At the Dresden International School (DIS) children are at the center of all that we do. As an all-day international school, we offer a holistic curriculum based on the internationally recognized educational framework developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) for students from age 1 to 19. We provide the composition of students and staff that offers a stimulating environment for gaining intercultural experience and understanding, and provides the ideal preparation for the global lifestyle and professional world of the future.

We ensure that our students’ talents are being fully developed in a complex, challenging and ever-changing world. To deliver this we want to develop a collaborative learning culture based on best practices that inspire students across all grades so that they can take individual responsibility to move forward as independent learners, enjoying success and sharing their achievements so as to give back now and in the future. Our school values—of being open-minded, displaying compassion, commitment and integrity—are the behaviors we believe will help students, staff and parents achieve our vision.

The school has grown from thirteen children in 1996 to 500 from 55 nations today. Students learn at two sites. Students in K5 and Grades 1 to 12 attend school at the purpose-built School Campus in the historical center of Dresden. The Preschool (ages 1-5) is housed in a beautiful villa at the Preschool Campus in Dresden-Blasewitz.
Through close cooperation between subject teachers and small class sizes, we ensure the promotion of academic achievement for all of our students. Our after school care (ASC) and homework lab provide a safe and stimulating environment for all students up to Grade 5 for work and play.

Although English is the language of instruction at the school, students do not require English language skills when entering our programs. Students with little to no English language knowledge attend English as Additional language (EAL) classes where they are supported in small groups, sometimes individually. German as Additional Language is also offered so as to assist students in learning the language of the environment outside of the school. This allows a smooth integration into the Dresden society. Spanish is offered as the additional foreign language from Grade 6 onward. Mandarin is offered as first language from Grade 1 onward. We teach German at home language level and also encourage and support students with other home language to continue learning their first language.

Learning being holistic, we also consider the social and emotional development of each student. We are fully aware that well-being is an intrinsic part of learning. This is why, the Student Support Team consists of specialists in different domains who work together to create an effective support network for our students.

Our school community consists of both international and local families who want their children to be in an English-speaking educational environment, be among internationally-minded peers and who are looking for a small and caring alternative to local schools. With many local families as part of the community, our school is well connected within the Dresden society allowing for many opportunities for our students to experience the local business, social, cultural and academic scene. The qualification that are obtained at the end of Grade 12 (IB Diploma or High School Diploma) are recongnized worldwide and in Germany. This keeps the door open for students to further their education in Germany and abroad, allowing them to become citizens of the world.

DIS is the only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Saxony to offer all three IB programs:Age 3 - Grade 5: Primary Years Program
Grades 6 - 10: Middle Years Program
Grades 11 & 12: Diploma Program
The school is divided into three sections: Preschool, Primary School and Secondary School. Co-curricular activities are spread across Primary and Secondary School.
The IB program leads internationally-minded students to the universally recognized IB Diploma which gives them the choice of universities for further study and helps them to become informed participants in their communities around the world. In addition, students can receive the High School Diploma and the MYP certificate.
The majority of our students leave DIS as bilingual or trilingual learners. On average 70% of our students graduate with a bilingual diploma. Along with mastering more than one language, students learn how to think critically, solve complex problems, and are prepared to engage in a globalized, ever-changing world. We are proud of our graduates, most of whom study abroad. However, there are also a large number of graduates who study at German universities.
We offer comprehensive support programs, such as individual learning and language development and counselling.

Starting after the last school period until 18:00, DIS offers a daily supplementary educational and recreational program. Here, students can engage in a wide range of pursuits including debating, coding, dance, chess, various sports, and writing.
The afternoon program provides students the opportunity to try out activities, spend time with friends, acquire new knowledge and perfect already existing abilities. Students also have the opportunity to take part in tournaments against other German international schools and students from local areas.
With our various co-curriculars, we aim to strengthen our students’ personalities, encourage their thirst for knowledge and promote collaboration between them.