Munich or villages around Munich?

Member since 22 January 2021

Nina2142Member22 January 2021 22:01:18

Hi all, we are planning to move to Germany next autumn because my husband was offered an IT job in Munich. We have a five and a half year old daughter who doesn't speak German very well (because of the pandemic we can only study online so it's not going too fast My biggest concern is to find a good school for her. She tends to be a shy girl and I'm worried if the transition would be good for her. So my question is, how should we choose a school for her (since there is no ranking system as in the UK (we used to live there)? Is it better to live in a small town or a village around Munich, or in the city itself? Where are the best chances for kind teachers and nice attitude towards foreigners? Would you recommend any particular area, town or village? Thank you in advance for any advice.

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert23 January 2021 07:53:23

15584

The only obvious difference between city centre and suburbs or even further out are rental costs and commuting times.
International schools (with English instruction) only exist in or near the city, but in my opinion a public (German) school is anyway better for the kid.
There is no school ranking, because quality differences are negligible (purposely kept small by policies, to give all kids the same chances). You could visit a few schools near your chosen residence and talk to the teachers to get an impression.
Some schools offer integration classes ("Förderklasse") to get foreign kids up to standard in German and other subjects before joining regular ones. But at only six years old and entering the first year of primary school, this is not necessary and they normally put all kids together - that way the non-German ones learn at record speed and have no obvious disadvantages later.
Alternatively, you could put her in kindergarten for another year and start primary school at seven years old.