How to Apply

As an accredited German school abroad, we bring together a diverse student body of Ethiopian, German, and other nationalities for a quality German-language education grounded in global perspectives. Our thoughtful admissions process aims to build a motivated, engaged student community with connections to the German language and culture. We assess each applicant individually to ensure our programs can meet their needs and support their success.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly at any time if you require clarification or support as you explore DBSAA for your child. We are happy to provide personalized assistance and advise you through this important process.

Academics

The DBSAA offers a rigorous academic program centered around small class sizes for individualized attention. Students are challenged through the prestigious IB Diploma Programme and instructed by German-speaking teachers to immerse them in the language. Customized support programs ensure each child gets the help they need, while opportunities like language instruction in German, English, French and Spanish, international exams and competitions prepare students for global citizenship.

School Life

The DBSAA enriches student life through diverse after-school activities, clubs, and competitive opportunities in academics, arts, and sports. Festivals, trips, and collaborative projects build a strong sense of community. College and career guidance, including hands-on social internships, equip students for their future.

Global Focus

With exchanges worldwide, international exams and competitions, and a holistic educational approach, the DBSAA prepares students to thrive as global citizens and to follow an individually suitable path into the future.

Individualized approach

The DBSAA tailors the educational experience to each child through support programs for gifted students, career changers, and those needing extra help. Small classes mean teachers can understand and nurture each student's unique strengths and needs to help them achieve their full potential academically and personally.

School System in Germany

First, children attend primary school for four years. In the fourth grade, they decide how to continue their education. The system of secondary schools is divided into Hauptschulen, Realschulen, Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen. The Hauptschule ends after the 9th grade with the Hauptschulabschluss, the Realschule after the 10th grade with the Realschulabschluss. Afterwards, the young adults can start vocational training or continue their schooling. The Gymnasium ends after the 12th or 13th grade with the Abitur, which entitles them to study at a university.

Getting Started

Steps you have to follow to get enrolled at our school.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round for most grade levels, however, we recommend submitting by the deadlines below to allow sufficient processing time.

To begin, review the admissions requirements and criteria for the desired program. Gather all necessary documents early on.

Then, submit a completed application form with all supporting materials either electronically to info@dbsaa.de or hard copies in-person to our office.

After applications are received, our Admissions Team reviews materials for completeness and assessments are scheduled as needed.

Admissions decisions are made based on thorough review of all documents, assessment results, and current enrollment availability.

If accepted, families must confirm their registration by submitting any additional required paperwork and fees.

Required Documents

While specific documentation needs vary by program, typical documents required for admissions include:

Students Passport copy

Parent/Guardian Passport

Recent School records and transcripts

Standardized or entrance exam test scores

Proof of German language proficiency if applicable

Any legal custody agreements or paperwork

Our office provides grade-specific checklists of required documents during the application process. Please ensure all materials are properly certified translations if not originally in German or English. Keep copies for your records.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Kindergarten

Application Deadline: April 1 Ages 3-6 years old

Primary School

1st Grade applicants must be age 6+ by June 30

Secondary School

Grade 5-10

International Baccalaureate Diploma program (Upper Secondary)

Grade 11-12, must complete Grade 10

While applications are accepted year-round, we highly recommend submitting by the deadlines above for full consideration. Space are limitted.

Admission by Grade

Ages 3-6 Years old: We accept applications for children ages 3-6 to our full-day Kindergarten and Preschool program. Age 3 by June 30th is the typical minimum, however in some cases children turning by October 31 may be considered.

Asses German language exposure and skills: Prospective students may be evaluated to determine their current level of German language exposure and proficiency. This is done through interviews with parents and the child, observation during a trial day, and reviewing any relevant records. The aim is to identify any extra assistance needed.

Interview with Head of Kindergarten: The Head of Kindergarten conducts in-depth interviews with parents and children in individual cases to ascertain developmental needs, background, previous schooling, family dynamics, and goals. This supports determining program fit.

1st Grade applicants must turn age 6 by June 30 or October 31 at the latest: To enroll in 1st grade, applicants must meet the minimum age requirement of turning 6 years old either by June 30th of the year entering OR by October 31 at the very latest.

Language assessment required to gauge German proficiency: All incoming Primary School students take a German language proficiency assessment to determine current skill levels and need for additional language instruction support. Extra lessons are provided to those still developing German skills.

Review of preschool progress reports and recommendation: As part of the application, we conduct an in-depth review of the child's Preschool or Kindergarten progress reports, teacher recommendations, and any observations.

For Grades 5-10: Our Secondary School division serves students in Grades 5 through 10. This spans the middle and high school years before the upper secondary IB Diploma Programme.

German language assessment required, with added support lessons: All applicants take a German language proficiency test and provided added instruction if needed to access the academic curriculum. This support is built into the program.

Records demonstrating satisfactory prior school progress: As part of the application process, candidates must submit transcripts from previous schools showing they successfully completed all prior grades and are prepared to undertake the next grade level.

Evaluation to determine any required academic support: Teachers carefully review student records, assessment results, and interview findings to identify subjects or skills requiring additional support to ensure solid foundations. The aim is to customize scaffolding to help each student thrive.

Grades 11-12, culminating in IBDP qualification: Our IBDP program comprises grades 11-12, where students deeply explore 6 subject areas and complete independent research, eventually earning the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma qualification

Successful completion of Grade 10 required: Only applicants who have fully completed grade 10 at an accredited school and earned the rights to progress to upper secondary are considered for IBDP admission.

Competitive grades/scores on standardized exams: Top marks on high school transcripts and standardized tests in prerequisite subjects (German, English, Math, Sciences) are required. Minimum grade averages apply. The most qualified candidates are selected.

Personal interview assessing motivation and fit: Every prospective Diploma student and parent complete comprehensive interviews with the Upper School Director to deeply explore motivation, goals, learning styles, strengths/weaknesses and overall fit for this accelerated 2-year program

Registration Detail

The Head of School makes all final admissions decisions in careful consultation with division heads, teachers, and admissions staff based on defined criteria, current space availability, and school resources. The aim is to build a motivated student body positioned for success.

Applicants will receive written notification of the admissions decision, along with instructions for next steps if accepted. Support is offered if the school determines a different academic path may be advisable based on the child's needs.

Prepare all documents: Use our checklists and reach out for clarity as needed on required paperwork. click here to see required documents

Submit registration form & copies: Send completed forms and scanned or photocopied documents to the office. Click here for the registration form

School reviews application: Our admissions team thoroughly reviews all materials for completeness.

Admissions decision: You will receive notification of whether your child is admitted along with placement information.

Attend orientation: Registered students attend orientation day and submit any final documents required.

Registration complete: Your child may now attend DBSAA starting on the first day of school!