Parent's Review of International School Frankfurt (ISF) in Frankfurt
What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)
International School Frankfurt (ISF)
In what town or city is this school located?
Frankfurt
How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)
International (very high german population)
What grade levels are represented at this school?
kinder - 13
How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)
private taxi
How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?
Private company run program called SABIS (yes it is run for profit). Students are given very heavy workload and it is not hands on on experimental learning based. For example there are no science labs, students read about experiments and memorize facts. There are a minimum of 4 exams for every student each week.
Extra curricula activities take place after school and are mostly student run.
What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?
No transitional programs :( Students expected to "dive straight in", exams will be sat in first week. No flexibility
How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?
Parents are only able to meet with staff twice a year for a 15 minute conference. All communication goes through the deputy director.
Parent network however is quite good. Many mothers are non working and are actively involved with each other.
What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?
Reconsider. Try FIS "Frankfurt International School", no it is not a mistake that the names are so similar.
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Comments about this Report
guestMy kids are in this school already for over 8 years. There are two big chemistry labs (already since the building opened up). Morover have a great library and a great sport program. For new students there are loads of transitional programs (English, Math, German, etc.) so nobody needs to "dive" in. And yes, there is pressure to study, that's why over 80% of the students can go to the first university of their choice, often WITH scollarship. It almost sounds that somebody that not even joined the school was wrting this review!
guestIf you want a school that will teach your child to memorize facts, but not be thinkers this is the place for you. Very little emphasis placed on child centered learning and lots of emphasis placed on testing. My children were very unhappy here.
guesthave to agree, we have been to 4 international schools and this one by far the worst. Old fashioned teaching to the test. All about IB scores, teachers are aloof and not interested in building any relationship with children. There are of course some really good teachers and really good programs, but they are exception rather then the rule.Whle my two boys were ok there, we were not. We are glad we are out of there and back to a good school also in Europe.
guestISF is a great school! The staff cares a lot about the students. A lot of former students have started a career and are always in touch with the school community. ISF offers a very structured and creative environment. My child was there for 10 years and has benefited enormously.
