From Bonn American High School to Bonn International School: A Legacy of International Education on the Rhine

The Bonn International School (BIS) has its historical roots in the Bonn American High School (BAHS), which operated from 1952 to 1997. BAHS was established by the U.S. government in Bonn-Bad Godesberg to serve the children of American diplomats and military personnel stationed in Germany, providing them with an American-style education.

When the U.S. embassy moved to Berlin in 1999, the Bonn American High School closed, as the need for an American school in the area diminished. However, with the increasing international community in Bonn—comprised of diplomats, expatriates, and professionals from international organizations—the Bonn International School was founded as BAHS’s successor.

BIS opened in 1997, taking over the campus of the former BAHS. It quickly became a prominent international school, offering a globally recognized curriculum with a focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Many traditions and the global outlook of BAHS were preserved, while the school expanded its reach to serve a wider international student body.

The closure of BAHS and the founding of BIS reflect Bonn’s transformation from a capital city with strong American influence to a hub of international diplomacy and cooperation. Today, BIS continues the legacy of its predecessor by offering a world-class international education, bridging the past and present in a truly global context.