We are NewLi International Kindergartens.
NewLi International Kindergartens offer around 200 places for children aged 1–6 across four locations in Heidelberg. Founded by the DAI Heidelberg in 2007, the kindergartens grew out of a belief that children thrive when their natural curiosity is nurtured in a diverse, international environment – learning through play and discovery, developing a love of learning, and experiencing different languages and cultures as a natural part of everyday life.
NewLi builds on more than 15 years of experience providing high-quality care and a distinctive pedagogical approach to families in Heidelberg and beyond. With two kindergartens in Neuenheim, one in the Altstadt, and a fourth location opening in the Südstadt at Heidelberg Innovation Park, we welcome families from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.
We offer English-language immersion and bilingual learning opportunities in small groups, with an approximate 1:6 educator-to-child ratio to ensure children receive plenty of individual attention.
Why we do what we do
How we put it into practice
Unique, welcoming environments
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide children with a strong foundation for their early years; one that supports their development, encourages curiosity, and helps them grow into confident, capable individuals.
We strive to create an environment where children feel safe, valued, included, and supported, and where learning is a natural part of everyday life. We recognize that every child is different and that the early years are about more than preparing for school. They are about building the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive foundations children carry with them throughout life.
As an international kindergarten, we value the diversity of our community and the different languages, cultures, experiences, and perspectives that children and families bring with them.
Our goal is simple: to give every child the care, support, and opportunities they need to grow, learn, and become their own person.
Our History
NewLi International Kindergartens are a non-profit organization operated by Heidelberg New School of Life gGmbH. As our operating organization (Träger), Heidelberg New School of Life gGmbH is responsible for the operation, development, and management of our kindergartens.
Founded by the DAI Heidelberg in 2007, our kindergartens grew out of a belief that children thrive when their natural curiosity is nurtured in a diverse, international environment – learning through play and discovery, developing a love of learning, and experiencing different languages and cultures as a natural part of everyday life.
In 2021, Heidelberg New School of Life gGmbH was founded as the next step in developing an independent organizational structure.
In 2025, Heidelberg New School of Life gGmbH became the official operating organization (Träger) of the kindergartens. Since then, we have been known as NewLi International Kindergartens.
Our name, NewLi, is a nod to our operating organization, Heidelberg New School of Life: New + Li. Pronounced “newly,” the name also represents new beginnings and what kindergarten means for our children: the start of a new stage and adventure in their lives, as well as in the lives of their families.
Creative
Independent
Kind
Resilient