The goal is to ease their entry into the school system and support a smooth transition into mainstream education. The initiative was approved by the City Council’s Education Committee and stems from a 2023 proposal by the Green Party and the Rosa Liste faction.
Full-Day Instruction for Fifth and Sixth Graders Without German Skills
The new program targets students in grades 5 and 6 who are currently unable to participate in regular classes due to language barriers. These starter classes will run on a full-day schedule, focusing primarily on German as a second language. Additional subjects such as mathematics, English, and cultural education will also be taught. To support students’ overall development, the program includes social pedagogy to help children navigate both school and everyday life while building social skills.
Following participation in the starter classes, each child’s transition into other school types—such as Realschule or Gymnasium—will be considered on an individual basis. There is no automatic or mandatory transfer; decisions will depend on each student’s progress and needs. The new classes will be offered at two institutions: the Willy-Brandt Comprehensive School and the Municipal Cross-Type Orientation School.
Cost-Neutral Implementation Through Resource Reallocation
Each starter class will be staffed with a total of 49 weekly teacher hours—34 for core instruction and 14 for supplementary full-day activities. According to Munich’s Department of Education, the program will be implemented without increasing the city’s education budget. By reallocating existing resources from current German-language classes, the new model remains financially neutral.
Response to Growing Demand and Future Workforce Needs
The launch of the starter classes comes in response to the growing need for structured school integration among migrant children. Beyond immediate educational support, the program is also intended to contribute to long-term strategies addressing Germany’s skilled labor shortages. As part of Munich’s broader education policy, the starter classes aim to promote integration, equal opportunity, and social inclusion.
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