Off base there are multiple school age options- the Alternative Educational Options pamphlet highlights the most commonly used off base schools.
Homeschool Information (Drop Down)
Homeschooling in the KMC is actually quite simple; there are no registration or reporting requirements. You are free to use whatever curriculum, testing schedule, etc. that you feel will benefit your child the most. It is highly recommended though that you use an accredited curriculum. Using an accredited program provides for a well-rounded curriculum and will aid in a smoother transition back to a traditional setting (or to college) should your child go that route down the road. We also recommend checking the home schooling requirements of the state you are leaving, your home of record state, or the state you will be going to, to give you a basic framework to build off of. Their requirements can typically be found on the state’s Department of Education website. It is also advisable to contact the school district office of the school your children are leaving.
The DoDEA schools here allow homeschooling families access to some of their services. The DoDEA-AI-1375-01 is the DoDEA directive describing the auxiliary services provided to homeschooled students. There are no requirements stating that you must use DoDEA auxiliary services. If you choose to use those services once you arrive here though, you will need to speak directly to the school that your home is zoned for. The staff will be able to give you specific information on the services their specific school is able to provide. For more information, please see http://www.dodea.edu/parents/homeschooling.cfm. The Alternative Educational Options pamphlet also provides information on Homeschool Support Groups.
Please note that for German citizens, homeschooling is illegal and is not common or recognized. We say this only for you to have cultural awareness while out and about in the community.
Alternative Educational Options
Homeschool Quick Facts
Preschool and Daycare Brochure
DoDEA - Sure Start Program
Sure Start is a preschool program for command-sponsored dependents. The program is comprised of four components: education, health, social services, and parent involvement.
Education: Children are offered a variety of learning activities that encourage their social-emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
Health: Children are assisted with comprehensive medical, dental, health, and educational screenings.
Social Services: Families are provided with referrals and linkages to community resources.
Parent Involvement: The program connects the school to the home because children benefit most when parents are partners with the school in their children’s education.
Eligibility: Dependents who have turned four years old by September 1st of the current school year (There are no exceptions to this age cut-off). Children qualify for Sure Start based on family dynamics that may put the child "at risk”. Please see the brochure below for more detailed information.
Sure Start Brochure
Child Development Center Programs
All CDC’s (Air Force and Army) are open to families regardless of the sponsor’s military affiliation.
Air Force Child Development Centers (CDC)
“The Child Development Centers (CDCs) are committed to providing high quality developmental experiences for your children. The CDCs on Ramstein and Vogelweh offer full time and hourly services for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Also, both CDCs offer a monthly 'Give Parents a Break' program, which allows parents to enjoy an evening out with their spouses. There is currently a waiting list to enroll your child in the CDC.”
Closed Federal Holidays & Family Days
Full Day/Part Day Care/Rental Slots
Website: https://www.86fss.com/child-development-center
Referral Office: DSN: 480-8782 | CIV: 06371-47-8782 (Both Ramstein and Vogelweh)
Army Child Development Centers
“CDCs are on-post child care centers that offer full-day, part-day and hourly care for children in nationally accredited environments. For ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.”
Closed Federal Holidays & Weekends
Full Day/Part Day/Hourly Care/Rental Slots
All Centers are open Mon-Fri: 0600-1800
Website: https://kaiserslautern.armymwr.com/europe/kaiserslautern/programs/childcare and http://kaiserslautern.armymwr.com/europe/kaiserslautern/programs/cysreg/
Private Options
There are many opportunities to get involved in the KMC. See below for just a few of the opportunities available:
Please note: You do not have to be a member of the SAC or SAB to participate in either meeting. Attendance is highly encouraged regardless of membership. Contact your child’s school, or the SLO, for more information on upcoming meeting dates.
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission
KMC Child Supervision Matrix
Adopt-a-School Program
AF Youth Sponsorship
National Education Resources
DoDEA Curriculum Information: http://www.dodea.edu/Curriculum/index.cfm
DoDEA Europe School Calendar for SY 19/20: https://www.dodea.edu/schoolCalendarsDetail.cfm?customel_datapageid_172689=746041
Kaiserslautern Army MWR (School Age Programs and Instructional/Sports Programs):http://kaiserslautern.armymwr.com/europe/kaiserslautern
86th FSS (Youth, School Age, Sports and Instructional programs): https://www.86fss.com/
Germany Community Information: (AWESOME Information! Schools, village events, and so much more!) https://www.welcome-to-rlp.org/home-away-from-home/
Weather updates:
http://www.imcom-europe.army.mil/webs/sites/staff_org/safety/road_conditions/index.asp
https://www.ramstein.af.mil/Weather-Info/
USAF Connect App
In your App Store/Play Store search for ‘USAF connect’
In the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) we have 10 Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Schools located on the various military installations in the local area. The DoDEA Schools serve Preschool-12th grade students.
Zoning: The school your child attends is determined by the location of your home. If a family decides to enroll their children into school while they are still in TLF/TLA, the school zoned for your TLF/TLA location will be the assigned school for the student. Please understand that when the family moves out of TLF/TLA, and if the permanent home is outside the current school zone, the children will need to transfer schools accordingly. (Please note that the villages listed on the Feeder Zone brochure are serviced by school buses)
School Specific Information: If you are needing school specific information regarding extracurricular programs (Athletics, theater, clubs, etc.), you will need to contact the schools directly. While most DoDEA schools offer the same programs and services, there are minor differences between the schools due to staffing, space or other various factors. To contact the schools, please visit the schools’ websites through the following link: https://www.dodea.edu/Europe/east/.
Late Start Day: Please note that on Thursday mornings every week, the DoDEA schools start one hour later. This one hour delayed start allows the faculty and staff at every school to collaborate and improve instruction. The schools offer supervised care as well as the School Age Programs (CYS) for students who do not meet the age requirement to stay home alone (please see the KMC Child Supervision Matrix).
DoDEA Europe School Calendar for SY 20/21: https://www.dodea.edu/schoolCalendarsDetail.cfm?customel_datapageid_172689=864676
KMC & Baumholder SY 20/21 Calendar
Feeder Zone Brochure
List of schools
Student Transfer Checklist
PCSing Out: If you are departing the Kaiserslautern Military Community with school-age children, our office is here to help you. We will connect you with the School Liaison Office at your gaining installation to help you learn about the educational opportunities and requirements in your new community. Even if you aren't sure where you will reside, the information that you receive will ease the stress of relocation.
PCSing In: If you have school-age children and are headed to the Kaiserslautern Military Community, the School Liaison Office can help provide general information on Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Schools, including school feeder zone maps, registration checklists and contact information. School Liaisons can also provide general information on alternative schooling options, as well as information on Child and Youth Programs throughout the community.
SLO Brochure 20-21
Interstate Compact
AAFES is responsible for managing the School Meal Program for all DoDEA Schools in the KMC. AAFES also manages the USDA Free and Reduced Lunch Program. The School Meal Program flyer provides step-by-step instructions for your convenience.
Free and Reduced Lunch Program: Eligibility is based on total household size and income (BAH and COLA are NOT included as family income, however, BAS is included as family income). You will have to set up an AAFES Lunch account prior to applying. Apply online at: https://freeandreducedapps.aafes.com/.
School Meal Program flyer
KLSA - Bright Eyes Program
The Kaiserslautern/Landstuhl Military Spouses Association (KLSA) provides a free pair of glasses per school year to the children of active-duty families in the KMC qualifying for the free lunch program. Please email brighteyes@klsa.com and provide them with
Qualifying applicants will be issued a Bright Eyes Memo that needs to be presented to the KMCC Optical Shop for a credit up to $89.95 towards a pair of eyeglasses. For more information on the program, please also visit http://klsa.org.
For registering your children in a DoDEA school please visit https://dodea-registration.hosted.src-solutions.com/terms to pre-register online. You will have to finalize the enrollment process once you get here at the school you are zoned for. (You will still need to bring official records to the school for verification)
Buses: To register, fill out the attached Bus Form and turn it in to the appropriate Transportation Office.
Ramstein & Landstuhl Bus Form
Sembach, Kaiserslautern, Vogelweh Bus Form
Contact information for the Kaiserslautern Military Community Air Force School Liaison Office (SLO):
Christopher Lamb & Jennifer Hahn
Email: 86msg.slo@us.af.mil
DSN: 314-480-9374 CIV: +49-6371-47-9374 From USA: 011-49-6371-47-9374 Building 2203, Room 111 Ramstein Air Base, Germany
Sembach, Vogelweh & Kaiserslautern DSN: 545-1343 CIV: +49-611-143-545-1343 Kaiserslautern.SBO@dodea.edu
Ramstein & Landstuhl DSN: 480-2877 CIV: +49-6371-47-2877 Ramstein.SBO@dodea.edu