School at the Kurpfalz Boarding School
Our high school: Small classes for greater success in the Abitur!
Our state-recognized high school prepares students for the Abitur of the state of Baden-Württemberg. At the Kurpfalz Boarding School, students who will have completed the 7th grade in autumn 2025 will take the Abitur after 12 school years (G8), while the following cohorts will do so after 13 school years (G9). In classes with ten students, they are intensively supported and optimally fostered by dedicated teachers. This gives them the opportunity to ask questions, be challenged, and actively participate in the design of the lessons.
The daily schedule
In the daily schedule of the Kurpfalz boarding school, lessons, supervised study periods, and an extensive project program with 65 extracurricular activities every week have a fixed place, just as there are opportunities to unwind from the challenges of the day or spend time with friends.
With the elimination of the daily commute and the recreational activities directly on campus, our students have more time in their day and quickly learn to appreciate the advantages of boarding school compared to day school.
We are also happy to admit students from the nine-year high school (G9) and integrate them into the class level that corresponds to their learning progress. This way, everyone has the opportunity to progress at their own pace.
The language sequences
At our gymnasium, we teach the language sequences of English (starting from grade 5) and Latin or French (starting from grade 6). Additionally, there is the option to choose Spanish as a third foreign language starting from grade 8. Russian and Italian can also be taken upon request.
Anyone wishing to learn a foreign language or seeking a language change receives intensive individual instruction and can quickly catch up to the performance level of their classmates.
Students who do not choose a third foreign language will be taught the subject of Natural Sciences and Technology (NWT) starting from the 8th grade, which continues until the 10th grade. This way, each student can individually determine what focus they want to set.
In the upper school (grades 11 and 12), students can then make a new decision by choosing either at least two foreign languages or two natural sciences. In this context, there is generally the option to take both languages and natural sciences as a three-hour basic subject or as a five-hour advanced subject and continue it until the final exam.
Bilingual offering
In a globalized world, solid English skills are of particular importance. Many study programs are already structured bilingually or require mandatory study semesters abroad. At Kurpfalz Internat, we want to prepare high school students for the challenge of communication in the English language and provide them with solid language competencies.
The Kurpfalz Boarding School therefore offers students the opportunity to choose a bilingual educational program.
Extended English lessons
In the 7th and 8th grades, students receive increased English instruction and an additional hour of English Conversation. The aim of the conversation class is to develop oral language skills and is conducted by an English teacher whose native language is English.
Bilingual content instruction
In the 9th grade, bilingual content instruction is offered in the subject of History. Students in the 10th grade receive bilingual content instruction in Geography. In the upper school, it is possible to take the seminar course in English.
Cambridge ESOL
The students in the bilingual stream additionally acquire the internationally recognized language certificates from Cambridge ESOL: PET (9th grade), FCE (10th grade), and CAE (11th grade).
Certificates and evaluations
In addition to the report cards, students and parents receive an assessment every ten weeks. In this assessment, our teachers evaluate not only the performance in each subject with a grade but also highlight strengths and weaknesses in a written evaluation, provide guidance, and give recommendations for the upcoming assessment period. This way, our students can assess their progress and define new goals.
Intermediate certificate with the report card of the 10th grade.
At the end of grade 10, the students of our high school obtain the intermediate school leaving certificate (Mittlere Reife) with the promotion report. Unlike in many other federal states, the students of the high school do not have to take a separate exam for this.
State-recognized high school diploma
Students have the opportunity to take the state-recognized Abitur at the Kurpfalz boarding school. The written Abitur is administered as a central state examination in Baden-Württemberg and is taken here in our facility.
We guarantee courses with a maximum of ten students (except for sports courses) even at the upper secondary level. This ensures that each student receives the full attention of the teachers during this important time, can actively participate in classes, and help shape them. This intensive working atmosphere provides our students with the best opportunities to fully develop their potential in upper secondary and achieve the best possible Abitur grade. We are also happy to answer personal questions and provide advice in an on-site conversation regarding possible course selections.
Our elective subjects, such as “Literature and Theater” (LuT), psychology, or geology, are very popular, as they provide students with valuable insights into interesting areas in a very practical way, often allowing them to discover completely new facets of themselves.
Offered advanced courses in the upper secondary level for the 2025 graduation class:
| Compulsory subjects | Languages | NatWi | additional subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | English | Biology | Economy |
| Mathematics | Chemistry | Art | |
| History |
Offered advanced subject courses in the upper school for the 2026 graduation class:
| Compulsory subjects | Languages | NatWi | additional subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | English | Biology | Economy |
| Mathematics | French | Chemistry | Art |
| Physics | Geography | ||
| Sport |
Students have the option to choose between five-hour advanced courses and three- or two-hour basic courses. The Kurpfalz Boarding School will continue to offer a wide range of courses. More information about the Abitur in Baden-Württemberg can be found in the Abitur Guide, which you can download here.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gymnasium of Kurpfalz Internat
Any questions about the Gymnasium at the Kurpfalz boarding school?
Our parent advisor Krystyna Hradecký is happy to take the time for you. Whether it’s choosing individual courses, language sequences, or preparing for the Abitur – we provide you with personal and non-binding advice.
Frau Krystyna Hradecký
+49 6223 961 138 elternberatung