Bilingual daycare centers in Munich
Feedback about various places
I've seen the list of bilingual daycares. I'm looking either for English/German or Spanish/German. Can some of you share your experiences of what you like or don't like about any of the popular day cares here in Munich.
the prices...
My daughters go to the International Preschool in Munich. We are very happy with the school - classrooms have lots of windows, lots of classroom decor, clean, great teachers, nice private outdoor play area (so the kids don't have to be walked to a public playground). My oldest has learned quite a bit and loves going to school there. She get's upset if I pick her up early. My other daughter goes to mini preschool and is also learning a good amount.
The one thing I like about the preschool versus say a co-op is that you have a set curriculum and educational goals that don't change as the student/parent body changes. The school combines montessori, International PYP curriculum, and "Learning to Learn" program. The one thing I have noticed is that the demographics can change year to year. Last year, when I toured the school it seemed like half the classroom was international and half German. This year, the classrooms tend to be 2/3 German and 1/3 international. However, everything is taught in English. In addition, the international kids get German classes during the week. They offer a 5/6 program geared to Kindergardners where they get more academic learning from the rest of the group - more intense reading, math, homework, etc. Children in each classroom range between 3 1/2 and 6 (Montessori style - all grouped together). They also offer a Hands on Science program for older kids. During the week, children have music and sports. There is a quarterly theme like back in September the theme was occupations and the children would learn a letter each day and an occupation that starts with that letter.
Big negative about the school is the COST. As many other international preschools, it is expensive. Tuition for regular preschool is 8000 euros for Sept to July. In addition, there is an annual materials fee 700 euros and 1 time registration fee 750 euros.
We (our family) really likes the school. We drive 30 minutes to get there since we live in the city. In my initial house hunting visit to Munich I did not see a preschool I liked besides this one. My husband's colleagues also sent there kids to this preschool so I had personal recommendations. But to be honest with you, I have not searched again in the city to find something closer and just as good.
I must also say that some of the other moms are not as delighted as me with the school. I believe there were issues with the curriculm. German parents wanted one thing while the international parents expected something different. But this year, a whole new "better" curriculm was established and I have been told by other parents that they are now happy with it. Also, new staff was brought in as some teachers left to start a new school. New staff great!! One thing I have noticed is that many parents have opted to keep their child at this school for Kindergarten because they feel the child will get more attention. Class ratio is about 20 kids to 2 full-time teachers plus assitant. I think the class max is 23.
The one thing I like about the preschool versus say a co-op is that you have a set curriculum and educational goals that don't change as the student/parent body changes. The school combines montessori, International PYP curriculum, and "Learning to Learn" program. The one thing I have noticed is that the demographics can change year to year. Last year, when I toured the school it seemed like half the classroom was international and half German. This year, the classrooms tend to be 2/3 German and 1/3 international. However, everything is taught in English. In addition, the international kids get German classes during the week. They offer a 5/6 program geared to Kindergardners where they get more academic learning from the rest of the group - more intense reading, math, homework, etc. Children in each classroom range between 3 1/2 and 6 (Montessori style - all grouped together). They also offer a Hands on Science program for older kids. During the week, children have music and sports. There is a quarterly theme like back in September the theme was occupations and the children would learn a letter each day and an occupation that starts with that letter.
Big negative about the school is the COST. As many other international preschools, it is expensive. Tuition for regular preschool is 8000 euros for Sept to July. In addition, there is an annual materials fee 700 euros and 1 time registration fee 750 euros.
We (our family) really likes the school. We drive 30 minutes to get there since we live in the city. In my initial house hunting visit to Munich I did not see a preschool I liked besides this one. My husband's colleagues also sent there kids to this preschool so I had personal recommendations. But to be honest with you, I have not searched again in the city to find something closer and just as good.
I must also say that some of the other moms are not as delighted as me with the school. I believe there were issues with the curriculm. German parents wanted one thing while the international parents expected something different. But this year, a whole new "better" curriculm was established and I have been told by other parents that they are now happy with it. Also, new staff was brought in as some teachers left to start a new school. New staff great!! One thing I have noticed is that many parents have opted to keep their child at this school for Kindergarten because they feel the child will get more attention. Class ratio is about 20 kids to 2 full-time teachers plus assitant. I think the class max is 23.
What age does the mini preschool start? I am looking for somewhere for when my son turns 2 in january? ANd do you know if they give priority to english speakers if the class mix is getting so skewed?
Mini preschool is 2 to about 3 1/2. Once the child is around 3 1/2, they have the child spend some time in the regular preschool and test him or her to see if he or she is ready for the move.
From what I've been told all international schools that teach in English give preference to native English speakers. Having them in the class helps allthe non-English speakers pick up the language.
By the way, mini preschool is less expensive than regular preschool (comprable to what I would pay back in the US).
From what I've been told all international schools that teach in English give preference to native English speakers. Having them in the class helps allthe non-English speakers pick up the language.
By the way, mini preschool is less expensive than regular preschool (comprable to what I would pay back in the US).
I find daycare prices ok. Not too expensive. They are much more expensive back in the US. Well depending where you live. I used to live in SF and they were very high.
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