Near Frankfurt
10% international students
Age: min. 15
Start: FEB or AUG
Stay: 5 or 11 months
from 27.500 €
Castle Bieberstein - boarding school near Frankfurt
Castle Bierberstein is a prestigious German boarding school near Frankfurt, in a spectacular setting: The school - situated in a beautiful castle - combines the charm of a historic setting with modern educational approaches. The castle’s centuries-old architecture, surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking views, offers an atmosphere that combines history with academic excellence. The school offers a broad curriculum that caters to international students, often preparing them for higher education in Germany or abroad. Students can engage in lots of outdoor activities that allow them to connect with nature. School clubs like Art, Band, Golf or Astronomy give students the opportunity to explore their interests outside the classroom.
PS: The school was founded by the German educational reformer Hermann Lietz and promotes personal responsibility and social skills in a community setting. More Lietz schools in Germany: Castle Hohenwehrda and Haubinda Boarding Village
Overview & Prices
| Location | Castle Bieberstein, Hofbieber, near Fulda (more), one hour away from Frankfurt Airport - Google map |
| School type | Private boarding school - school website 120 students, 30 teachers, 10% internationals Exclusively for sixth formers |
| Highlights | Historic castle in a unique location on a hilltop, Prep year for international students, Horse riding, martial arts, climbing, summer school during summer vacation, |
| Focus | Optional focus on economics, E-international program: read more |
| Size | 120 students, 30 teachers, 10% internationals |
| Requirements | Minimum age 15, German on level B1/B2, English on B2 level, entry in grade 10 or 11 (G9 system) |
| Entry | FEB or SEP for 1 school year or semester |
| Price | 52.300 € per year, 27.500 € for 1 semester Incl.: admission, tuition, boarding, full board, German lessons 3-4 hours per week, individual support, supervision outside lesson times including almost all activities, strengthening and training of special talents Not incl.: security deposit, health insurance, additional costs of € 150-250 per month for leisure activities, family trips and excursions (e.g. golf, individual instrumental lessons, rental fees and insurance for the iPad, transfer costs) |
The School
Schloss Bieberstein is a grammar school set in a peaceful, picturesque location surrounded by woods and meadows. It offers a full boarding experience and leads students from Years 10 to 13 towards the state-recognised Abitur. The school offers graduation after Years 12 or 13 (G8/G9), with small class sizes and a wide range of subjects. E-learning and social learning within the class team are integral parts of the educational concept.
Over 10% of students come from abroad and receive special support, particularly in German as a second or foreign language, while attending regular classes. The school's educational philosophy is based on founder Hermann Lietz's holistic approach, combining intellectual, emotional and practical learning in a rural boarding school environment that feels like a second home.
With the E-International programme, the school offers an attractive alternative to the traditional introductory phase: students spend the entire first semester abroad, where, in addition to their studies, they gain experience abroad in a variety of projects. In the second semester, students return to the regular introductory phase.
At Schloss Bieberstein, school and boarding life are closely integrated. Extracurricular activities, tutoring and relationship building within the school community play an important role. The wellbeing of students is supported by a nurse and social workers, ensuring a caring and nurturing environment. Current clubs (guilds) include band, basketball, archery, Chinese, football, golf, kickboxing, art, yoga, astronomy and many more.
Accommodation:
Boarding students are accommodated in double and single rooms. They live with boarding families in communal living areas. Meals are taken at the family table in the large dining room. The teachers responsible for the boarding families live in private apartments on campus, often with their own families.
A balanced diet is a priority, with four meals a day, including a weekly vegetarian day. Food is sourced locally to support the local economy and reduce transport. A fruit basket and drinks are always available.
Every room has internet access and students are encouraged to balance online and offline time responsibly.
The school offers a varied recreational programme to promote relaxation and well-being, including sports, music, art and horse riding. Cultural events are an integral part of boarding life. This holistic approach promotes both a healthy lifestyle and academic success.
The boarding school is closed during the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays. During this time, trips are made with the class or work experience is undertaken. Host family accommodation is sometimes arranged.
