Our private, bilingual school with campuses in Heilbronn and Erlenbach is part of the nationwide Phorms Education network and is supported by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation. Here, you can find out more about both organisations as well as the addresses and contact details of our two campuses.
Phorms Education is a future-oriented education network. For over 20 years, we have enriched the educational landscape with German-English Phorms nurseries and schools, an early years training academy, company-based childcare centres and international schools. We believe that a bilingual, open-minded education gives children and young people the best opportunities to shape their individual learning journey with confidence.
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Josef Schwarz was a renowned entrepreneur from Heilbronn and co-founder of today’s Schwarz Gruppe, which includes the retail brands Lidl and Kaufland. With entrepreneurial vision, a strong sense of responsibility and close ties to the region, he shaped the company until his death in 1977. The Dieter Schwarz Stuftung, established by his son Dieter Schwarz, supports our school alongside many other educational initiatives — all with the goal of creating access to education for young people.
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Language learning at Phorms is an active, immersive process. German and English are equal languages of instruction and communication. From Kindergarten onwards, children and young adults are guided by both German- and English-speaking educators and teachers in their daily routines. In primary school, lessons are evenly split between the two languages, allowing students to acquire language skills naturally through real-life experiences. In secondary school, students continue to learn equally in both German and English, building a strong subject-specific vocabulary in both languages. By the time they graduate, they are fluent and confident in both languages—an excellent advantage for their further studies.
A bilingual education is about more than just learning two languages—it fosters a deep connection to different cultures. At Phorms Campus, students engage in intercultural exchange every day, both in the classroom and in their school environment. Through collaborative learning in diverse teams and exposure to different personalities and perspectives, they develop a profound understanding of varied ways of thinking and living. This intercultural competence not only equips them for success in a globalized world but also shapes them into open-minded, tolerant, and globally aware individuals.
We use the immersion method, where students learn English by being fully surrounded by the language. Our English-speaking educators reinforce communication with facial expressions, gestures, images, and symbols, helping students absorb the language effortlessly and effectively.
At Phorms, bilingualism is more than just learning a second language—it’s about thinking, feeling, and engaging in two languages. Our native-speaking educators create a truly bilingual environment, where students experience English not just in lessons, but also on the playground, at lunch, during celebrations, and on excursions.
Depending on the location, we also offer additional languages such as Spanish, French, and Latin. Whenever possible, we ensure native-speaking teachers lead these subjects, further enriching our students’ linguistic and cultural education.
At Phorms, diversity is more than just a concept—it’s a lived experience. Our students grow up in a community shaped by different cultural, religious, and social backgrounds, learning to engage respectfully with different perspectives. This fosters open-mindedness, empathy, and the ability to collaborate across cultures—skills that last a lifetime.
To make bilingual education accessible to families from diverse income groups, we apply an income-based tuition model, ensuring a broad range of students can benefit from our schools.
We also believe that individuality should not be defined by clothing. Our school uniform creates a neutral and inclusive environment, where the focus is on community, shared experiences, and personal growth—regardless of their social background or current fashion trends.
At Phorms, we recognise that every child is an individual with unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Our educators carefully observe their students to provide personalised support that meets their specific needs. With the extra time gained through full-day care, we can work more intensively with students, fostering both self-confidence and respect for the abilities of others.
In primary school, teaching assistants regularly support students in small groups—whether they need additional challenges or extra guidance. Smaller class sizes allow for more focused learning, with a guideline of 22 students per class in primary school and 24 students per class in secondary school, ensuring optimal supervision and support.
At Phorms, differentiated learning means varied teaching methods tailored to individual learning styles. Students work in small groups, sometimes across subjects or year levels, using a range of techniques to explore topics–whether through reading, presenting, experimenting, writing, or building models.
This hands-on, interactive approach encourages students to develop their own understanding of subjects, discover their talents and interests, and refine their communication and critical thinking skills.
Our goal is to ensure every student receives the right level of challenge and support. In primary school, special needs teachers work closely with small groups, adapting content to match each student’s learning style and pace. This personalised approach makes learning more engaging, accessible, and effective, helping every child reach their full potential.
At Phorms, we believe that enthusiasm for learning starts with inspiring educators. Our teachers come from around the world, bringing innovation, dedication, and a passion for education into the classroom. They not only provide high-quality teaching but also create an engaging and supportive environment where students feel motivated and excited to learn.
We carefully select our educators, prioritising both professional expertise and pedagogical skills. They are well-versed in modern teaching methods and align their lessons with both German and international educational standards.
To maintain the highest standards, our teachers continuously enhance their skills through national and international training, conferences, and professional development programmes.
Our teachers and educators are carefully selected based on their professional qualifications and teaching excellence. We ensure they are proficient in contemporary teaching methods and able to deliver lessons that meet both German and international educational standards.
At Phorms, professional development is an ongoing priority. Through regular classroom observations and quality assessments, we help our educators refine their teaching strategies and methodological skills. In addition, we provide opportunities for model lessons, national and international training, and participation in leading education conferences–ensuring our teachers remain at the forefront of educational excellence.
At Phorms, our campuses are full-day communities where students don’t just attend lessons–they learn, grow, and connect within a supportive environment throughout the day.
More than just a place of education, Phorms fosters a sense of belonging and shared experience. From the classroom to the lunchroom and after-school activities, our schools are vibrant spaces.
Our educators organise diverse afternoon and holiday programmes, offering students opportunities to explore arts, music, technology, and sports in a modern, well-equipped setting.
With extended school hours, students have the freedom to experiment, explore, and develop their interests. Our educators and teachers offer a wide range of artistic, musical, and athletic activities, allowing students to pursue their passions while forming meaningful connections.
Phorms campuses provide spacious, modern environments designed for science, sports, and music. Our classrooms are equipped with interactive smart boards and high-speed internet, while every student has access to computers and digital learning resources, ensuring a future-focused education.
Learning and exploration don’t stop when the school holidays begin. Our qualified educators provide all-day holiday care, offering students the chance to engage in exciting and challenging projects—from music and creative arts to sports, outdoor adventures, and hands-on workshops.
At Phorms, our state-recognised curriculum ensures a seamless educational experience, allowing students to transition effortlessly between public schools if needed. Our schools follow the official curriculum of their respective federal states, culminating in the Abitur as the highest qualification.
While deeply rooted in local education systems, we broaden horizons with internationally recognised programmes. In our primary schools, we integrate the Cambridge International Primary Programme, enriching students’ global competencies from an early age.
At secondary school, we strive to offer additional international qualifications alongside the Abitur, paving the way for direct access to universities worldwide and preparing students for an increasingly interconnected future.
Each of our campuses is deeply connected with its local community. We actively collaborate with social institutions, associations, businesses, government agencies, and universities to create meaningful partnerships. These connections enhance our students’ understanding of regional dynamics, foster civic engagement, and extend learning beyond the classroom into real-world experiences.
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