The first bilingual (German/English) preschool in Berlin is opening its doors to the children of our city!

One and a half years ago, two mothers conceived the idea of founding a bilingual preschool in the heart of Berlin. Anne-Sophie Briest is a 33-year old stage actress and mother of two children aged 4 and 9 years. The other co-founder is Antje Michaelis, a 35-year old professional conference organiser and also mother of two younger children aged 2 and 4.

Language learning comes most easily during the preschool years. A second (world) language equips children with a vital key for international communication. This fosters not only an open attitude to the world at large, but also tolerance and respect for other cultures.

Education is a much-discussed topic in society. It is commonly recognised that most children are not given adequate preparation for entry to primary school. The ability to sit still and concentrate on one task and even the desire to learn must all be acquired. However, where can they gain this vital preparation when in the past 3 years, preschools have closed and daycare centres are struggling to fill the gap? The lack of preschools not only speaks of failure to keep pace with international standards, but also holds back children in our society from developing their potential.

As the Chair of the Association for Education and Learning once said: "In the future, all school leavers in Germany will have university-entrance qualifications, provided our children rediscover their desire to learn. Early childhood education is crucial. At this level, the foundation stones are put into place for future learning." Our belief is that every child can acquire the ability to learn through appropriate building of strengths and attention to weaknesses at an early age.

Our contribution to early childhood education is our daycare-structured bilingual preschool in the heart of Berlin. The be smart academy accepts children aged 3-6 years irrespective of their origin, social status or the financial status of their parents. Each of the five education groups is assigned two educators, one who speaks English and the other German. In the study timetable, activities are divided into 2 periods, 9:00 to 10:30 and 14:00 to 15:30. The required subject areas are art and crafts, sport, drama and music, ABC/123 and science and nature. The educational content is taught through projects with cross-cutting themes. Our modern, international concept is geared to the Berlin educational programme and is generously supported by the Berlin Senate.

Thanks to the financial support extended by the City of Berlin, the founders of the be smart academy have been able to convince sponsors and supporters to weigh in with their financial and material contributions. The first sponsor is Microsoft Germany with its doormouse programme. They have been joined by Grawert, Schöning and Partners Law Office, based in central Berlin. We are confident that more supporters and sponsors will come forward. We must not forget: "The children of today are the nation of tomorrow!"

Our sponsors and supporters can contribute and benefit in several ways:

  • Support in a personal capacity is welcome. This will contribute towards improving the educational programme and help many children gain a better start in their educational life
  • Supporters and sponsors can receive recognition in the national media
  • Sites can be linked to our homepage
  • There are possibilities for running a banner on our homepage
  • Corporate presentations may be organised in the be smart academy lobby area
  • Sponsors may set up displays at open days and at the grand opening
  • Credit can be given to sponsors on each sponsored item

Naturally, we are also grateful for other ideas and suggestions.

Interested? We welcome an opportunity to discuss with you in greater detail.


Press contact:

E-Mail presse@besmartacademy.com

Telefon 030 - 246 28 214