Schools in Cologne

Hi all,

It looks like we are going to make the move to Köln! We visited last week and I have to say, we liked it a lot (ugly as it is!). We are still considering living in the Ehrenfeld area, if possible. My question is do any of you have any feedback about the schools? We are considering all options – public, private, international and bilingual. We have not had a good experience in public schools in Switzerland, so are looking to make things better...!

Thanks again,
J

Some lists of international schools:

• germany.english-schools.org/
• www.agis-schools.org/agis
• privateschool.about.com / german schools

There is a bit of choice among the International Schools, particularly if you are prepared to travel out of Cologne.

For German schools: bildungsportal.nrw.de/BP. This site will enable you to get the details of the local schools in Cologne but to find out what they are like you really need to go and look for yourself.

If you are planning another 'look see' visit to Cologne then avoid the Karneval weekend. It is fascinating but completely different to Cologne at any other time so it won't help you decide if you like it.

Hi,

thanks so much for the info. Very helpful. I am especially interested in hearing from people about their experiences in Germany with the schools.

Personal experiences and recommendations would be great.

Thanks!
J

Have a search for old threads on this board. There have been lots about schools. Remember that the Länder organise education in Germany so look for threads that talk about NRW schools.

rebecca is right. look in the family section of the forum German Themes --> Family Life. i know myself i participated in one discussion. i don't have kids, but knowing which direction a kid should chose when he or she is 11 is beyond me. i also know quite a lot of germans who were not up to gymnasium sandards with 11, did vocational training, then went on to study. they're successful and contribute, so your daugher should not be discouraged.

The next issue of Rhine Magazine will be running a feature article (with listings of) international and bilingual schools in the Cologne/Bonn/Düsseldorf area. You might want to look out for it.

Thanks -- that sounds very interesting! Where and when does one find it? My husband will be going now to Köln frequently, so could pick it up. Or I can ask someone at the office to get it for us, too.

I know that Rhine Magazine is for sale at the Mayersche bookstore at Neumarkt, the English Shoppe close to the Kaufhof on Schildergasse and the Metropolis kino at Ebertplatz. Hope that helps!