Munich International School

Munich, Germany

About Munich International School: Munich International School (MIS) is a leading not-for-profit international day school located on a scenic campus in Starnberg, just outside Munich. Founded in 1966, MIS caters to over 1,300 students from over 65 nationalities.

It offers all three International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) in English.

School Mission: Munich International School nurtures, challenges and inspires students to become academically successful, life-long learners, creative and innovative thinkers, ethical, globally-minded contributors, and healthy, well-balanced individuals who will thrive and make a positive impact in a complex and changing world.

Visit the school’s website for further details and information.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Depends on your family situation. While it’s a great school with strong academics and an excellent location near the Alps, for teaching families, the compensation package has limitation. For example, the taxable tuition support that only covers one dependent, combined with Munich’s high cost of living. Overall financial sustainability may be challenging for families with multiple children.

Overall compensation package rating

The school offers competitive salaries for Europe, though German taxes can be high. Tuition support is considered a taxable benefit. Housing support is not included. Overall, the package is solid for dual-income families, but if you have multiple dependents it may not be financially viable.

Tuition benefits

Tuition support is offered for one child per teacher, but this is considered a taxable benefit under German tax law. Make sure to factor in that you’ll be liable for additional tax on the value of the tuition.

Housing

There is no housing or housing allowances included. You’ll need to arrange your own accommodation in the Munich/Starnberg area, where housing can be competitive and costly.

Flights

Flights are provided at the start and end of placement.

Healthcare

There is no mention of employer-provided international health insurance. You’ll be enrolled in the German healthcare system, which is mandatory and provides comprehensive coverage. Contributions are deducted from your salary and split between you and the school.

Adjustment for kids

With over 65 nationalities represented and English as the primary language of instruction, MIS is highly international and welcoming to new families. The school appears to have well-developed systems for helping children adjust, including peer buddy programs and counselling. The inclusive, multicultural community can make it easier for expat kids to settle in academically and socially.

Average class sizes

Average class sizes are small – around 18–22 students.

Teaching experience required

All teachers must hold a government-issued teaching license from a recognised authority (e.g., US state certification, British QTS, Canadian provincial certification, Australian state certification). A degree in education or a subject-specific degree with a teaching qualification is required. Prior IB teaching experience is preferred but not essential.

Curriculum

MIS is a fully accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the PYP, MYP, and DP from Early Childhood through Grade 12.

Retirement/pension benefits

As employees in Germany, teachers contribute to the German social security and pension system. Contributions are mandatory and deducted from salary, but expats often cannot transfer or withdraw these funds when leaving, making it a limited long-term benefit.
A private pension plan is available – but not until your third year working at the school.

School history & stability

Founded in 1966, Munich International School is accredited by CIS and NEASC and is located in Starnberg, just outside Munich, in a scenic setting near the Alps.

Munich International School – Additional Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Language lesson allowance
  • School laptop
  • Strong international community
  • Relocation allowance at beginning of contract
  • Excellent facilities
  • Potential employment for spouses

What Teachers are Saying About Munich International School

This is an excellent school. The only issue is that the student diversity isn’t reflected in the teachers they hire – who are all predominantly white.

CURRENT TEACHER, MIS

The campus is stunning and the teachers are wonderful to work with. That said, the work life balance isn’t what I expected from my discussions with admin when I was offered the role.

CURRENT TEACHER, MIS

There is a great sense of community at this school which is wonderful for families.

EX TEACHER AT MIS
  • Scenic sunset view of Munich's riverside with a bridge, buildings and trees
  • View of wooden pier on Lake Starnberg, Germany - a view you can expect to see if working at Munich International School
  • Charming yellow house by a lake surrounded by lush greenery in Bavaria, Germany

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: High – Munich and the nearby town of Starnberg are considered among the safest places to live in Germany. Families benefit from excellent healthcare, efficient public services, and a welcoming environment. Starnberg itself is a quiet lakeside community, while Munich offers big-city amenities just 30 minutes away.
  • Adaptability: Strong – Munich has one of Europe’s largest international communities, with many global companies headquartered there. English is widely spoken, though learning German will help with day-to-day life. Public transport is reliable, though commuting directly to MIS by train or bus can be less straightforward, so many staff choose to drive.
  • Cost of Living: High – Munich consistently ranks as one of Germany’s most expensive cities, particularly for housing. Starnberg is also an affluent area, so rents can be high. Salaries at MIS are competitive, and teaching here offers a high quality of life and outdoor opportunities – from lakeside living to the nearby Alps.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Munich International School (MIS) is a well-established, not-for-profit international day school founded in 1966, located in Starnberg, just outside Munich. With over 1,300 students representing more than 65 nationalities, MIS offers an international environment for teaching families. The school delivers the full International Baccalaureate programme (PYP, MYP, DP), with English as the main language of instruction alongside strong German language opportunities.

MIS is known for its innovative, student-centred approach and stunning campus setting on a nature preserve near the Bavarian Alps. Its modern facilities, combined with a wide range of co-curricular opportunities in sports, arts, and service learning, create a great educational experience for students. The school community is diverse, welcoming, and supportive, making it easier for both students and families to adjust.

For teachers, MIS offers a strong salary range for Europe, though tuition support for dependents is considered a taxable benefit under German law, and there are no housing or flight allowances. Pension contributions are mandatory, which can be a drawback for short-term expats, but long-term staff may benefit from Germany’s secure system. Families considering MIS should also be mindful of Munich’s high cost of living.

Do you currently teach at MIS? We’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch or fill out our teacher survey to share your experience of what it’s like for teaching families at this school.

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