Changemakers for a new tomorrow
The Bavarian International School (BIS) is a community of over 1,200 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. BIS students are supported to become global citizens with outstanding language and communication skills, an intercultural mindset, and a deep understanding of digital technology and modern collaboration.
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 that ranks among the best international schools in Germany and in Europe (IB Diploma score average at BIS in 2021: 37 points, world average score is 33). English is the language of instruction at both campuses, with 21 other languages offered.
A caring, international community
About 75% of BIS students come from international families, with the other 25% 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 inclusion.
"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 counsellors. Students are encouraged to develop themselves outside of the classroom as well, by taking part in one of 80 after-school activities. These include drama, music, engineering, multimedia, athletics, as well as some signature programmes, such as the Model United Nations, the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, and the Eco School project.
Digital pioneers
Educational technology has been an integral component of the learning philosophy at BIS for nearly 20 years. Every child from grade 4 onwards is provided a BIS iPad. The combination of digitally-savvy teachers, IT team, and helpdesk team underlines BIS as a digital pioneer. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the knowledge and technological advantage at BIS enabled the school to switch smoothly from in-person instruction to distance and hybrid teaching, without missing a day of lessons.
The school of the future - today
In 2021, BIS celebrated its 30th anniversary. The next chapter will include the funding and building of the new Creativity & Innovation Centre (CIC). Building on the foundation of its 30-year tradition, BIS is actively shaping the future of learning with plans for this new heart of the Haimhausen campus. This building will offer open, flexible and interdisciplinary learning spaces for around 750 students. The pedagogical design focus of the space will be "STEAM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths). The new 25 million euro innovation center underscores BIS's claim to be the school of the future - today.
Register for BIS Open Days 2022-23:
Facts & Figures
Locations: Munich and Haimhausen, Bavaria (Germany)
Founded: 1991 (30 years of BIS in 2021)
Type of School: International School (International Baccalaureate World School), non-profit organisation, private all-day school from Kindergarten to Secondary School (from age 3 to 19)
Students: 1,200 from more than 60 nations
Teachers: 180 from more than 30 nations
Characteristics:
- Academic excellence (BIS IB Diploma average score in 2021: 37, 33 is the global average score, 37 is equivalent to 1.8 Abitur grade)
- 21 languages offered
- Technological expertise: 1:1 programmes with iPads, Helpdesk and IT Team
- Extensive extracurricular programme (80 activities per week)
- Counselling, wellbeing and learning support programmes
- Career and university counselling
- School bus transportation at both campuses
- School catering by ORGANIC GARDEN
