Admissions
Language Requirements
English, German and Spanish entry requirements by grade at CADI, and the language support available to new students.
Language requirements for acceptance into CADI
Minimum level expected in each language when a student joins CADI. Students will be assessed on their language proficiency during the admissions process.
| Level / grade | English | German | Spanish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool to Grade 3 | None | None | None |
| Grades 3–6 | Some basic understanding | None | Some basic understanding |
| Middle School (Grades 7–8) | Basic level (A1.2) in listening and speaking | None in Grade 7; basic understanding in Grade 8 | Basic level of understanding (A2) |
| High School (Grades 9–12) | Intermediate level (A2/B1) in listening, speaking and writing | Basic–intermediate level of understanding recommended, but not required | Basic level of understanding: A2 in Grades 9–10, B1 in Grades 11–12 |
How we teach students of different levels
English
- From PK3 to Grade 6, students receive English lessons in general groups, progressing according to the established curriculum.
- From Grade 7 to Grade 12, teachers differentiate their instruction to support the different proficiency levels of English.
- English is the language of instruction for Math, Science, English Language, Art and Music classes.
- In Preschool and Primary, small-group collaborative work is used to encourage the use of English.
German
- From PK3 to Grade 6, students receive German lessons in general groups, progressing according to the established curriculum.
- From Grade 7 to Grade 12, students are divided into four groups according to their proficiency level (A1, A1.2, A2 and B1), allowing for more personalised instruction tailored to their individual needs.
- Students with a C1, C2 or native-level proficiency work on advanced analytical and philosophical projects through selected readings, discussions and presentations of their own reflections. This programme can be implemented during the 2026–2027 academic year to further develop their critical thinking and academic German skills.
- In Secondary School, our teaching assistant from Germany helps in Art, Music, Entrepreneurship and PE classes (depending on the grade level), so that students hear German and are encouraged to speak it.
Spanish
- From PK3 to Grade 6, students receive Spanish lessons in general groups, progressing according to the established curriculum. Spanish is the language of instruction for Social Sciences, Spanish Language, Technology and Physical Education.
- From Grade 7 to Grade 12, teachers differentiate their instruction to support the different proficiency levels of Spanish. Spanish is the language of instruction for Social Sciences, Spanish Language, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Physical Education.
- At all levels, small-group collaborative work is used to encourage the use of Spanish among lower-proficiency speakers.
Language support for new students
Parents of students who enter with a low level in one or more languages may be recommended to pay for additional support courses offered by CADI after school. They may also arrange these classes privately, in consultation with the school.
Visit CADI
See our classrooms, meet our teachers and ask all your questions. Our admissions team speaks English, German and Spanish.