Education

Garmisch Elementary/Middle School

Located in the Breitenau Housing Area. The Garmisch Elementary/Middle School is for children of government sponsored individuals, active duty and civilian. It serves children in Kindergarten through eighth grade. It is a small, modern, American accredited school (DoDEA) offering high quality instruction. Emphasis is placed on individual growth and personal responsibility. A variety of activities are designed to take advantage of the opportunities available in our host nation.

Contact the school by calling 011-49-8821-750-2611 or DSN 314-440-2611. 
 
The school does not have a cafeteria. Children residing off base are required to bring a sack lunch. Children living in the Breitenau Housing Area can go home for lunch. Occasionally, the PTA sponsors a special lunch. These specials are always announced well in advance. For students wishing to participate, advance orders are taken.

The school has an active Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and a School Advisory Committee (SAC), which is comprised of elected members. The SAC is the only formal group making recommendations to the principal. For more information, inquire in the school's office.

Families with school age children not living in Breitenau must register for school bus service. Forms are available in the School's Administration Office, or call the School Bus Office: 011-49-8821-750-2576 or DSN 314-440-2576. 

To view standardized test scores for Garmisch Elementary/Middle School go to the DoDEA Data Center.

Entrance Requirements

DoDEA has changed its Early Child Hood Education programs entrance requirements for all DoD Schools for Calendar Year 2009-2010.  Age requirement are:

• Sure Start and Pre-Kindergarten Programs, a child must be 4 years of age by September 1.
• Kindergarten Programs, a child must be 5 years of age by September 1.
• First Grade, a child must be 6 years of age by September 1. 

Home schooling

If you have any questions about exceptions, contact DoDEA. 

Please note, the Sure Start and Pre-Kindergarten Programs are not available in the Garmisch school.

Home schooling is an option for many in the Garmisch community. Should this be your option, it may be beneficial for you to explore the possibilities for programs before leaving the US.  Students who are being home-schooled are required to register with the school to be eligible to utilize the school's resource materials and extra classes such as art. Contact the school for further information.

High School

Garmisch does not have a DoDDS American High School (grades 9-12). Most high school age students commute to the Munich International School (MIS) located in Starnberg just south of Munich. In addition to providing an excellent academic curriculum, the school offers a variety of after school activities and an excellent sports program. Late transportation is provided for those students participating in after school activities.   It is important to keep in mind, that MIS is not an American style school.  The student body is international but English is the language used in the classroom.  Many of the extra activities and sports will be different as well, good, but different from what you may be accustomed too. 

It is also important to note that MIS is a private school and requires high academic and behavior standards. Acceptance to the school is not automatic. Parents need to be aware that the school will not accept students on IEP's, students with a low GPAs, or students receiving other special educational services. Extensive paperwork is required (including transcripts of the student's last three report cards). Additionally, tuition-free attendance at MIS is based on the full logistical support of the sponsor. School-aged children of full-time civilian DoD employees who are NOT on a transportation agreement or entitled to a Living Quarter's Allowance (LQA) are NOT eligible to attend MIS or any other tuition required school at government expense.

Contact your School Liaison Officer as soon as you are aware of your assignment to Garmisch or Oberammergau. Space can be limited in MIS so late registration could result in being placed on a waiting list or not being accepted. As there are no American High Schools in the commuting area or in Europe providing boarding facilities, students unable to attend MIS due to lack of available space or low academic record, will have to opt for another means of education such as home schooling, or applying for attendance at another International School or boarding school.

Contact Information:

Garmisch School Liaison Officer is:  011-49-8821-750-2266 or DSN:  314-440-2266

Munich International School (MIS) at 011-49-8151-366120 or online.

The Garmisch Elementary/Middle School is for children of government sponsored individuals, Active Duty and Civilian. It serves children in Kindergarten through eighth grade.

Garmisch does not have a DoDDS American High School (grades 9-12). Most high school age students attend the Munich International School located in Starnberg just south of Munich, 011-49-8151-366120.

For more information, please reach out to the School Liaison Officer at 011-49-8821-750-2266 or DSN: 314-440-3572. In addition, reference the section on Education for specifics on MIS if you have children in this age group.

American children may attend German schools at all levels. The German schools differ from the American schools in several ways: shorter school days, more homework, more frequent vacations but a shorter summer break, supplies and books that must be purchased, etc. Also consider the language barrier for children not fluent in German, particularly older children. Young children adapt quickly to the language and customs and generally do quite well. If you choose to enter your child in a German Kindergarten or other school, you will find the programs excellent. The enrollment is usually limited, so arrangements should be made as early as possible.

The Sure Start and Pre-Kindergarten Programs are not available in the Garmisch community.

Please reach out to the Garmisch School Liaison Officer for addiontal assistance by emailing: usarmy.garmisch.imcom-fmwrc.list.cys-info@army.mil.