Frequently Asked Questions
It is not necessary for children in Grade 5 and below to have previous experience with learning English or German to join our school. We support our students with a special programme called English or German as a Second Language (ESL or GSL). Students are provided with support to help them learn English and German during their first months and years at the school. In Early Primary classes, there will always be a teacher or an assistant who speaks fluent German, which helps during the transition time.
In the Middle School, G6-8, some background experience with English is expected at the time of enrolment, as well as a satisfactory ability in German (or another language) and mathematics. We continue to support our students with special English or German lessons in the Middle School where necessary.
Students joining us for the IB Diploma (Grades 11 and 12) are required to speak English fluently and to have an A2 German level as a minimum. It is a demanding and intense programme, requiring well developed language skills.
There is a very positive learning environment on the ThIS campus with our 4 year old and 18 year old students mixing in the same buildings. Students are very positive and enthusiastic about learning, which is a reflection of the way that our teachers and staff work with them. As well as subject knowledge we work to develop the colaborative and communicative skills of the students to help prepare them to be better team members and critical thinkers as they move through the school.
Our teachers and students have hardware and software available enabling us to deliver our curriculum in all situations. We have online learning platforms specific to the school section that the student is in (Lower or Upper School) and the student and teachers can work together, engaging with the activities and learning if the school should be closed as it was during the pandemic or if a student is absent for any significant period of time.
Yes, we have a beautiful modern campus on the Belvederer Allee in Weimar. Our facilities are excellent and include 4 state-of-the-art science labs, a computer lab (as well as an extended IT programme), dedicated music and art rooms and a wonderful library. We also have a gymnasium, a cafeteria and outdoor play and learning spaces. The resources for teaching and learning in classes are also very good.
It is not necessary for children in Grade 5 and below to have previous experience with learning English or German to join our school. We support our students with a special programme called English or German as a Second Language (ESL or GSL). Students are provided with support to help them learn English and German during their first months and years at the school. In Early Primary classes, there will always be a teacher or an assistant who speaks fluent German, which helps during the transition time.
In the Middle School some background experience with English is expected at the time of enrolment, as well as a satisfactory ability in German (or another language) and mathematics. We continue to support our students with special English and German lessons in the Middle School where necessary.
Students joining us for The IB Diploma (Grades 11 and 12) are required to speak English fluently and to have an A2 German level as a minimum. It is a demanding and intense programme, requiring well developed language skills.
We are an English speaking school, but because many of our students have German as their mother tongue, all general school information is published in English and German. Day to day communication from teachers is sent in English. If needed, we advise parents to use free online translating services. In addition, our bilingual school office staff is always happy to help.
At the end of Grade 10 our students take the IB MYP Assessments. This will lead to the award of the MYP Certificate. The German KMK recognises this as the equivalent to the Mittlere Reife (a German higher level middle school certificate) under certain conditions (see KMK document). If the results does not reach this level students could apply for a Hauptschulabschluss (a German lower level middle school certificate).
The IB Diploma at the end of Grade 12 is considered to be an “international passport” to higher education, as it is based upon the best educational practices in the world. The programme is recognized by the German government and, providing requirements are met (see KMK document), enables students to gain the "Allgemeine Hochschulreife”. It enables students to gain entrance to universities all around the world, including the US, UK, and other English speaking countries. Recent graduates from Thuringia International School have scored very well in their examinations and gained entrance to universities in these countries as well as Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, China, Switzerland and others.
Our Early Primary in Weimar is open for children who are 4 years old at the beginning of the school year. This is part of the IB Primary Years Programme (Early Primary to Grade 5), which is based on interactive and inquiry based hands-on teaching.
Yes, they are fully qualified in their home country and internationally experienced. Our teachers are employed from locations all over the world. They are mainly English speakers from the U.S., UK, Australia and New Zealand. Other staff members come from Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, France, Denmark and South Africa. Our German teachers are local and have German as their mother tongue and relevant local qualifications. Our French and Spanish teachers have French and Spanish as their mother tongue respectively.
Enrollment can happen throughout the school year for children of almost any age. Through our trial-days, testing and review of a student’s report card, our Principals and teachers assess the level of knowledge and skills possessed by a new student. They will set up a support plan to make the transfer as smooth as possible.