The school year consists of 2 semesters normally extending from mid-August to early July. Unlike an international school, the Kennedy School is a German public school organized under the auspices of the Berlin Senat. The Berlin State Department of Education, Landesschulalmt, is responsible for the overall operation of the School. A 10-member Educational Directorate comprised of representatives from the U.S. Embassy, the Berlin government, and the parent body, functions in a board of education capacity. The curriculum combines features of both the American and German educational systems.
Instruction is in German and English, with English emphasized.
American students learn German in formal, daily lessons beginning in grade 3. The program at all levels is designed to accommodate American students who have little or no knowledge of the German language. Classes in remedial reading and math are available in the elementary school. The Kennedy School emphasizes academic excellence. There is a probationary period following acceptance for all students, one year for elementary pupils and 6 months for students in grades 7 and above.