School profile
Our Pillars: Europe, STEM and Community
These three pillars underpin our school work and accompany us through all year groups. European School, STEM-friendly school, Youth Research School of the Year as well as learning in community and taking on social responsibility can be found in many areas of our school life – from Year 5 to Year 13 and also from Year 1 in our branch office. As a result, our graduates consistently achieve above-average results in their school-leaving exams. In addition, we support all our students in achieving the best possible Abitur results for them personally.
A European School with Global Connections
For nearly 30 years (since being designated in 1996), Hebbelschule Kiel has proudly held the title of a European School, actively promoting friendship, peace, and freedom throughout Europe. Our students benefit from a wide range of travel and exchange programs from grade 5 to 13, diverse language offerings in lower secondary school, and an array of academic tracks with political-historical and linguistic focuses, all designed to shape them into confident, democratically minded citizens of Europe. Our international exchange programs foster connections that often last a lifetime, extending far beyond Germany’s borders.
In our upper secondary school, students can choose English, Spanish, French, or Latin as core language subjects. The arts—long an integral part of European culture—are also central to our school life. Students can take final exams in Drama, Art, or Music and engage in numerous extracurricular clubs dedicated to these fields. As a testament to our commitment to Europe and its values, our school operates under the guiding principles of the European Union and proudly incorporates the stars of the European flag into our school logo.
STEM Subjects for Future-Oriented Education
Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences—the so-called STEM subjects—are vital for addressing current and future societal and environmental challenges. Recognized as Schleswig-Holstein’s Jugend forscht School of the Year 2023 and a STEM-friendly institution, Hebbelschule actively promotes scientific exploration and learning. Our curriculum includes Applied Natural Sciences (ANT) as an elective in lower secondary school, the Jugend forscht club, and specialized STEM profiles in upper secondary school, featuring subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Geography with a scientific focus. This prepares students for a diverse range of careers and studies in the sciences, consistently reflected in our above-average graduation results.
The school day begins at 7:45 a.m., with lessons organized into 60-minute periods. Our upper secondary classes (currently expanding from grade 11) are taught primarily within profile class cohorts. This structure ensures efficient timetables—typically ending by 3:00 p.m., and never later than 4:05 p.m.—and fosters strong social bonds within these specialized groups.
Learning and Growing Together
Living in community is a fundamental human need, and learning within a community is a key to achieving success and fulfillment. At Hebbelschule Kiel, we actively promote communal living and learning through activities like class council sessions in lower secondary school, introductory trips, class excursions, and sports such as rowing that connect students beyond the classroom. We are committed to the United Nations’ sustainability goals, which are integrated into our trip planning and overall educational approach. Social engagement is exemplified by our student paramedics and student council, fostering responsibility and leadership.
Our targeted prevention programs and dedicated school social work strengthen our students’ resilience and well-being. Additionally, our preparedness plan ensures an exceptionally high level of instructional time across all grades. Through our satellite campus at the Niemannsweg state accommodation center for refugees, we actively contribute to the integration and education of refugee children and teenagers, supporting them from day one as they find their place in Germany and become responsible members of society.
Extremist ideologies or any attempts to undermine our democratically endorsed curriculum have no place at Hebbelschule. As a European School, we stand firmly for diversity, inclusion, and democratic values.