Jena School Fair
The Jena School Fair takes place every two years in odd-numbered calendar years. The next fair will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2027, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Volkshaus Jena, Carl-Zeiß-Platz 15.
Jena’s school landscape is constantly changing. In recent years, new schools have been established, school types have changed, and new school profiles have been developed. At the Jena School Fair, visitors can learn about the various types of schools and the different educational approaches of Jena’s schools and talk with teachers and school administrators.
Exhibitors
All of Jena’s elementary schools, high schools, community schools, and comprehensive schools—both public and private—regularly participate in the fair. Also present are all three of the city’s state-run vocational schools, one independent vocational school, and—from the Jena area—the Thuringia International School Weimar.
To provide guidance on education for students with special needs, staff from the Jena State Regional Support Center and the East Thuringia State School Authority, together with the city’s admissions coordinator, are available at a booth. Other staff members from the School Authority, such as the coordinators for the various school types and the after-school care coordinator, will also be on site.
The Jena School Administration will be available on-site to answer all school-related questions for which the municipality is responsible, such as school enrollment or student transportation. The Family Services department of the Citizen Services Office will provide information on after-school care fees and student BAföG. The Jena Adult Education Center will offer advice on obtaining school diplomas through external programs, and the Youth Career Agency (JUBA) will provide guidance on the transition from school to work.
An overview of the participating schools and counseling booths for 2027 will be available under “Downloads” at the end of 2026. The detailed floor plan of the booths in the Volkshaus will also be published under “Downloads” shortly before the fair. An overview of Jena’s school system, including brief profiles of each school, is availableon the school portal and in the Jena School Guide.
Organizational Matters
Admission to the fair is free.
Childcare provided by Jena-based child care providers will also be available on-site at no cost. Please note that you must provide your cell phone number if you wish to use this service.
You may bring a stroller or buggy to the fair. Parking spaces will be available on the ground floor in the childcare room.
Access to the Volkshaus is barrier-free—all entrance doors are threshold-free and wide enough for wheelchair users. Wheelchair-accessible elevators ensure easy movement between the exhibition levels. Accessible restrooms and accessible lockers for the coat check are available on the ground floor.
The Volkshaus also has a coat check area with lockers in the basement. This level is accessible only via a staircase.
Hot and cold beverages as well as snacks are available for purchase.