The school system in Hamburg

The elementary school in Hamburg usually takes four years. 

Then, the parents decide which school their child should attend next. The current school usually recommends what they think is right for the student. There are two options: 

• Stadtteilschule 
• Gymnasium

The Stadtteilschule start from the 5th grade. Here, your child can graduate with various degrees: the Ersten Allgemeinbildenden Abschluss (after the 9th grade), the Mittleren Schulabschluss (after the 10th grade) or the Allgemeine Hochschulreife (i.e. "Abitur") after the 13th grade. The Stadtteilschule focus on the vocational orientation of the students. Your child can start vocational training with any of the three degrees obtained from a Stadtteilschule. With the Allgemeine Hochschulreife or Abitur, the students can choose between higher education in a university and vocational training.

In a Gymnasium, students can do their Abitur after the 12th class. But they have to study intensively and be very diligent. Your child would have to learn at least two foreign languages in the Gymnasium. Many Gymnasium shave particular focus areas such as science, music & arts, languages ​​or sports. Each Gymnasium also has its specific criteria for the admission. Those who leave Gymnasium after the 9th or 10th grade, often obtain Ersten Allgemeinbildenden Abschluss or the Mittleren Schulabschluss. With an Abitur, your child can either start vocational training or enrol in a university.

Your child must go to school immediately after arrival in Hamburg.

Children living in reception centres will be offered lessons there. Other children who do not speak German yet should attend special German courses first.

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

You will receive an invitation letter via mail. You can hand over this letter and your documents to the school of your choice and register your child. 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 offer you advice on the registration process.