History
The Franconian International School Since 1998
The Franconian International School was founded in 1998 to serve the needs of a growing international community in the Nürnberg, Erlangen, Fürth and Herzogenaurach area. In two decades we have grown from 25 students to 700+ from over 40 different nationalities, taught by a highly-qualified and dedicated international faculty.
If you would like to learn more about the earlier years of the FIS, please refer to the FIS Festschrift (see below) which was published in fall 2008 for the Grand Opening of the new FIS facilities in Erlangen.
1998 - today
1998 - Foundation in Haundorf
Thanks to the initiative of adidas and the city of Herzogenaurach the FIS opens its doors in September 1998 in the urban quarter Haundorf. 25 students start their first school year in a combined Grade 1 and 2 class.
1999 - Move to Herzogenaurach
By September 1999 the FIS has grown to a school with three classes and around 70 students. More room is needed and adidas finances the renovation of the “Dassler Villa” in the west of Herzogenaurach as the FIS’ new location. This is a promising place for further growth.2003 - Expansion
Rising student numbers force the FIS to look for another building for the Middle School. The city of Herzogenaurach provides an empty convent, also located in about 15 minutes walking distance to the Elementary School. Due to the high enrolment of the school, the building is simultaneously extended with container classes.
2005 - Opening of the High School
The High School opens with its first Grade 9 class. As the school kept on growing the decision for a new campus in Erlangen was the next step into the future. Siemens, adidas, the city of Erlangen and the Bavarian State agree to help financing the project. At the same time, the school was accredited by international umbrella organizations.
2007 - IB authorization
It is now possible to finish school at the FIS with the following certificates:
- FIS High-School Diploma
- IB (International Baccalaureate)
2008 - Building in Erlangen
In August 2008 the FIS occupies its own, purpose-built campus with state-of-the-art facilities in Erlangen. It includes modern classrooms, fully equipped science labs, specialist art and music rooms, two PC labs, library, cafeteria, an auditorium and a double gymnasium.2012 - New school wing
A new school wing has been constructed and opened in October 2012. It houses the Middle and High School Library including a small office for our librarians as well as a library classroom separated from the main library by a glass wall. On the ground floor, an additional IT lab, a further classroom, three new music rooms and the theater are located. The back part of the theater can be separated and is used as gym for Early Years 3 and 4.2015 - New building for High School
In August 2015 the High School students move to their own building FIS II, in short walking distance from the main campus.
2015 - 10 year accreditation
The FIS successfully gains accreditation with all three of these agencies: CIS (Council of International Schools), NEASC (New England Association of Schools & Colleges) and the IPC (International Primary Curriculum). The FIS is the first school world-wide to achieve this.
2020 - New Gym
In August 2020, the FIS opened the doors to a new second Gym next to the main building.
2022/2023 - Re-Accreditation / Evaluation
During the 2022/2023 school year, the FIS successfully achieved re-accreditation / evaluation by the CIS (Council of International Schools), NEASC (New England Association of Schools & Colleges), and the IB Organisation.1998 - today
1998 - Foundation in Haundorf
Thanks to the initiative of adidas and the city of Herzogenaurach the FIS opens its doors in September 1998 in the urban quarter Haundorf. 25 students start their first school year in a combined Grade 1 and 2 class.
1999 - Move to Herzogenaurach
By September 1999, the FIS has grown to a school with three classes and around 70 students. More room is needed and adidas finances the renovation of the “Dassler Villa” in the west of Herzogenaurach as the FIS’ new location. This is a promising place for further growth.
2003 - Expansion
Rising student numbers force the FIS to look for another building for the Middle School. The city of Herzogenaurach provides an empty convent, also located in about 15 minutes walking distance to the Elementary School. Due to the high enrolment of the school, the building is simultaneously extended with container classes.2005 - Opening of the High School
The High School opens with its first Grade 9 class. As the school kept on growing the decision for a new campus in Erlangen was the next step into the future. Siemens, adidas, the city of Erlangen and the Bavarian State agree to help financing the project. At the same time, the school was accredited by international umbrella organizations.
2007 - IB authorization
It is now possible to finish school at the FIS with the following certificates:
- IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
- FIS High-School Diploma
- IB (International Baccalaureate)
2008 - Building in Erlangen
In August 2008 the FIS occupies its own, purpose-built campus with state-of-the-art facilities in Erlangen. It includes modern classrooms, fully equipped science labs, specialist art and music rooms, two PC labs, library, cafeteria, an auditorium and a double gymnasium.2012 - New school wing
A new school wing has been constructed and opened in October 2012. It houses the Middle and High School Library including a small office for our librarians as well as a library classroom separated from the main library by a glass wall. On the ground floor, an additional IT lab, a further classroom, three new music rooms and the theater are located. The back part of the theater can be separated and is used as gym for Early Years 3 and 4.2015 - New building for High School
In August 2015 the High School students move to their own building FIS II, in short walking distance from the main campus.2015 - 10 year accreditation
The FIS successfully gains accreditation with all three of these agencies: CIS (Council of International Schools), NEASC (New England Association of Schools & Colleges) and the IPC (International Primary Curriculum). The FIS is the first school world-wide to achieve this.
2020 - New Gym
In August 2020, the FIS opened the doors to a new second Gym next to the main building.
2022/2023 Re-Accreditation / Evaluation
During the 2022/2023 school year, the FIS successfully achieved re-accreditation / evaluation by the CIS (Council of International Schools), NEASC (New England Association of Schools & Colleges), and the IB Organisation.