Starting in the 2010/2011 school year, the Realschule plus was introduced throughout the city of Mainz. This means that in the future, students will be taught in a single school type, the Realschule plus.

In the city of Mainz, there are two types of secondary schools: cooperative and integrative. Both types offer a common orientation stage and the opportunity to obtain vocational qualifications or a qualified secondary school leaving certificate.

Pupils continue to be taught in classes beyond the orientation stage. In individual subjects, differentiation is based on performance or aptitude. From the 8th school year onwards, classes can be organized according to the type of qualification being pursued.

After completing the orientation stage, students are taught in two independent educational tracks. After each school year, it is possible to change tracks within the educational programs.

The class size in the orientation stage of the Realschule plus is 25. This means that a class can consist of a maximum of 25 students.

At Realschule plus, students can obtain vocational qualifications and a secondary school leaving certificate (Sekundarstufe I). At selected locations with a technical college (Fachoberschule), students can obtain a technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife).

With the introduction of the Realschule plus, the previous school districts for secondary schools have been abolished. Pupils can therefore be enrolled at any school they wish. Regardless of any entitlement to travel expenses (checking the nearest school), the parents' contribution to the cost of transporting pupils to the Realschule plus has been completely abolished.

The Realschulen plus Budenheim / Mainz-Mombach, Gonsenheim, and Lerchenberg are all-day schools offering optional programs. Students who take advantage of the all-day program are taught from Monday to Thursday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on Fridays between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participation in the all-day school is voluntary. If a student decides to attend the all-day school, they are required to participate in the program for the current school year.

Lunch is provided at municipal all-day schools. Parents are currently required to pay a contribution of €2.73 per meal. A social welfare fund or hardship fund is available for recipients of social welfare benefits or low-income earners. If the requirements are met, the contribution for these groups is only €1.00 per meal. Applications for benefits from the social welfare or hardship fund can be submitted to the Mainz city administration, 40- Schulamt.