Here is a comprehensive list of your kid’s options for school while you are stationed in Germany. (ifilms (123RF))
Source
Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to Germany” magazine is a guide for newcomers and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in Germany.
Your installation’s School Liaison Program staff are a good first resource for any questions regarding school options while stationed in Germany. While most students attend a Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) school, both homeschooling and local German schools are available.
Ansbach | 0611-143-587-2175
Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 9028, Room 7B
ansbach.armymwr.com/programs/slo-ansbach
KMC | 0611-143-541-9061
Rhine Ordnance Barracks (R.O.B.) Bldg. 162, Room 102
kaiserslautern.armymwr.com/programs/school-liaison-officer-slo
Garmisch | 08821-750-2266
Breitenau Kaserne, Bldg. 723
garmisch.armymwr.com/programs/school-support-service
Grafenwöhr and Vilseck | 09641-70-526-9042
Tower Barracks, Bldg 539
grafenwoehr.armymwr.com/directory/65550
Hohenfels | 09472 708-2082
Camp Nainhof, Bldg. 10
hohenfels.armymwr.com/programs/school-liaison-officer-slo
Ramstein | 06371-47-9374
Bldg. 2303, Room 111
Spangdahlem | 06565-61-5340
Bldg. 151, Room 206
www.spangdahlem.af.mil/Contact-Us/School-Liaison-Office
Stuttgart | 09641-70-596-9009
Patch Barracks, Bldg. 2347, 2nd Floor
stuttgart.armymwr.com/directory/68545
Wiesbaden | 0611-143-548-9305
Hainerberg Housing, Bldg. 7790
wiesbaden.armymwr.com/happenings/school-liaison-office
Department of War Education Activity (DoDEA) schools accept enrollment throughout the year to accommodate military families.
Enroll at: www.dodea.edu/registration
Kaiserslautern Military Community
Baumholder Middle/High School: Grades 6–12. baumholdermhs.dodea.edu
Landstuhl Elementary School: Pre-School to Grade 5. landstuhles.dodea.edu
Kaiserslautern Elementary School: Sure Start to Grade 5. kaiserslauternes.dodea.edu
Kaiserslautern Middle School: Grades 6–8. kaiserslauternms.dodea.edu
Kaiserslautern High School: Grades 9–12. kaiserslauternhs.dodea.edu
Ramstein Elementary School: Sure Start to Grade 2. ramsteines.dodea.edu
Ramstein Intermediate School: Grades 3 to 5. ramsteinis.dodea.edu
Ramstein Middle School: Grades 6 to 8. ramsteinms.dodea.edu
Ramstein High School: Grades 9 to 12. ramsteinhs.dodea.edu
Sembach Elementary School: Sure Start to Grade 5. sembaches.dodea.edu
Smith Elementary School (Baumholder): Pre-K to Grade 5. smithes.dodea.edu
Vogelweh Elementary School: Pre-K to Grade 5. vogelwehes.dodea.edu
Spangdahlem AB
Spangdahlem Elementary School: Sure Start to Grade 5. spangdahlemes.dodea.edu
Spangdahlem Middle School: Grades 6-8. spangdahlemms.dodea.edu
Spangdahlem High School: Grades 9-12. spangdahlemhs.dodea.edu
Wiesbaden
Aukamm Elementary: Kindergarten to Grade 5. aukammes.dodea.edu
Wiesbaden Elementary School: Pre-K to Grade 5. wiesbadenes.dodea.edu
Wiesbaden Middle School: Grades 6-8. wiesbadenms.dodea.edu
Wiesbaden High School: Grades 9-12. wiesbadenhs.dodea.edu
Stuttgart
Patch Elementary School: Pre-K to Grade 5. patches.dodea.edu
Patch Middle School: Grades 6–8. patchms.dodea.edu
Robinson Barracks Elementary School: Kindergarten to Grade 5. robinsonbarrackses.dodea.edu
Stuttgart Elementary School: Kindergarten to Grade 5. stuttgartes.dodea.edu
Stuttgart High School: Grades 9 to 12. stuttgarths.dodea.edu
USAG Anbach
Ansbach Elementary School: Sure Start to Grade 5. ansbaches.dodea.edu
Ansbach Middle/ High School: Grades 6–12. ansbachmhs.dodea.edu
USAG Bavaria
Garmisch Elementary Middle School: Kindergarten to Grade 8. garmischems.dodea.edu
Grafenwöhr Elementary School: Pre-K to Grade 5. grafenwoehres.dodea.edu
Hohenfels Elementary School: Sure Start to Grade 5. hohenfelses.dodea.edu
Hohenfels Middle/High School: Grades 6–12. hohenfelsmhs.dodea.edu
Netzaberg Elementary School (Grafenwöhr): Sure Start to Grade 5. netzaberges.dodea.edu
Netzaberg Middle School (Grafenwöhr): Grade 6–8. netzabergms.dodea.edu
Vilseck Elementary School: Sure Start to Grade 5. vilseckes.dodea.edu
Vilseck High School: Grades 9–12. vilseckhs.dodea.edu
Garmisch high school-aged students do not have a local DoWEA high school. Instead, they may attend the DoWEA Virtual School (dvhs.dodea.edu) or participate in the Non-DoW School Program (NDSP) which helps fund homeschooling, boarding or international schools. In addition, students may choose to attend a local German school.
You can homeschool if you live on or off-installation. Home-schooling is a legal option open to all SOFA-sponsored active-duty military, DoW civilians and contractors. Your children may be eligible for auxiliary services offered by DoWEA-Europe. Contact your SLO for more information and to connect with home-school groups.
While stationed in Germany, you have the choice to have your children attend German schools. It’s strongly recommended to discuss this option thoroughly with your installation’s SLO before applying.
Key Differences
American holidays are not granted off, and schools have breaks spread throughout the school year instead of a long summer holiday.
Attendance is heavily monitored with fines for unexcused absences (including for vacation).
Hiring a tutor for extra language support is highly recommended as German as second language classes are limited in scope.
German School System Structure
Kita (Kindertagesstätte) is a collective term for both daycare and preschool.
Daycare (Kinderkrippe) is generally not available for Americans as it is competitively offered at specific rates to qualified dual-income German households.
Preschools (Kindergärten) may offer spaces to American student aged 3–6 (or 7) on a space-available basis. You must apply for a spot at the Kita of your choosing. Some states like Rheinland-Pfalz do not charge tuition, while most states, like Bavaria, do.
Grundschule: Students in grades 1–4 usually walk or bike to their local Grundschule, which typically operate from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with all-day (Ganztag) care available. Some Grundschule will allow for American students on a space-available basis.
Grades 5 and up are tracked into three options.
Realschule is for students in grades 5–10 who will likely attend a trade or skills school following graduation.
Integrierte Gesamptschules (IGS) are for students in grades 5 and up who retain the option to graduate at 10th grade or (given high enough scores) may enter the Abitur program to earn a university entrance diploma. An IGS will have multiple levels for coursework, much like an American school.
Gymnasiums are for students in grades 5–13 whose goal is to earn an Abitur for university entrance. A Gymnasium will typically only have high level coursework.
Another option is sending your child to a private international school. Many of these schools have day and/or boarding options. They also offer English-language instruction and make a good alternative to German public schools for students not eligible for DoWEA attendance. Contact your installation’s SLO to learn about the international school options in your area.
