Stiftung Landheim Schondorf am Ammersee

The school’s educational approach is based on the principle of "learning with head, heart, and hand," focusing on character development, personal responsibility, and the cultivation of values such as helpfulness, respect, justice, and honesty. It aims to prepare students for life by balancing academic rigour with practical experience, community service, and personal growth. The school emphasizes that students must feel they belong and are seen in order to develop their passions and take on responsibility.

The school offers three main academic paths: the Julie Kerschensteiner Primary School, the state-approved Ernst-Reisinger-Gymnasium (focusing on modern languages and economics), and the state-approved Julius-Lohmann-Gymnasium (an alternative grammar school stream). The upper school, known as 11³, emphasizes performance, personality, and community over three years. Additionally, the Landheim Academy provides a supplementary programme of challenging courses to enrich the standard curriculum.

The school prepares students for the Bavarian Abitur, with the Ernst-Reisinger-Gymnasium and Julius-Lohmann-Gymnasium providing pathways to university entrance. Graduates are encouraged to develop into responsible individuals with a strong sense of community and the ability to make well-considered decisions. The school maintains a strong alumni network, the Altlandheimerbund, which supports former students throughout their lives.

The school provides targeted support through small class sizes, which allow for differentiated learning and individual attention. Students are supported by tutors from Year 1 through to the Abitur, and younger boarding students are paired with mentors from the middle or upper school to assist with their transition and daily life. The school also offers a dedicated career guidance programme that begins in Year 9 to help students explore their strengths and future professional paths.

Admission is generally possible for any year group from Year 1 to Year 12, with Year 13 entry reserved for exceptional cases. The process involves a personal consultation and a mandatory three-day trial stay to ensure a mutual fit. The school places particular emphasis on a candidate's social skills, personal responsibility, and willingness to contribute to the community rather than solely on academic achievement. Transfers can be arranged flexibly at the start of a term or, in exceptional cases, during the school year.

The school operates on a standard academic year, typically running from September 1st to August 31st. The annual calendar includes key dates such as the start of terms, school holidays, and specific community events like the Landheim Day, summer concerts, and various conferences. Families are provided with a comprehensive calendar to assist in planning the school year, including weekends and holiday periods.

Located on a 16.5-hectare campus on Lake Ammersee, the school features modern boarding houses, including the Buchenhäuser complex, which offers double rooms and communal halls. The campus includes specialized learning centres, a school garden, an apiary, and extensive sports facilities. It also maintains a private jetty on the lake and various historic buildings, such as Haus Elisabeth, alongside modern, award-winning architectural projects.

The school offers a diverse programme of afternoon and weekend activities designed to foster personal development, team spirit, and leadership. Offerings include sports, music, theatre, and arts, as well as practical workshops such as gardening, beekeeping, and various craft programmes. Students also participate in international exchanges through a network of over 230 partner schools and engage in Round Square conferences.