The Heinz-Galinski School is a state-accredited private day school under the auspices of the Jewish Community of Berlin. Its classes go up to the sixth form. Currently 270 pupils are enrolled in 17 classes, each of which has a maximum of 24 children. The school is open to children of Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds. Pupils always are accompanied by a tutor during class time and free time, and there are both study and play rooms available.

In 1986, the Jewish Elementary School opened its doors to a class of 25 students in Berlin’s Charlottenburg district. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the school was compelled to expand as a result of an influx of Jewish immigration from the former Soviet Union. 1995 saw the opening of the school’s modern campus on Waldschulallee and its commemorative renaming in honour of Heinz Galinski of blessed memory (1912-1992), long-time chairman of the Jewish Community of Berlin. It was the first newly constructed Jewish school to open its doors in Germany after the Shoah.

The building that houses the Heinz-Galinski School was designed by the Israeli architect Zvi Hecker. Its unusual shape, with interlocking segments, makes it reminiscent of a sunflower. Viewed from above, the building also resembles an open book – a direct reference to its function as a school. After all, the Hebrew word for book, “sefer,” is part of the word for school: “beit sefer” (house of books). The symbolism of sunflower and books together reflects the nature of children: pure joy and boundless curiosity, playfulness and serious concentration, optimism and the need to explore.

Classes follow the Berlin curriculum, with a special emphasis on Jewish content and Jewish tradition. We see Jewish education as an exploration of the history of the Jewish people, their teachings and traditions. Special subjects like Hebrew, religion and Torah are an essential part of the picture; study of these subjects should help bring children close to Judaism, deepen their knowledge and strengthen their Jewish identity.

• We celebrate all Jewish holidays together, and conclude each Friday with a shared Kabbalat Shabbat.
• Classes on Jewish studies serve to transmit Jewish values and content. To that end, there is a school-wide project each year that deals with a value anchored in Judaism.
• Our youngest pupils already start with Hebrew and religion classes. Torah study begins with the second form.
• Our school has rooms dedicated to English, Jewish studies, science and music classes, each with the appropriate equipment.
• All classrooms as well as dedicated rooms for Hebrew, English and science study are equipped with Smartboards (see news).
• Our school offers a bio-kosher lunch prepared fresh each day in our own kitchen.
• Our convenient school mini-bus system brings your child from home to school and back again.
• Our modern gym is perfect for athletes and soccer fans.
• Twice a year, from the 2nd form on, our pupils may join various clubs (chugim), where for example they can work on art projects dealing with Jewish holidays or festivals; learn a language or make silk-screen paintings; or take part in the school orchestra.

School fees are determined based on parents’ income. Parents who are not members of the Jewish Community of Berlin pay a somewhat higher tuition. Fees are paid 12 months per year, including during vacations and holidays. For more information about the fee structure, click here.