Heimschule Kloster Wald Private School

• Language of instruction: German
• Institution type: Church boarding school
• Type of education: separate (girls only)
• Location: Wald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Educational programs: primary school (4 years), secondary school (grades 5-12), optional - vocational education (from grade 9)
• The total number of students: 550 people, of which 100 at the boarding house
• The age of the students: from 11 to 19 years.

The prestigious and well-known gymnasium Heimschule Kloster Wald was founded in 1946: from the very beginning there was separate education (only girls), and also accreditation of secular education was received. Curricula and programs fully comply with the standards of the state of Baden-Württemberg.

Currently, the school is located in the buildings of the ancient monastery: despite the ancient walls, the Heimschule Kloster Wald is constantly being modernized and offers the students the most modern, comfortable and effective learning environment that fully meets the highest international standards. The Wald Monastery was founded in 1212, and today it is an architectural monument of Romanesque and Gothic style, as well as baroque (some parts of the building were rebuilt in 1698). The western and northern parts of the monastery were also completed by a large baroque complex in 1721-1727. The school in the building was founded in 1946, after the end of World War II.

Here, an individual approach is actively practiced, creating all conditions for successful and rapid academic, creative, professional and sporting development: after graduation you can get not only a certificate of maturity, but also useful handicraft certificates (carpentry, sewing, sculpture).

Heimschule Kloster Wald is excellent, geographically conveniently located in the south of Germany, just 25 kilometers from the picturesque Lake Constance. The distance to the international airport in Munich is 237 kilometers, to Zurich - 110 kilometers, the way to Frankfurt is 338 kilometers.

The school's concept is based on Pestalozzi's long-standing principle: "Head, heart and hands" (otherwise, "Think, Feel, Create"). For the "head", balanced programs of academic studying have been developed and implemented, for the hands there are various opportunities and sections for sports and creativity, the opportunity to receive professional education, and for the heart - spiritual upbringing. Every Sunday in the school church masses are held, which are mandatory, traditional Christian values ​​are maintained, which, however, practically does not limit the opportunities for leisure and entertainment. Also, the compulsory studying program includes religious studies.

Teachers and educators strive to develop in the girls social and personal responsibility, the ability to think critically, discernment, to reveal their talents and personal potential, abilities, talents and skills. Very rarely students leave Heimschule Kloster Wald before graduation, and the teaching staff is proud of such stability and quality of education. Senior schoolgirls help the younger, learn to take responsibility and educate the younger generation. The institution maintains a family, warm, chamber atmosphere - the girls feel safe, receive the necessary attention, understanding and support, learn to live in a diverse team and solve various situations and difficulties. Valuable social skills, independence, the ability to objectively assess their strengths and current circumstances are constantly developing.

In addition pupils can take the right to private lessons, foreign schoolgirls can expect special support and additional language classes. At the request of a student, after 9th grade, they can receive vocational education in addition to gymnasium (classical). Moreover, children can contact the school psychologist for help and support if they feel the need.

On average, 25 people work in one class, there is no mandatory uniform form here. Every day 2 hours are allocated for homework under the supervision of a teacher. In case of difficulties, girls have the opportunity to apply to a qualified profile teacher, who will explain the difficult moment, topic or language aspect. The institution carefully follows the favourable, comfortable rhythm of life: classes, public works, creative and sports activities, rest and entertainment alternate, allowing to achieve both high academic performance, learning effectiveness, and not overstrain.

EXAMPLE SCHEDULE OF THE DAY

• 7:00 - 7:30 breakfast;
• 8:00 - 13:00  academic studies;
• 12:15 - 13:30 lunch;
• 14:00 - 18:00 afternoon classes, time for homework and self-study;
• 14:00 - 18:00 private lessons and consultations with educators, vocational studying, time for sports activities;
• 18:00 - 20:30 time for sports, recreation and leisure activities, entertainment;
• 20:30 - 22:30 end of the day (time varies depending on age and class of studying).

For students Heimschule Kloster Wald prepared cozy double rooms in a common comfortable residence, students of 11th grade and older can count on a private bedroom. Bathrooms and toilets are generally shared. With the girls there are always qualified educators and teachers, to whom you can apply for help at any time of the day.

Meals are organized on the full board basis - three times a day plus a small snack (usually in the evening). Traditionally, the main Christian posts are observed, at this time, the diet excludes meat dishes and foods.

Subject list: music, Natural science
Activity list: basketball, golf, gymnastics, handball, horseback riding, music studio, sailing, swimming, tennis

In their free time, many students go in for sports:

• Hockey;
• Tennis;
• Swimming;
• Horse riding;
• Aerobics;
• Golf;
• Playing volleyball.

Equally popular are classes with creativity, music and receiving skills in various crafts, choreography and ballet. There is an opportunity to engage in general fitness, to attend labour lessons, to participate in the activities of a school orchestra or musical ensembles, to sing in a theatrical choir.

Constantly organized various cognitive trips, excursions, tours, visits to interesting places and tourist attractions.

The academic year lasts from August 30 to July 16. The academic year is divided into 3 terms:

• From 6 September;
• From 7 January;
• From 12 April.

To submit documents it is recommended to attend to receiving a student visa beforehand, at least one month before the expected start of the course.

Pay attention that some services are not included in Tuition fee (full board) and paid additionally:

• Registration fee;
• Additional lessons;
• Leisure activities and excursions.

Extras:

• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 300 EUR
• Other 4500 EUR

In order to become a candidate for admission to Heimschule Kloster Wald, the entrant will be required to provide the admissions office with the following information:

• Full name, date of birth;
• School report card with grades translated to German or English;
• Personal hobbies, interests, testimonies of success in academic, sporting, creative activities;
• Reference letters from previous teachers translated into English or German;
• Personal written motivation letter (in English or German).

It is also required to:

• Indicate (or approximately) the annual or monthly studying budget;
• Select the priority region for education in Germany.

After receiving all the necessary information, the advisory council starts selecting a school for the student: assesses its opportunities and requests, communicates with the schools identified as priority, and identifies the number of seats available and the possibility of admission.

Usually, foreign students begin the process of studying in Germany with the Humboldt-Institute language courses (the German academic program for the year): in this case, the selected secondary schools receive full reports on the student's successes and progress, his behavior in the classroom, the degree of involvement in school extra-curricular activities. After the preparatory language course is completed and all formalities are settled, the student goes for basic studying to the boarding school he has chosen.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision