Organization: Unlike an international school, the Kennedy School is a German public school organized under the auspices of the Berlin Senat. The Berlin State Department of Education, Landesschulalmt, is responsible for the overall operation of the School. A 10-member Educational Directorate comprised of representatives from the U.S. Embassy, the Berlin government, and the parent body, functions in a board of education capacity.

Curriculum: The curriculum combines features of both the U.S. and German educational systems. Instruction is in German and English, with English emphasized. U.S. students learn German in formal, daily lessons beginning in grade 3. The program at all levels is designed to accommodate U.S. students who have little or no knowledge of the German language. Classes in remedial reading and math are available in the elementary school. The Kennedy School emphasizes academic excellence. There is a probationary period following acceptance for all students, one year for elementary pupils and 6 months for students in grades 7 and above. The secondary school (grades 7-l3), accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, offers students the possibility to attain the American High School Diploma and/or the German Abitur. A comprehensive Advanced Placement program is offered. Newly accepted U.S. students receive instruction in English in all subjects except for the German language classes. As their proficiency in German increases, they participate in classes where the medium of instruction is predominately German. French, Latin, and Spanish are taught as foreign languages. Religious instruction is offered on an optional basis. Extracurricular activities include musical performances, drama productions, individual and team sports, student government, yearbook, and literary and newspaper publications. For older students, class trips are scheduled to Austria, England, France, Italy and within Germany. The School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Faculty: In the 2004-2005 school year, there are 147 full-time and 32 part-time faculty members.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year, enrollment was 1,712 (Kdg.-grade 6, 815, and grades 7-13, 897).

Facilities: Located in Zehlendorf, a residential area in the southwest of Berlin, the School's 6 buildings house an integrated elementary and high school. The School has 135 classrooms, 9 science laboratories, 3 computer laboratories, modern sports facilities, 2 library-media centers, a fine arts and drama annex, and a cafeteria.

Finances: The Kennedy School is a public school. No tuition is charged.

Dr. John Hersant, American High Principal
John F. Kennedy School
Teltower Damm 87-93
14167 Berlin, Germany
Tel. 49-30-6321-5758
Fax 49-30-6321-6977
E-mail: school@jfks.de