About
Message from the Director
Welcome to the International School of Stuttgart.
It is an honour to serve this extraordinary community, where we expertly combine academic rigour with deep care, and where every student is known, supported and inspired to thrive.
From my first days at ISS, I’ve been struck by the sense of belonging that lives in our classrooms, hallways and shared spaces. This is a place where learners are encouraged to think critically, explore creatively and take meaningful action. You can see it when students lead sustainability projects, when teachers nurture inquiry in the classroom, or when different cultures come together around a shared idea. At ISS, we inspire, challenge and support one another to positively impact our world. This is not just our mission, it’s how we show up every day.
ISS has earned its strong international reputation for inclusive and innovative education. Having led teaching and learning across international schools in Asia for many years, I know what it takes to sustain that level of excellence. The quality of learning and the professionalism of staff at ISS are deeply impressive. As we look ahead, we will continue to honour that legacy while embracing the future with optimism, humility and resolve.
Whether you are a current family, a prospective parent or simply curious to learn more, we warmly invite you to visit, connect or simply explore what makes ISS so special. There is something truly special happening here and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Andy Hancock
ISS School Director
Our story
Founded in 1985 by a group of visionary families, the International School of Stuttgart (ISS) has grown into a premier educational institution that serves over 900 students from ages 3 to 18 across two campuses. Starting in Böblingen, ISS relocated to Möhringen before establishing its first purpose-built campus in Degerloch in 1998.
In 2001, the current Lower School Campus in Degerloch was opened, followed by the introduction of the Sindelfingen Campus at Sommerhofen Grundschule in 2003. By 2010, the Sindelfingen Campus moved to its current location on Hallenserstraße, marking a significant milestone in ISS’s commitment to providing a modern and accessible learning environment. At the same time, Degerloch also grew with the addition of a Middle School and a sports hall in 2012.
Today, ISS is a thriving educational community offering state-of-the-art facilities, including a newly inaugurated Upper School campus in Degerloch, which opened in August 2024.
As one of the first international schools in Germany authorized to offer the full suite of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs—Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP)—ISS is proud to be part of a select group of IB World Schools in Europe.
Beyond academics, ISS is recognized for its experiential internship programs, career orientation and college guidance, and its role as a hub for professional teacher development through the Resident Program. ISS also takes pride in being a leading school for Model United Nations (MUN) conferences in Europe.
Celebrating 40 Years
OUR MISSION
We actively inspire, challenge and support students and each other to positively impact our dynamic and interconnected world.
Our vision
ISS aspires to be a beacon of learning for humanity. We aim to be a respectful and inspiring center for discovery, where our students prepare for the changes and challenges of our time with the confidence that their pursuit of excellence will turn knowledge into action. We strive to be a school with an entrepreneurial mindset that encourages a curious and resilient learning community to actively inspire, challenge, and support students and each other in positively impacting our dynamic and interconnected world.
Our values
Character
Integrity – we behave in an honest and ethical way, even when no one is looking
Courage – we are brave and determined to act
Drive – we demonstrate initiative, creativity and celebrate effort
Competence
Learning – we encourage passion for discovery, curiosity and academics
Critical Thinking – we stimulate creative and systematic analysis that considers multiple perspectives
Global Mindedness – we embrace world challenges such as sustainability and equality
Care
Respect – we treat others the way we want to be treated and champion individual freedom of thought and expression
Belonging – we foster an environment conducive to empathy, inclusivity and togetherness
Service – we treasure community, partnership, and collaboration
Balance – we strive for resilient physical, social, and emotional health
Doing what we say we do
At ISS, accreditation reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. We are recognized by the Baden-Württemberg Kultusministerium and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). ISS is fully authorized to deliver three IB programs, ensuring a globally recognized education that fosters lifelong learning and engagement.
In addition, ISS is proud to hold accreditations as a “Digitale Schule” and a “MINT Schule”, solidifying our leadership in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
As an active member of leading educational organizations such as the Association of German International Schools (AGIS), Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS), Council for International Schools (CIS), and others, we stay at the forefront of global best practices in education.
OUR TEAM
Whole school leadership team
Our Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) drives ISS's vision, ensuring every decision aligns with our mission to challenge, support, and inspire students and staff alike.
Board of Trustees
As a private, non-profit institution, ISS operates as a parent and teacher-led association (Verein). Parents and teachers are members of the association and actively contribute to the school’s strategic direction.
The Board of Trustees, elected for four-year terms, provides governance and strategic oversight while collaborating closely with the School Director, who oversees daily operations. The Board also drives initiatives through its standing committees for Finance, Education, Development, and Policy.
BoT Officers:
President: Mr. Carl Mahr
Vice-President: Mr. Jan Riecher
Secretary: Ms. Celena Schaddelee
Treasurer: Mr. Ulrich Gottlieb
Student leadership
Empowering student voices is fundamental to creating a dynamic and inclusive school environment. Through the Student Council, ISS students play a key role in shaping their educational experience, fostering transparency, and driving positive change.
Student Council members collaborate with the Strategic Leadership Team, propose policies, and organize student-led initiatives such as Sports Day, Spirit Week, and Career Days.
ISS students are also global citizens, engaging in service projects such as fundraising for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, or donating emergency medical vehicles for Kyiv. These efforts reflect their commitment to making a meaningful impact both locally and globally.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award & ISS
The International School of Stuttgart is proud to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally recognized program that empowers students to challenge themselves, discover their strengths, and grow beyond the classroom. Open to students in Grades 9–11, the Award encourages leadership, service, fitness, and adventure through its Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, helping young people develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to personal growth.
Erasmus+ at ISS
The International School of Stuttgart is proud to be an accredited Erasmus+ School, recognized with the Erasmus+ Quality Label for excellence and good practice. This accreditation reflects our strong commitment to international collaboration and innovation in education. Through Erasmus+, our students and staff have the opportunity to participate in inspiring exchange and mobility projects across Europe; broadening horizons, building global connections, and enhancing learning through shared experiences.
