The school system of Bavaria

The elementary school in Bavaria takes four years to accomplish.

Then, the children change to a secondary school. There are three options:

• Mittelschule
• Realschule 
• Gymnasium

A specific grade average is necessary in order to switch to a Realschule or Gymnasium. Children with lower scores can take part in a 3-day trial class and a written and an oral exam. If the student passes these exams with the minimum score of 4, he/she can go to the desired school.

The Mittelschule starts in the 5th grade and ends with the 9th or the 10th grade. These schools prepare your child at an early age for the job market. Your child can earn Erfolgreichern Abschluss der Mittelschule or Qualifizierenden Abschluss der Mittelschule after the 9th grade or obtain a Mittleren Schulabschluss upon accomplishing the 10th grade. Any of these three certificates are sufficient to start vocational training ("Ausbildung"). Students with a Mittleren Schulabschluss can continue and do their Abitur.

The Realschule starts with the 5th grade and ends with the 10th grade. Here students can graduate with a Realschulabschluss after the 10th Class. But your child can also earn an Erfolgreichern Abschluss der Mittelschule or Qualifizierenden Abschluss der Mittelschule after the 9th or 10th grade. In the Bavarian Realschule, students can choose a particular subject of focus, such as economics, languages ​​or science/technology from the 7th grade onwards. With the Realschulabscluss, your child can start vocational training. Students with a Realschulabschluss and good scores can - usually after passing an entrance exam - continue their studies in a Gymnasium.

The Gymnasium starts with the 5th grade and ends with an Abitur in the 12th or 13th grade. In Gymnasiums, students have to study hard and be very diligent. They have to learn at least two foreign languages in their Gymnasium years. Those who leave the Gymnasium after the 9th or 10th grade will often automatically earn the Qualifizierenden Abschluss der Mittelschule or Realschulabschluss. With an Abitur, your child can study in a university education or start vocational training.

Three months after your arrival in Germany, your child has to go to school unless you live in an initial reception centre. Compulsory education does not apply to the children who are still living in initial reception centres.

In due time you will be informed by mail about the address of the designated school and the registration process. Children who do not speak German yet are initially tutored in special German courses.

The staff at your accommodation centre will assist you in the registration process.

You must register your child at the designated elementary school by April. The primary school responsible for your child is the one closest to your place of residence. You will receive a letter with all the necessary information in advance. During registration, your child will be examined by a doctor, and his German language skills will be checked.

The staff in your child's kindergarten can give you advice on the registration process.