At Leipzig International School (LIS), we understand that choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. For parents with children in primary school, questions about transitioning to the German system after Grade 4 or navigating university admission in Germany and beyond are common. We are there at every critical stage of your child’s educational journey, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to make a meaningful difference in tomorrow’s world.
A Guided Path to Success
Our pathways are designed to provide students with the challenging and comprehensive academics, personal support and global perspective they need to thrive. In Grade 4, our educators offer a Bildungsempfehlung, for families who decide to transition to the German school system or continue on the LIS journey. For those who stay with us, the focus remains on individualized attention and guidance tailored to their ambitions and strengths.
Unlike the German state system, which often struggles with early tracking, canceled lessons due to teacher shortages, and limited support and funding for holistic subjects like music, sports and art, LIS offers a consistent and comprehensive educational experience. With a dedicated pool of substitute teachers, we ensure no lessons are missed, and our full curriculum supports not only academic excellence but also creativity, physical activity and personal growth. Additionally, our focus on modern teaching methods, inclusivity and global orientation equips students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. By choosing LIS, families invest in an education that nurtures the whole child and prepares them for a future full of opportunities.
Students entering Grade 8 receive support selecting courses for the IGCSE program, which is recognized for its flexibility and academic depth. While some students may convert this qualification to a Mittlere Reife, most choose to continue with us, leveraging the internationally renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.
Throughout this journey, our Beyond LIS team provides extensive support. They assist students in identifying their interests, understanding university admission requirements across countries and selecting the best courses to meet their aspirations. The result? Graduates who feel confident, capable and ready to excel in their choice of work, higher education and beyond.
Preparing for Life
The skills our students develop at LIS set them apart. From critical thinking to effective communication, they learn not only to excel in academics but also to navigate the complexities and demands of university life. Alumni consistently report that the IB Diploma gave them a significant advantage at university compared to their peers.
Anastasia Porojkow (Dalarna University in Sweden), an LIS alumna, shares:
“IB also taught me how to properly organise and manage my time, which gave me a significant head start at university.”
For others, the impact of LIS goes beyond academic preparation. Mauro Battellini (University of Amsterdam) reflects:
“The IB diploma is internationally oriented and gives you direct access to UK universities. The essays, presentations, and projects with a high degree of freedom are good preparation for tertiary education in the American or British style. LIS gave me the freedom to choose from a wider range of options and therefore experiences.”
Even challenging components of the IB, like Theory of Knowledge (TOK), leave a lasting impression. Nils Meier (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and Peter Breuer (EHT Switzerland) both agree:
“Looking back, [TOK] brings valuable insight and different ways of thinking about a multitude of things. That broader perspective is very good.”
An impressive 63% of our IB graduates earn a bilingual diploma, demonstrating proficiency in two languages at a native or near-native level. This means taking both Language A in English and in German, showing their ability to navigate complex texts and articulate ideas fluently in both languages. This ensures that students remain connected to German culture and language— important for those considering higher education or careers in Germany.
Recognition and Results
LIS students graduate equipped to pursue higher education globally. The IB Diploma is widely recognized, as evidenced by university recognition data. Additionally, research on the IB underscores its role in fostering critical skills like problem-solving and resilience.
Join Us for the Journey
Choosing LIS means choosing a school that prioritizes your child’s growth, aspirations, and success. To learn more:
- Speak to our Beyond LIS team about how we guide students toward their goals.
- Explore our alumni interviews in the Observer to hear their stories in detail.
- Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on how our graduates are making a mark worldwide.
LIS is more than a school—it’s a lifelong community. Together, let’s prepare your child for a future full of possibilities.
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