Lessons are focused on the individual strengths and needs of our students. Small classes and dedicated teachers create an inspiring learning environment. Here, everyone has the opportunity to discover their personal talents and master academic challenges. Our focus is on the development of the individual, supported by intensive mentoring and a trusting teacher-student relationship.

From grade 9, students are supported by a professional careers service. Together with experienced colleagues, they develop future prospects, for the time after the Abitur or International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB programme, taught in English, opens up global opportunities and prepares students for international careers. From grade 8, students have the option of attending our International Classes (IC) classes where the Baden Württemberg curriculum is taught in English.

The size of our boarding school enables us to offer a wide variety of boarding activities. From service, craft guilds and our creative muses to sports and outdoor education, Salem offers space for individual talents to develop. This diversity allows students to discover and develop new passions.

A selection of our boarding activities

• Services: Fire Brigade, First Aid, Social and much more (THW means nothing in English!)
• Guilds: Carpentry, precision mechanics, wood turning and much more
• Sports: hockey, basketball, tennis and much more
• Creative Arts: music lessons, ceramics workshop, theatre and much more
• ... and a variety of other clubs and societeies.

Comprehensive scholarship programme

With the most comprehensive scholarship programme in Germany, Schule Schloss Salem also offers students the opportunity to live, learn and develop in this unique environment, regardless of their parents' income. We want to provide students with a holistic education that gives them the courage and confidence to shape their own future.

Outdoor education and adventure are an integral part of Salem's educational programme. Every year group takes part in age-appropriate outdoor excursions such as hiking, climbing and sailing. In addition, our students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. These experiences build confidence, resilience and the ability to cope with challenging situations.

However, the outdoor highlight for grade 9 is and remains Outward Bound - nine days in the incomparable beauty and wilderness of Norway. This is where students learn to take responsibility and develop team spirit. 

At Salem students are actively involved in decision-making and take responsibility in the boarding school. They learn the importance of democratic principles and take an active part in shaping their environment through a strong student body (SMV), such as the Student Councils in both the lower and middles schools and the College Parliament in the upper school. The opportunity to take responsibility for the community builds self-confidence and prepares students to take on responsible roles in their careers and in society.

With students from around 45 nations, boarding life at Salem is very international, both in the classroom and in the boarding house.

Our boarding school promotes intercultural skills and actively creates spaces for understanding global contexts. Through Round Square, an association of 200 boarding schools and colleges worldwide, students have the opportunity to participate in student exchanges, projects and conferences. The IB is also an important part of our international focus. Not only are lessons taught in English, but students are encouraged to look beyond their national borders.

No matter who you ask at Salem - students, teachers, mentors, house tutors or our staff: What makes Salem special is the community. Salem is much more than a school - it is a home away from home with a community for life.

No wonder that the network of Salem alumni, the Altsalemer Vereinigung (ASV), now has over 4,000 members and regularly organises regional meetings. Every two years, all ASV members are invited to meet at Schule Schloss Salem to reunite, celebrate and network.