Frankfurt International School e.V. (“FIS” or “the school”) was established in 1961 as a non-profit Association (eingetragener Verein) (the “Association”) to serve the international community of the Rhine-Main area by offering education of excellent quality with English as the principal language of instruction and by promoting international cultures and understanding. The school comprises two unique campuses, the campus in Oberursel serving age 3 through Grade 12 and the campus in Wiesbaden serving age 3 through Grade 8.

FIS is free of religious or political aims and makes admission and employment decisions without regard to religion, race, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.

The school's Articles of Association (the “Articles”) establish the school and authorize the board of trustees (the “Board of Trustees” or the “Board”) to adopt bylaws and policies, including bylaws and policies stipulating the Board’s responsibilities and conduct. The adopted bylaws (the “Bylaws”) provide that the Board may adopt policies or make changes to existing policies. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the policies provided herein and any terms or conditions set forth in the Articles or Bylaws, the terms and conditions set forth in the Articles and Bylaws shall prevail.

This Policy Manual consists of the policies established by the Board of Trustees and provides a high-level summary of the school's philosophy, offerings, governance and operations. It is pursuant to these policies and guidelines that the head of school (the “Head of School”) directs the development of instructional programs, provides administrative and educational leadership and is otherwise responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school.

Within these policies established by the Board of Trustees, the Head of School adopts administrative regulations, procedures, guidelines, and handbooks as may be needed to administer and manage the school and execute decisions made by the Board of Trustees. Such administrative regulations and handbooks include, inter alia, the Administrative Regulations Manual, the Faculty and Staff Handbook, the Grade 6-8 Student Handbook and the Grade 9–12 Student Handbook. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the policies provided herein, and administrative regulations, the policies provided herein shall prevail.

Adoption of new policies or changing existing policies within this policy manual is solely the responsibility of the Board of Trustees, based on recommendations by the Policy Committee. Anyone connected with or interested in the school may propose a new policy or a revision to an existing policy by submitting a proposal to the Head of School or the Chair of the Policy Committee. The Policy Committee then determines whether to recommend the proposed policy or revision for approval by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees adopts new policies and revisions to existing policies following approval by a majority of Board members present during a public Board meeting.