Our German-English secondary school covers years 5 to 10. At our locations in Erlenbach and Heilbronn, we support your child on an individual educational path that can lead to either the intermediate school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss) or the Abitur – with a clear focus on the grammar school level. Our "customised learning" approach enables your child to tailor their learning to their personal strengths and interests.
We accompany every child on their personal educational path with the opportunity to obtain both a secondary school leaving certificate and the Abitur at our college. Our concept is permeable and offers space for development, orientation and new beginnings. We mainly work at grammar school level and focus on challenging but feasible projects. The aim is to achieve the greatest possible individual learning success in a supportive and appreciative environment.
At the Josef-Schwarz-Schule, we open our pupils' eyes to the world - both linguistically and culturally. Bilingual learning with native-speaking teachers prepares them for international experiences and global thinking. Exchange programs with partner schools in Brooklyn, Paris and Barcelona bring this perspective to life. In this way, we promote intercultural competence and prepare students for life in an interconnected world.
From Year 7 onwards, your child can set their own priorities according to their individual interests. French, technology or AES (everyday life, nutrition and social issues) can be chosen as a compulsory elective subject, while in year 8 there is a choice of science and technology (NwT), sport, IMP (computer science, mathematics, physics), art or Spanish. In this way, we promote talents in a targeted manner and enable students to really help shape their own learning path.
Digitalization is a living reality for us in the classroom, in everyday life and in project work. We use modern equipment and digital tools to create a learning environment that prepares students for the demands of tomorrow's world. A particular focus is on coding: our students develop their own programs, think in algorithms and discover digital contexts in a creative and practical way. In addition to media skills and an understanding of technology, we also promote logical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Our focus is on people. This is reflected in our daily interactions. Teachers treat students as equals and take a genuine interest in their development. Our "customized learning" approach takes into account the strengths, interests and support needs of each individual. This creates a learning atmosphere that motivates, strengthens and builds trust.
Our school buildings are not only architecturally impressive, but also pedagogically well thought-out. Learning houses, workshops and art studios create an inspiring environment. Everyday school life is complemented by a varied afternoon program with activities such as theater, robotics, music, sports and creative projects. Your child will experience their school as a place where they can not only learn, but also develop.
German and English enjoy equal status as everyday languages in our classrooms and as languages of communication throughout our school community.
This not only enables our students to be comfortable in at least two languages, but also ensures that they develop into open-minded learners who appreciate and understand different lifestyles and cultures.
English is taught in our classes and in our school community on an equal footing with German.
In addition to English lessons, the subjects of art, biology, geography, music and sport are often taught in English. This means that our students are exposed to a much wider range of vocabulary and terminology, which increases the speed at which they master the language.
Die meisten unserer Lehrkräfte sind entweder deutsche oder englische Muttersprachlerinnen und Muttersprachler, was bedeutet, dass wir in beiden unserer Hauptzielsprachen über ein großes Fachwissen verfügen.
Zweisprachigkeit bedeutet nicht nur zwei Sprachen technisch korrekt zu sprechen. Es geht auch darum, in der Lage zu sein, in beiden Sprachen zu denken, zu fühlen und zu leben. Unser Team von Native Speakern sorgt dafür, dass dies für unsere Schülerinnen und Schüler zur Realität wird.
Why settle for bilingualism when communication is the key to success in today's world?
At both secondary schools at our Erlenbach and Heilbronn campuses, we therefore also offer courses in French and Spanish, taught mainly by native speakers of these languages. Whether bilingual, trilingual or quadrilingual, our focus on language skills gives our students access to a truly global future.
Isabell Weipert
Head of Secondary School
Marius Steies
Deputy Head of Secondary School Erlenbach
Charles Sparks
Deputy Head of Secondary School Heilbronn
Delphine Sack
Languages Coordinator Erlenbach
Nikola Grgic
Digitalisation Coordinator Erlenbach
Naomi Janssen
Creative Arts and School Culture Coordinator Erlenbach
Claudia Sawicka-Ebert
Humanities and Coaching Coordinator Erlenbach
Verena Dillmann
Languages Coordinator Heilbronn
James Conor
Dean of Students Heilbronn
Mirjam Späth
STEM Coordinator Erlenbach
Oliver Six
STEM Coordinator Heilbronn
You would like your child to attend Josef-Schwarz-Schule – here’s how to apply:
• Complete the online registration form
• We will begin the admissions process
• Your child is invited to a trial day at Josef-Schwarz-Schule
• We review and decide on the admission
• If successful, you will receive an offer of a place
A detailed overview of each step is available under "Registration" in the relevant school section.
Yes – even without previous bilingual experience, students can join Josef-Schwarz-Schule at any time. While there may be an initial language adjustment, most students settle in quickly with our support.
Children arrive in their group rooms by 8:15am at the latest. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, they remain in school until 3:30pm. On Wednesdays and Fridays, lessons finish earlier, at 1:15 pm.
From year 9 onwards in the secondary school, some lessons may continue until 5:00pm.
In the remaining time, students can take part in afternoon care or join one of our extracurricular clubs.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our two locations, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
