are: - Hamburger Volksbank eG — Kontonummer: 3289109 — IBAN: DE79 2019 0003 0003 2891 09 — BIC: GENODEF1HH2. - Deutsche Kreditbank AG — Kontonummer: 1020262572 — IBAN: DE20 1203 0000 1020 2425 72 — BIC: BYLADEM1001.
Legal and additional notes on non-payment
- ISH reserves the right to dismiss or request the withdrawal of a student if school fees are not paid in accordance with ISH financial regulations. The place of jurisdiction for disputes is Hamburg, Germany.
Academics
International School of Hamburg teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The school provides a continuous international curriculum from Early Years to Grade 12. The Early Years follows the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), with Early Years 3 introducing Foundations phonics, Reader's and Writer's Workshop, and Math in Focus. The Junior School (Grades 1–5) uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with cross-curricular IPC units in Science, History, Geography, Art, Technology and International Understanding; there are specialist teachers in Music, German, Physical Education, Library Skills and ICT, and a Wellness program including Mindfulness and digital citizenship. The Secondary School (Grades 6–12) follows the International Baccalaureate framework: the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) for Grades 11–12; French or Spanish begins as a third language in Grade 6, and a strong pastoral care program supports students through tutor groups. Language support is provided through Mother Tongue and English as an Additional Language (EAL) provisions to help students access the curriculum.
Student Teacher Ratio
6.5:1
Exam Results
ISH IB Diploma Programme results 2024 show an average DP score of 32.1 out of 45, with an average DP class grade of 5.08 out of 7 and an average grade across all subjects of 5.09 out of 7. 55% of DP students scored more than 30 points. 100% of CP Diploma recipients were awarded the CP Diploma. 85% of ISH graduates matriculated at colleges and universities worldwide.
Higher Education Progression
85% of ISH graduates matriculate at colleges and universities worldwide. Destinations span Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, including universities such as the University of Antwerp, KU Leuven, McGill University, University of Toronto, Hamburg School of Business Administration, TU München, and the University of Edinburgh.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Student Support Services Team (SSST) screens, determines services, and monitors referred students with significant social, emotional, behavioural, or academic differences. Following a referral, SSST members assess the student's needs through consultation, observation, and testing, and provide a team recommendation regarding the required support. The department comprises Learning Support, School Counselling, College Counselling, on-site occupational and speech therapists, School Nurses, and liaises with outside specialists to provide a broad range of services. Counselling services include support of the pastoral care program, behaviour management support, individual personal counselling, group counselling, social skills training, and group guidance lessons in classrooms, with parent consultations and staff in-service as part of the programme. The aim is to promote student well-being and healthy adjustment across the school community.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support program strengthens academic skills within the context of a student's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Services are provided after referral and may include remedial and compensatory instruction, skill development, re-teaching, and content support. MYP and DP students may be eligible for inclusive assessment arrangements. There are two on-site speech therapists and an occupational therapist available. The SSST liaises with outside specialists and therapists to provide a wide array of services for ISH families.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the main language of teaching and learning at ISH. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native English speakers across grade levels, coordinating with classroom teachers to integrate content. The EAL department operates in both the Junior School and the Secondary School, with Junior School EAL Services using a mixed pull-out and push-in model for Group A Beginner English Language Learners and Group B Intermediate learners, and advanced learners in a monitor group receiving in-classroom support. Secondary School EAL supports students to progress toward mainstream classes. German, French, and Spanish are offered as Modern Foreign Languages.
Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care and counselling are central to ISH wellbeing. The SSST provides school counselling in the Junior School and the Secondary School, with a collaborative process to define and follow through with a personal improvement plan. Counselling services include support of the pastoral care program, behaviour management support, individual personal counselling, group counselling, social skills training, and group guidance lessons in classrooms, plus parent consultations and staff in-service. The team provides on-site occupational and speech therapists and School Nurses to support mental health, and liaises with outside specialists as needed.
Safeguarding
Child protection and safeguarding are top priorities. ISH is in strict compliance with German law and follows international best practices to ensure child safety.
Admissions
Admissions
ISH has an ongoing admissions process with mid‑year entry possible. An inquiry submitted via the online form starts the process to arrange a campus visit or a call and is not a formal application for admission. An online application follows the inquiry. Admissions Officers are Margaret Metzler and Karolin Mutzel.
Scholarships
ISH offers a Financial Aid (FinAid) program to help families cover tuition. Eligibility is based on income and assets; the top gross income threshold for a one‑child family is €150,000, with asset‑based adjustments increasing the tuition amount. Full tuition may be charged for higher income or asset levels, according to the 2024–2025 Schedule of Fees. Applications are considered after a formal admission offer is made; families request a financial aid form from finaid@ishamburg.org, review eligibility, and submit a single PDF application signed by both parents. School fee reductions are granted for one year and must be reapplied annually; approval is provisional until the previous year's tax return is submitted.
FAQs
What ages does International School of Hamburg serve?
International School of Hamburg serves students aged 3 to 18.
What curriculum does International School of Hamburg follow?
The school provides a continuous international curriculum from Early Years to Grade 12. The Early Years follows the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), with Early Years 3 introducing Foundations phonics, Reader's and Writer's Workshop, and.
Where is International School of Hamburg located?
Hemmingstedter Weg 130, 22609 Hamburg,.
What are the tuition fees?
**Application fee**
- Application Fee per child: EUR 500. The Application Fee is due at registration and is non-refundable.
**Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts)**
- Early Years 1: EUR 12,790.
- Early Years 2: EUR 13,790.
- Early Years.
How many students attend International School of Hamburg?
The school has approximately 760 students.
What languages are taught?
English is the language of communication at school and the primary language of instruction from Early Years (P3) to Secondary. English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports non-native speakers in Junior and Secondary, with pull-out and in-class.
How does the admissions process work?
ISH has an ongoing admissions process with mid‑year entry possible. An inquiry submitted via the online form starts the process to arrange a campus visit or a call and is not a formal application for admission. An online application follows the.
What facilities does the school have?
The school has a 41,000-square-metre campus with a 19,000-square-metre building in Hamburg's green belt, offering a safe, quiet setting for daily life. The Performing Arts Centre anchors the campus, featuring a 400-seat auditorium, drama spaces,.
What extracurricular activities are available?
ISH offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (CP). In 2024, DP results included an average DP score of 32.1 out of 45, an average subject score of 5.08 out of 7, and a top DP score of 44; 55% of.
When was International School of Hamburg founded?
International School of Hamburg was founded in 1957.
What accreditations does the school hold?
IB Organization; Council of International Schools (CIS); New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
