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Berlin
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Black Forest Academy
Black Forest Academy is a private residential Christian school providing both an elementary and secondary education. Admission is conditional upon agreement with the school's educational philosophy and preference is given to the children of missionaries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Most students are North American, but 16 nationalities are represented. The staff is made up of experienced and certified faculty members plus carefully screened residence staff. All are members of mission agencies and are financially supported through donations from North American churches that are sent to their sending mission. Twelve mission agencies are represented on the School Board. The school itself pays no salaries. BFA is located in the southwest of Germany, 20 minutes from Basel, Switzerland and the French border. There is no centralized campus. The junior high/high school is located in Kandern with the elementary school and eight student residences located in various villages within a 10km radius. The Kandern site includes three science labs, computer lab, library, graphic arts, print shop, full-sized gym, tennis court, cafeteria and 600-seat auditorium. The elementary school has a library, gym and outdoor play area. Instruction is in English and the North American university-entrance curriculum is overseen by a curriculum coordinator and committee. Entrance to European and Asian universities has been gained by some students taking AP exams. ESL is offered to students whose mother tongue is not English. German instruction is available from grade 1 to 12/AP, French from grade 7 to AP, and Spanish Level I and II in the high school. Music is emphasized with general instruction, choir, band, ensembles, and private lessons in voice and instruments. Individual therapy is offered for students with learning disabilities. The school is a center for PSAT, SAT and ACH tests. Students can take the TOEFL test off-campus. The school year runs from the last week of August to the first week of June, with a three-week break at Christmas and two weeks in the Spring. The school day runs from 08:50 to 15:50. Extra-curricular activities in sports include boys' and girls' basketball, girls' volleyball, boys' soccer, co-ed track and field and co-ed cross country in competition with US Department of Defense Dependents' Schools. Fine Arts include choir, vocal ensemble, concert band, string ensemble, handbell choir, drama and art. There is a student council that plans social activities and produces a yearbook and student newspaper. International Schools |
Last modified February 22, 2007