On 2nd October 1990 the school's application for a state registration was accepted and the planning for a school opening the following year went underway. BBIS was then called the International School Berlin-Potsdam (ISBP) and used a rented villa as its very first school facility. The school welcomed its first 8 students on 16th September 1991. Four years later a second building was needed to accommodate the growing student numbers. Just 7 years on, the school already counted 100 students and therefore made the move to a new location in Neu Fahrland, north of Potsdam. In 1998, a reorganisation of the school included a name-change to Berlin-Potsdam International School (BPIS).
With growing school numbers, the BPIS had to move again. This time the school found a location closer to Berlin. In 2001, on top of the Seeberg in Kleinmachnow, the school started with a newly renovated single building. ‘Haus 2’ contained a library, a computer lab, three science labs, an arts center, music rooms, 18 classrooms and offices. By then the school welcomed 300 international students. With the move came a new name – BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School, which recognized the proximity to the capital Berlin and its location within the state of Brandenburg. In 2005, the school was successful in purchasing the Seeberg site and therefore secured ample space for future growth.
Another major milestone in BBIS history was the addition of a Boarding School. During the first years, the boarding facility was located in nearby Potsdam, later moving directly onto the school campus. The Boarding School building was completely refurbished to offer welcoming communal spaces, modern rooms and facilities for BBIS boarding students. Other significant milestones were the building of a state-of-the-art gym and sports field, the creation of purpose-built outdoor play spaces and the full renovation of ‘Haus 1’ - our Early Education centre and Primary School, which were completed in time to celebrate the school’s 25th Anniversary.
Come 2020 the school is about to open a fully refurbished ‘Haus 5’, which will be a new building for our Secondary School students. It not only contains modern learning spaces but also hi-tech science labs, a spacious library, a media centre, an inviting communal area and learning hub.
Today, BBIS counts 708 students from over 60 countries. As an inclusive school BBIS empowers students to fulfil their unique potential, believing inclusive and individual education as the best basis for success and happiness. Working with purpose, vision and a detailed master plan the school is committed to continuous investment and upgrades to the facilities and campus to safeguard the journey into the future.