Schools in Freiburg

German is compulsary in public schools. All subjects are in German...

One has a duty to send kids to school and the very good public schools have a duty to take and accommodate them. But don’t expect that they will coddle them and create an English language system just for you however. They should be placed in a program to concentrate on getting their German language skills up to par; likely for the first year. Potentially they might lose a year academically since the focus is on the language and integration. But this in itself is a learning experience.

International schools that teach in English do exist in Germany but are not likely any better than public ones and will cost a good 10,000 Euros a year. For some people say just spending a year in Germany, this might be the best option. For people staying longer then it doesn’t make much sense.  Thus if you would choose to stay longer it might not be the best option - but limited to a year maybe yes.

But I googled it and find that there is NO English curriculum international school in or near Freiburg. There is an International School called Birklehof in Hinterzarten which is near Freiburg but it seems to have a German curriculum. There is an English speaking North American curriculum school called Black Forest Academy  in Kandern, which is in the middle of nowhere a good 60 KM south of Freiburg with no direct public transportation connection. Routing software shows it to be a good 45 minutes’ drive each way on back roads. And this school seems to have a focus on fundamental Christianity, so not for everyone.

Looks like the only practical option will be public schools. And whatever you find, the most beneficial thing you can do for your child will be to get them started learning German as soon as possible! A private tutor might be the most optimal route. Possibly you can find a German speaker who can use a side job if you don’t think you can afford one through a language school. Tutoring rather than sitting in a class can much better meet individual needs. Even if you would find an English based school in Germany, it would be a missed opportunity for them not to learn as much of the language while in Germany as possible.

Tom's post above sums it up excellently!