Maximilian Kolbe High School

What Maximilian Kolbe High School does

Maximilian Kolbe High School (Maximilian-Kolbe-Gymnasium) is a public Gymnasium located in the Porz district of Cologne, Germany, founded in 1966. It delivers the standard NRW Gymnasium academic curriculum from grade 5 through the Abitur (university entrance qualification), serving approximately 750+ students in the Cologne-Porz catchment area and across the city via its bilingual German/English program. The school offers a portfolio of extracurricular and specialization programs including the EMSA student-music mentor program (NRW-certified 2026), the Medienscouts digital-literacy initiative, the Technik-AG technical working group, career-orientation activities (including a KURS-Lernpartnerschaft with Krankenhaus Köln-Porz), and a sequence of Erasmus+ international exchange projects linking the school with partners in Italy, Spain, Poland, and France.

Instruction is delivered through a traditional classroom model augmented by Microsoft 365 and iPad-based digital tools, with no proprietary technology platform. The school's business model is that of a state-funded public institution: operational financing flows from the City of Cologne and the NRW school-financing system under the Schulgesetz NRW, with no tuition charged to families. Supplementary private funding comes through the Förderverein (parent/alumni support association), which manages donations from corporate partners including Infolog, Ortrosa, and Care Deutschland, alongside modest ancillary fees for events and cafeteria services. Erasmus+ EU grants fund specific international exchange projects on a project basis.

The institution operates within a regulated public-school framework that defines catchment area, curriculum standards, and staffing qualifications, while differentiating itself through accreditations (Cambridge English center, EMSA, Medienscouts NRW), partner relationships, and a 60-year community brand in Cologne-Porz. The governance structure includes school administration, a Förderverein board with recent leadership transition, and program-specific coordinators for music, digital media, career orientation, and international exchange.

Name

Maximilian Kolbe High School

Legal name

Maximilian-Kolbe-Gymnasium Köln

Website

https://mkg-koeln.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Maximilian Kolbe High School is a public Gymnasium in Cologne-Porz, Germany, founded in 1966, providing secondary education from grade 5 through Abitur to students in the Cologne area, with extracurricular programs in music, digital literacy, technical education, and international exchange.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Secondary Education

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Competitive Activities (Debate, Mock Trial, Academic Team, Robotics) (EDAJAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Research, Capstone & Extended Essay Mentoring (IB EE, independent research) (EDANAKAH)

Keywords

• Secondary education
• Gymnasium education
• Abitur preparation
• Academic tutoring
• Extracurricular programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Köln

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public School Funding: As a public Gymnasium run by the City of Cologne (Stadt Köln – Amt für Schulentwicklung), the school is funded through public tax revenue and does not charge tuition. The school operates under NRW state educational regulations.
2. Förderverein (Parent/Supporter Association): The registered association (Verein der Freunde und Förderer des Maximilian-Kolbe-Gymnasiums Köln-Porz e.V.) collects annual membership dues and receives donations from local businesses (e.g., Infolog GmbH, Ortrosa GmbH, Ortrosa GmbH & Co.KG) to fund supplementary programs, equipment upgrades, and student activities.
3. Student Services (ancillary fees): Modest fees for optional services including school locker rental (managed by AstraDirect), student transit tickets (Schülerticket), and occasional activity fees (e.g., 7 EUR per student for TRIXITT Sportfest).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Maximilian-Kolbe-Gymnasium (MKG) is a public German Gymnasium providing comprehensive secondary education from grade 5 through Abitur (Sekundarstufe I and II). It offers an all-day program with academic instruction across languages, sciences, humanities, and arts, supported by individualized learning support (Lerncoaching, Förderkurse, Kleeblatt), inclusive education (Gemeinsames Lernen), career orientation, and extensive extracurricular activities including EMSA music mentorship, Medienscouts digital literacy program, and Technik-AG technical team.

Product overview

Maximilian Kolbe Gymnasium (MKG) is a German secondary school (Gymnasium) offering comprehensive general education from grades 5 through 13 (Abitur). The school provides a structured academic program with specialized tracks including second foreign language selection, differentiated subject areas in grades 9-10, and an upper secondary phase (Oberstufe) for Abitur preparation. Beyond core academics, the school offers an extensive all-day program featuring supervised study periods, remedial courses, individual support (Kleeblatt), and over 25 activity groups (AGs). Notable programs include EMSA music mentorship, Media Scouts peer education, and the Technik-AG technical team. The school maintains international partnerships through Erasmus+ and provides career orientation services including work placements and university preparation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ganztag (All-Day Program) Comprehensive all-day school program including supervised lunch break, study periods, homework support, flex periods, and various activity groups (AGs) for enrolled students.
• Berufsorientierung (Career Orientation) Comprehensive career guidance program including work experience placements, agency cooperation, aptitude analysis, university preview courses (Schnupperstudium), and professional skills workshops for Sek I and Sek II students.
• Erasmus+ Austauschprogramme European exchange programs including partnerships with schools in Spain (Andújar), Italy (Desenzano del Garda), and Poland (Łódź) for student mobility and collaborative projects on sustainability and wellness.
• Gemeinsames Lernen (Inclusive Learning) Inclusive education program supporting students with special educational needs across various disability categories (Förderschwerpunkte), coordinated by a dedicated GL-Team.
• Mensa (School Canteen) School canteen service providing meals for students during the school day as part of the all-day program.
• Lernzeiten (Study Periods) Supervised study periods on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 15:00-15:30 for Sek I students, with additional flexible study time until 16:00.
• Förderkurse (Remedial Courses) Remedial courses offered in main subjects (Hauptfächer) within the all-day program for students with learning difficulties.
• Kleeblatt Förderung Individual support program for students requiring additional academic assistance beyond standard remedial courses.
• Technik-AG (Technology Workshop) Student-led technology team providing technical support for school events including sound, lighting, and stage equipment management with PA systems, digital mixing consoles, LED stage lighting, and a 30m2 mobile stage.
• Medienscouts (Media Scouts) NRW-certified program where trained students teach peers about safe and responsible use of digital media, cyberbullying prevention, and digital citizenship across grades 5-7.
• EMSA Music Mentorship Program Music mentorship program in cooperation with Rheinische Musikschule Köln and Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, where student mentors certified by the NRW Culture Minister provide music instruction and instrument access to all students.
• MaxiMo-Stunde (Activity Groups) After-school activity groups and clubs offered to students for enrichment and personal development.
• B2 First for Schools Zertifikat Official Cambridge English preparation and examination centre, offering B2 First for Schools certification to students.

Quantifiable outcome

• EMSA student mentors certified by NRW Culture Minister Ina Brandes in February 2026
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Käthe Flöck StiftungminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 July 2026Foundation that provided generous financial support for the school's democracy trip to Berlin (Demokratie-Fahrt) for the Projektkurses Geschichte #niewiederistjetzt (Q1, EF), enabling student filmmaking project on historical responsibility.
• Ortrosa GmbH & Co.KGminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Local company that made a generous donation of 1,000 EUR to the MKG Förderverein in June 2026, contributing to supplementary school programs and student activities.
• Care Deutschland e.V.minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Provided funding support for the school's diversity library project, enabling the purchase of 60 new books across all age groups for the new Diversity bookshelf section of the school library, promoting inclusive and diverse reading materials.
• GemüseAckerdemie (GemüseAckerdemie e.V.)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Non-profit association supporting schools in establishing their own vegetable gardens. Engaged by MKG through funding from the Käthe Flöck Stiftung to assist the Maximo-AG (Garten-AG) with sustainable and diverse gardening on the school grounds, promoting healthy eating and environmental awareness among students.
• Krankenhaus Köln-Porz (Hospital Porz)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2023KURS-Lernpartnerschaft (Learning Partnership) established between MKG and Krankenhaus Köln-Porz. The partnership provides students with insights into a large healthcare company, supporting career orientation through practical exposure to health sector professions. The partnership was formalized with a certificate ceremony at the school on March 23, 2023.
• Erasmus+ (European Commission)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMKG participates in Erasmus+ European educational exchange programmes with partner schools including IES Jándula (Spain, Andújar), Liceo di Stato G. Bagatta (Italy, Desenzano del Garda), and a school in Łódź, Poland. Multiple projects completed: 'Sustainable C.L.O.C.K.' (2020-2022) and 'S.L.O.W.' (Sustainable Lifestyle – Outdoor – Wellness, 2022-2024). Activities include student exchanges, teacher job shadowing, and collaborative project work on sustainability and wellbeing themes.
• EMSA-Zentrum / Rheinische Musikschule Köln / Hochschule für Musik und Tanz KölncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEMSA (Extracurricular Music School Activities) cooperation programme involving EMSA-Zentrum (www.emsa-zentrum.de), Rheinische Musikschule Köln, and the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln. Student mentors are trained and certified by the NRW Culture Ministry. The programme makes music education accessible to all students and includes regular performances (Open Stage, Stage Night, Gallery Night).
• Infolog GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal IT company (Köln-Porz/Wahn) that has supported the MKG Förderverein with annual donations for many years. Donation amounts: 1,500 EUR annually (per 2023 acknowledgment) and 1,750 EUR (December 2025). The company also offers internship opportunities for MKG students.
• Freiluga (Freiluftgrundschule / Nature Education Center)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNature education center near Königswinter that hosts school field trips. All 5th grade classes visited Freiluga together for a field trip focused on bees and beekeeping, with hands-on activities including examining bee colonies with an experienced beekeeper.
• Agentur für Arbeit Köln (Federal Employment Agency)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer orientation cooperation with the Federal Employment Agency. Mr. Aydin from the Agentur für Arbeit provides overview presentations to class 9 students on career and study opportunities, including use of VR technology for virtual workplace exploration.
• Stadt Köln – Amt für Schulentwicklung (City of Cologne School Development Office)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe school's governing authority and school sponsor (Schulträger), represented by the Oberbürgermeister of Cologne. Responsible for school funding, infrastructure, staffing, and educational policy compliance. Contact: Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, 50679 Köln.
• Universität zu Köln (University of Cologne)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership displayed on the school's partner section, providing potential pathways for Schnupperstudium (university preview) experiences for MKG students.
• KVB (Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal public transport company running an annual E-Bus design competition for schools. MKG's Umwelt-AG participated and achieved 4th place in the competition themed 'Respekt' (Respect).
• Stadtbibliothek Köln (Cologne City Library)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Cologne City Library for extended learning resources and reading promotion activities.
• Musikfabrik Köln (Ensemble MusiKFabrik)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ensemble MusikFabrik Köln for cultural enrichment and music education activities at the school.
• Austausch mit Mollet (France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing student exchange program with Mollet, France, providing international cultural exchange opportunities for MKG students.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Cognita Schools: Global K–12 school operator running 80+ premium and bilingual schools across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Comparable as a portfolio of secondary schools offering Abitur-style and international curricula; differs as a for-profit group rather than a single public Gymnasium.
• Nord Anglia Education: Premium international school operator running 80+ schools worldwide with strong extracurricular and music/sports programming. Comparable in operating K–12 schools with extensive AG-style enrichment; differs in commercial positioning.
• GEMS Education: UAE-headquartered K–12 operator with broad global footprint of premium schools. Comparable in delivering full secondary curricula with extracurricular and technology programs; differs in scale and fee-paying model.

Regional players

• International School of Düsseldorf: Long-established English-language K–12 school in the Rhine-Ruhr region serving international and German families. Comparable as a secondary school near Cologne offering international curricula and extracurriculars; differs as a private international school.
• Phorms Education: German private bilingual K–12 operator running several schools across Germany including in NRW. Comparable as a K–12 school operator in the same German market offering secondary education with extended-day programming; differs as a fee-paying private chain.
• International School on the Rhine (ISR): Neuss-based private international school serving K–12 in the Rhine region. Comparable in offering full secondary education with technology, music, and sports programming; differs as a private fee-paying institution.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/maximilian-kolbe-gymnasium

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Maximilian Kolbe High School