The Christian School Kandern was founded in 2009 and has been in high demand ever since. Children from German and international families learn together here starting in first grade — in both German and English. The school is supported by a partnership between the Black Forest Academy (BFA) and the Freie Evangelische Schulen e.V. (FES). This partnership has been given a new contractual framework.
The CSK is very popular with families in the region, and enrollment numbers remain consistently high. The concept is compelling: two languages, one community, a Christian foundation. That is precisely why it was important for the school’s structural foundation to grow alongside it.
The reason for the new contract was specific: The previous framework made it difficult to meet all the requirements of the curriculum, and the workload for German teachers was toohigh in the all-day program. In a collaborative process with the team, the issues were clearly identified and effective solutions were found.
What the new contract changes
The schedule has been harmonized. That sounds technical, but it has a direct impact on daily life: German and English-speaking teachers plan on a common basis, have fixed times for team meetings, and can collaborate more closely.
In terms of content, it is now clearly defined in whichl anguage what is taught. Mathematics and German are taught in German for all children — for English-speaking children, in differentiated groups depending on their language proficiency. In all other subjects, multilingual instruction is possible, and itis actively practiced. This arrangement provides security forboth sides: the German children, who can feel confident in their own language, and the international children, whoacquire German in a natural, non-overwhelming setting.
The vacation periods have also been adjusted: they follow theBaden-Württemberg school calendar. American families canstill travel home earlier in the summer — a detail that showshow the agreement came about: with a focus on the peoplewho make up the school.
Why bilingual learning is so much more than language instruction
Children who learn in two languages from an early agedevelop more than just vocabulary. They learn to switch between perspectives — a cognitive skill that impacts manyareas of life. Those who know terms in two languagesunderstand that reality is describable, negotiable, and multifaceted.
At CSK, something is added that no curriculum can mandate: genuine togetherness. When a child from Oregon and one from Kandern solve a problem together, more happens thanjust language acquisition. The experience emerges that the world is bigger than one’s own horizon — and that one still hasa place in it. This experience is formative. It makes children more adaptable, more curious, and more open-minded.
Developed as a Team
The process that led to this agreement was a collaborative one. Key contributors were Kristie Schliep from the BFA Board and Salome Kühlein, Head of the FES Academy. Both emphasize what sustained the process: the extraordinary commitment of the entire team. The willingness to take an honest look, to grapple with challenges together, and ultimately to create something better — according to Schliep and Kühlein, this was only possible because everyone involved truly lives the concept. The deep love for what the CSK stands for — “Two languages, one heart” — was palpable at every stage of the process.
At the end of March, all parents were informed during a jointevening meeting.
New School Leadership Starting Next School Year
In parallel with the revision of the cooperation agreement, the CSK has also set the course for the future regarding school leadership. After Nathanael Pantli, principal of the FES Elementary School in Lörrach, had taken over as interim principal this school year, Christina Müller has now been confirmed as the new principal. She is already serving as vice principal at the CSK and will officially take over as principal starting in the new school year. On the BFA side, Monique Koene will remain co-principal. We wish the new leadership team God’s blessing in their work.
Claudia Schaefer
Head of Communications
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)