USAG Bavaria  Education

DoDEA Europe

United States Army Garrison Bavaria-Grafenwoehr is an exciting and inviting place to visit, live, work and, to receive an education.

All USAG Bavaria-Grafenwoehr schools are a part of the Department of Defense Education Activity-Europe (DoDEA-E). Children of Service Members, Department of Defense Civilians, and qualifying NAF employees, who are command sponsored, may attend DoDEA Europe schools.

DoDEA Europe Link:  https://www.dodea.edu/Europe/index.cfm

The city of Grafenwoehr is located just outside of the main gate of Tower Barracks.  The Netzaberg Complex is located between the cities of Grafenwoehr and Eschenbach and a 3 minute drive out Tower Barracks gate 20. The city of Vilseck is located just outside of Rose Barracks and about 15 miles south of Tower Barracks and the city of Grafenwoehr.

USAG Bavaria-Grafenwoehr has three Elementary schools serving Pre-School Children with Disabilities (PSCD), Sure Start and Kindergarten to 5th grade.  Vilseck Elementary School (VES) is located on Rose Barracks (Vilseck), Grafenwoehr Elementary School (GES) is located on Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr) and Netzaberg Elementary School (NES) is located in the Netzaberg Complex.  Elementary School students score above the National average in Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The schools enjoy strong community support and cultural exchanges with the local community.

Netzaberg Middle School (NMS) serves students from 6th grade to 8th grade and is located in the Netzaberg Complex. Courses are offered in College and Career Readiness Standards Social Studies, Science, Math, and Language Arts. Special areas or elective teachers teach World Languages, Physical Education, Health and Art, Computer, Video, Drama, Video Communications, Choral, Band, STEAM, and other subjects.

Vilseck American High School (VHS) serves students from 9th grade to 12th grade and is located on Rose Barracks (Vilseck). Students at VHS consistently scores above the national average in all core subject areas. VHS has state of the art equipment for its 15 Professional Technical Studies programs. Some of the programs are Video Production, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Management and a new Culinary Arts program. Additionally, VHS offers Advanced Placement courses, honor programs, distance learning opportunities, college preparatory courses, and student assistance programs to meet individual needs.

Standardized test scores for USAG Bavaria-Grafenwoehr schools can be found through the following link:

https://www.dodea.edu/assessments/index.cfm

Students at VHS participate in a comprehensive athletic program with a history of championship teams. The sports offered are Football, Cross Country, Volleyball, Tennis, Wrestling, Golf, Boys and Girls Soccer, and Track and Field.

School Links:

Grafenwoehr Elementary School Link: Homepage | Grafenwoehr Elementary School | DoDEA

Netzaberg Elementary School Link: Homepage | Netzaberg Elementary School | DoDEA

Vilseck Elementary School Link: Homepage | Vilseck Elementary School | DoDEA

Netzaberg Middle School Link: Homepage | Netzaberg Middle School | DoDEA

Vilseck High School Link:  Homepage | Vilseck High School | DoDEA

Registration

New students registering for enrollment in DoDEA Europe schools overseas are required to provide verification of the following:

• Date of Birth
• Dependent Status
• Active Duty Status of Military Sponsor or Employment Status of Civilian Sponsor
• Status of Defense Contractor Sponsor and Central Billing Letter
• Status of non-DoD sponsor (other Federal Agencies)

DoDEA Online Registration for Students (DORS) eliminates manual forms and makes it easy for parents to register their child for school.  Visit https://www.dodea.edu/DORS/index.cfm  to access DORS and register your child.  Report to the main office of the school that your child will attend to finalize registration.

In order to register your child for school, you must have current orders (family travel orders and sponsor's orders), the student's birth certificate, student's social security card, sponsor's or spouse's ID card, current shot records, information on two local emergency contacts (other than parent) and one stateside permanent contact. Your child cannot start school without the documents listed.

For additional information regarding eligibility and enrollment, click on the link below:  https://www.dodea.edu/registration-process.cfm

Entrance Requirements

In order to attend a DoDEA-E school, the following age requirements must be met:

• For Sure Start and Pre-Kindergarten Programs, a child must be 4 years of age by September 1

• For 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

Meals

The AAFES Exchange Student Meal Program provides wholesome, nutritious meals to students in participating DoDEA-E schools.  Reduced and free meals are available to all DoDEA-E students who are eligible.  Applications are made through an online application on the AAFES site https://freeandreducedapps.aafes.com/

For more information, visit: https://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/school-lunch-program

You can find menus, as well as nutrition and allergen information at:

https://www.aafes.com/Images/Community/schoollunch/MenuNutrition2020.pdf

School Bus Transportation

School bus transportation is provided.  Host-Nation bus companies safely transport students to and from their designated schools and alternate educational sites for classes and authorized school activities.  Buses are provided free of charge. 

For bus transportation, the first step is to register children for school.  Next is to visit the School Bus Office servicing the community schools. Both a parent and all students needing transportation, should be present to register for transportation, receive a bus pass (usually with the student's picture) and to receive information or briefings on the route(s). stops and schedule; bus safety; and behavior standards and discipline rules.

The school bus offices are located at the Vilseck Elementary School, Vilseck High School and in the Netzaberg Middle School. The services are limited to specific areas off post, so be certain to only accept housing within the commuting area. Housing will be able to tell you if your quarters will be within the bus service district or, contact the School Bus Office (SBO). Consult SBO before signing a contract with a private realtor for off-post housing, to confirm housing is within the bus district.

Rose Barracks School Transportation Office (VHS)

Local: +49 (0)9662 83 2422

DSN: (314) 476-2422

Rose Barracks School Transportation office (VES)

Local: +49 (0)9662 83-2812 ext. 7418 

DSN: (314) 476-2812 ext. 7418

Netzaberg/Grafenwoehr School Transportation office (NMS) 

Local: + 49 (0)9645-917-9184 ext.5040  

DSN: (314) 472-9184 ext.5040

The Franconian International School (FIS) is a not-for-profit association, serving the communities of Herzogenaurach, Nürnberg, Fürth and Erlangen. The FIS is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the members of the FIS Association and sponsoring companies.

The FIS operates a full-day program from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m, with classes being taught in English, supplemented by regular German lessons. The school provides a full international curriculum which includes a range of subjects with specialized teachers for German, PE, Art, Music and Computers. Spanish is taught from grade 6. The FIS has plans for continued expansion of the academic program culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Franconian International School Link: https://the-fis.de/

Home schooling is authorized for SOFA sponsored dependents in Germany.  Sponsors of school age children who are eligible to attend a DODEA-E school, but wish to homeschool, are entitled to certain auxiliary services through DoDEA-E such as testing, enrollment in select classes, use of library, activities, etc.

Please contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) for information on accessing services. Your SLO can assist you in finding contacts with a home schooling association before leaving for Germany.

You may also want to purchase curriculum materials before you arrive.  Visit your SLO page at europe.armymwr.com/SLO (select Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, or Garmisch)

Email:  usarmy.bavaria.imcom-europe.list.bavaria-slo@army.mil

Please see the topic "College/Technical Training" for information about adult education.

1.  INTRODUCTION

DoDEA Europe

United States Army Garrison Bavaria-Grafenwoehr is an exciting and inviting place to visit, live, work and, to receive an education.

All USAG Bavaria-Grafenwoehr schools are a part of the Department of Defense Education Activity-Europe (DoDEA-E). Children of Service Members, Department of Defense Civilians, and qualifying NAF employees, who are command sponsored, may attend DoDEA Europe schools.

DoDEA Europe Link:  https://www.dodea.edu/Europe/index.cfm

The city of Grafenwoehr is located just outside of the main gate of Tower Barracks.  The Netzaberg Complex is located between the cities of Grafenwoehr and Eschenbach and a 3 minute drive out Tower Barracks gate 20. The city of Vilseck is located just outside of Rose Barracks and about 15 miles south of Tower Barracks and the city of Grafenwoehr. 

USAG Bavaria-Grafenwoehr has three Elementary schools serving Pre School Children with Disabilities (PSCD), Sure Start and Kindergarten to 5th grade.  Vilseck Elementary School (VES) is located on Rose Barracks (Vilseck), Grafenwoehr Elementary School (GES) is located on Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr) and Netzaberg Elementary School (NES) is located in the Netzaberg Complex.  Elementary School students score above the National average in Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The schools enjoy strong community support and cultural exchanges with the local community.

Netzaberg Middle School (NMS) serves students from 6th grade to 8th grade and is located in the Netzaberg Complex. Courses are offered in College and Career Readiness Standards Social Studies, Science, Math, and Language Arts. Special areas or elective teachers teach World Languages, Physical Education, Health and Art, Computer, Video, Drama, Video Communications, Choral, Band, STEAM, and other subjects.

Vilseck American High School (VHS) serves students from 9th grade to 12th grade and is located on Rose Barracks (Vilseck). Students at VHS consistently scores above the national average in all core subject areas. VHS has state of the art equipment for its 15 Professional Technical Studies programs. Some of the programs are Video Production, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Management and a new Culinary Arts program. Additionally, VHS offers Advanced Placement courses, honor programs, distance learning opportunities, college preparatory courses, and student assistance programs to meet individual needs.

Standardized test scores for USAG Bavaria-Grafenwoehr schools can be found through the following link:

https://www.dodea.edu/assessments/index.cfm

Students at VHS participate in a comprehensive athletic program with a history of championship teams. The sports offered are Football, Cross Country, Volleyball, Tennis, Wrestling, Golf, Boys and Girls Soccer, and Track and Field.

School Links:

Grafenwoehr Elementary School Link:https://www.dodea.edu/GrafenwoehrES/index.cfm

Netzaberg Elementary School Link: https://www.dodea.edu/NetzabergES/index.cfm

Vilseck Elementary School Link: https://www.dodea.edu/NetzabergES/index.cfm

Netzaberg Middle School Link: https://www.dodea.edu/NetzabergMS/index.cfm

Vilseck High School Link:  https://www.dodea.edu/VilseckHS/index.cfm

Registration

New students registering for enrollment in DoDEA Europe schools overseas are required to provide verification of the following:

• Date of Birth
• Dependent Status
• Active Duty Status of Military Sponsor or Employment Status of Civilian Sponsor
• Status of Defense Contractor Sponsor and Central Billing Letter
• Status of non-DoD sponsor (other Federal Agencies)

DoDEA Online Registration for Students (DORS) eliminates manual forms and makes it easy for parents to register their child for school.  Visit https://www.dodea.edu/DORS/index.cfm  to access DORS and register your child.  Report to the main office of the school that your child will attend to finalize registration.

In order to register your child for school, you must have current orders (family travel orders and sponsor's orders), the student's birth certificate, student's social security card, sponsor's or spouse's ID card, current shot records, information on two local emergency contacts (other than parent) and one stateside permanent contact. Your child cannot start school without the documents listed.

For additional information regarding eligibility and enrollment, click on the link below:  https://www.dodea.edu/registration-process.cfm

Entrance Requirements

In order to attend a DoDEA-E school, the following age requirements must be met:

• For Sure Start and Pre-Kindergarten Programs, a child must be 4 years of age by September 1

• For 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

Meals

The AAFES Exchange Student Meal Program provides wholesome, nutritious meals to students in participating DoDEA-E schools.  Reduced and free meals are available to all DoDEA-E students who are eligible.  Applications are made through an online application on the AAFES site https://freeandreducedapps.aafes.com/

For more information, visit: https://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/school-lunch-program

You can find menus, as well as nutrition and allergen information at:

https://www.aafes.com/Images/Community/schoollunch/MenuNutrition2020.pdf

School Bus Transportation

School bus transportation is provided.  Host-Nation bus companies safely transport students to and from their designated schools and alternate educational sites for classes and authorized school activities.  Buses are provided free of charge. 

For bus transportation, the first step is to register children for school.  Next is to visit the School Bus Office servicing the community schools. Both a parent and all students needing transportation, should be present to register for transportation, receive a bus pass (usually with the student's picture) and to receive information or briefings on the route(s). stops and schedule; bus safety; and behavior standards and discipline rules.

The school bus offices are located at the Vilseck Elementary School, Vilseck High School and in the Netzaberg Middle School. The services are limited to specific areas off post, so be certain to only accept housing within the commuting area. Housing will be able to tell you if your quarters will be within the bus service district or, contact the School Bus Office (SBO). Consult SBO before signing a contract with a private realtor for off-post housing, to confirm housing is within the bus district.

Rose Barracks School Transportation Office (VHS)

Local: +49 (0)9662 83 2422

DSN: (314) 476-2422

Rose Barracks School Transportation office (VES)

Local: +49 (0)9662 83-2812 ext. 7418 

DSN: (314) 476-2812 ext. 7418

Netzaberg/Grafenwoehr School Transportation office (NMS) 

Local: + 49 (0)9645-917-9184 ext.5040  

DSN: (314) 472-9184 ext.5040

2.  HOST NATION SCHOOLS

Some families consider sending their children to local host nation public schools. This can be a wonderfully enriching and rewarding experience. For some families the benefits are worth the adjustments to an unfamiliar system. Be aware that school calendars, schedules, and dress codes may vary greatly from American schools. Learning new language skills and culture are reasons some families choose this option. This is a personal decision and should be made considering the needs and personality of each child. This is certainly not an option in all areas. Families who are accepted must understand that all information and communication with the schools may not be in English so, be prepared to use an interpreter if need be. Acceptance of non-local national students varies from location to location.

3.  PRIVATE SCHOOL

The Franconian International School (FIS) is a not-for-profit association, serving the communities of Herzogenaurach, Nürnberg, Fürth and Erlangen. The FIS is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the members of the FIS Association and sponsoring companies.

The FIS operates a full-day program from 0900 to 1515hrs, with classes being taught in English, supplemented by regular German lessons. The school provides a full international curriculum which includes a range of subjects with specialized teachers for German, PE, Art, Music and Computers. Spanish is taught from grade 6. The FIS has plans for continued expansion of the academic program culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma.   Franconian International School Link: https://the-fis.de/

4.  HOME SCHOOLING

Home schooling is authorized for SOFA sponsored dependents in Germany.  Sponsors of school age children who are eligible to attend a DODEA-E school, but wish to homeschool, are entitled to certain auxiliary services through DoDEA-E such as testing, enrollment in select classes, use of library, activities, etc.

Please contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) for information on accessing services. Your SLO can assist you in finding contacts with a home schooling association before leaving for Germany.

You may also want to purchase curriculum materials before you arrive.  Visit your SLO page at europe.armymwr.com/SLO (select Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, or Garmisch)

5.  SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER (SLO)

School Support Services assists with the unique education challenges military Families encounter through the School Liaison Officer (SLO).

The SLO is the Garrison Commander’s primary advisor on school-related matters and education initiatives.  As the Commander’s representative, the SLO builds partnerships with local schools and facilitates communication and programming among the school, the command, and parents. SLOs are great sources of accurate information and collaborators for solutions that benefit Army Families.

SLO Support Areas:

• Manage/coordinate/implement school liaison services
• Inform and assist parents on youth education and school issues
• Function as installation subject matter expert (SME) for youth education/school issues
• Collaborate with local schools, installation organizations and community organizations to facilitate the education experience of military children and youth
• Develop solutions in partnership with local schools that ease barriers to successful education transitions for youth
• Serve as primary advisor to the Garrison Commander and their staff, on matters relating to schools and School Liaison Services
• Student 2 Student (S2S)
  • Schools provide a Student 2 Student (S2S) program for new students
  • This program assists incoming students with getting to know the school and becoming familiar with the community
  • Request for an S2S sponsor can be made through the School Liaison Officer (SLO)

For questions and assistance, contact the USAG Bavaria-Grafenwoehr School Liaison Officer (SLO) in Bldg 539, Room 216, Tower Barracks.

Email: usarmy.bavaria.imcom-europe.list.bavaria-slo@mail.mil

International Phone: 011-49-9641-70-526-9042

Local Phone: 09641-70-526-9042

DSN: (314) 526-9042

Website: https://grafenwoehr.armymwr.com/programs/school-support-service