About JFKS

School Mission Statement

Providing German-American bicultural, bilingual education since 1960, the John F. Kennedy School is dedicated to serving German- and English-speaking students of all cultures for the purpose of developing—

• academic excellence,
• mastery of English and German,
• independent inquiry,
• international understanding, and
• mutual respect.

School Philosophy

The John F. Kennedy School is a bilingual, bicultural German-American public school in Berlin. It offers an integrated elementary and highschool program that combines the strengths of both German and American educational traditions.

Acknowledging and appreciating cultural diversity, the Kennedy School serves German- and English-speaking students of all nations as a means of developing international understanding. German and English are equally respected as the languages of instruction, and the school’s educational program incorporates the essentials of German and American school curricula.

Upholding high academic standards of both educational systems, the Kennedy School gives students an opportunity to learn through different modes and strategies. Promoting learning as a life-long process, the balanced curriculum supports student growth in all areas, including the fine- and performing arts, humanities, languages, sciences, mathematics and athletics.

JFKS works to pioneer curricula that reflect and respond to a changing community and world. In keeping with this spirit of change, the faculty, staff and administration are constantly searching for new ways to challenge JFKS students toward positive intellectual, emotional and social growth.

In guiding students to understand themselves and the world around them, the Kennedy School fosters independent inquiry, critical thinking, open-mindedness and service to others. The school program and learning strategies encourage the development of responsible, democratic citizens. Students, faculty and staff are obligated to be mindful of the dignity and integrity of each individual.

Since its founding, the Kennedy School has strived to embody the finest spirit of international cooperation. Through bilingual education and interaction, we improve our understanding of each other and our different cultures.

In learning about others, we not only learn more about ourselves; we build respect and tolerance for all, an essential component for peace and understanding in the world.

Goals and Objectives of the John F. Kennedy School

Academic Excellence

1. The school stresses both oral and written skills in the classroom, as well as the acquisition of disciplined and systematic study skills.
2. The school expects students to master the subject matter at their respective grade levels.
3. The school offers all students the opportunity to achieve the American high-school diploma, the German Abitur or both in preparation for university admission.
4. The school encourages students to develop skills and values related to living in a technological society.

Mastery of English and German

5. The school provides students with the opportunity to master the English and German languages.
6. The school provides students with the opportunity to become bilingual in German and English.

Independent Inquiry

7. The school offers programs that will enable students and staff to develop creative ideas and the skills necessary to express them.
8. The school encourages independent learning, scientific methodology and constructive research.
9. The school fosters the development of critical thinking to enhance the student’s ability to identify, understand and solve problems.
10. The school helps students learn strategies to solve problems and reach decisions, based on principles of democratic thinking in a pluralistic society.

International Understanding

11. The school helps students be aware of — and identify with — their own cultures.
12. The school expects students and staff to develop an understanding and appreciation of both the American and German cultures.
13. The school offers a curriculum and program of extracurricular activities that encourage the integration of both cultures.
14. The school encourages interaction with the community.
15. The school strives to keep students and staff abreast of the world situation and the latest developments in knowledge and research.

Mutual Respect

16. The school provides students with opportunities to develop tolerance for cultural diversity and respect for all nationalities and cultures.
17. The school promotes a respect for the personal rights and property of others.
18. The school encourages non-violent conflict resolution.
19. The school helps students develop an appreciation for and commitment to preservation of the natural environment.

Continuing Development

20. The school community evaluates its achievement of these goals and welcomes the contribution of ideas and effort toward the school’s ongoing development.