German International School of Silicon Valley - GISSV Home: English

Navigation

About
- Welcome to GISSV
  The German International School of Silicon Valley is an independent, nonprofit preschool–grade 12 school with two locations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Learning in German and English
  Our high-quality dual-immersion education helps students reach their full potential in a stimulating environment that fosters critical and imaginative thinking, a passion for lifelong learning and an appreciation for cultural diversity.
Admissions
- Meeting Students’ Needs From Preschool Through High School
  GISSV welcomes students of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We serve students from two to eighteen years old.
- Enrollment
  The enrollment period begins during the months of January and February of each year for the upcoming school year. We also accept new students throughout the school year based on availability. Knowledge of the German language is required for all children who enroll after 1st grade (See also our German Fast Track Program).
Learning
- Nurturing Holistic and Individual Development
  Our well-balanced program provides rich project-based and differentiated learning experiences, fostering interests across all subject areas as well as social-emotional competency, critical thinking, artistic expression and physical motor skills.
- Safe and Stimulating Learning Environments
  We provide highly qualified teachers, small class sizes and an excellent student-to-teacher ratio. Our engaging and ambitious curriculum is enhanced by comprehensive science and technology resources.
School Life
- Rich Experiences in the Classroom and Beyond
  At GISSV, we are instilling an appreciation of life, music, sports, culture and arts among our students. We take responsibility and action for ourselves, others and our planet.
- Strong Sense of Community
  GISSV has a vibrant international school community thanks to our small class sizes, cohesive, dynamic preschool–12 structure and enriching events that involve all our students, teachers and parents.
Campuses & Camps
- Serving Families Across the Bay Area
  GISSV has campuses in Mountain View and San Francisco. We also connect our students to their local environment by exploring the cultural, natural, academic and entrepreneurial destinations the Bay Area has to offer.
- Two Campuses, One School
  All GISSV programs are bilingual and based on the German curriculum of the state of Thuringia, which is known and respected for its well-rounded educational approach
Support GISSV
- Enhancing the GISSV Experience
  Family and community support is a vital part of GISSV. Voluntary contributions of time, resources and expertise are key to our success.
- Every Gift Matters
  Donations are essential to preserving and advancing GISSV’s exceptional educational programs. Tax-deductible contributions enable us to realize our most important current and long-term priorities, preparing our students for the world ahead.

GISSV.MySchool

Quicklinks

Search

Preschool-12 Dual Language Education in
Two Locations in the Bay Area

Exceptional Preschool-12 Dual Language Education in Two Bay Area Locations –
Offering the Prestigious Abitur Program,
Where Belonging and Connection Matter

School News

A Musical Morning with the Head of School

A Musical Morning with the Head of School

The Papageien group enjoyed a unique jam session with Dr. Wolfram Schrimpf, thanks to a special gift from the Anniversary Gala & Auction.

Open-Air Movie Night: A Cultural Evening Under the Stars

Open-Air Movie Night: A Cultural Evening Under the Stars

The GISSV community gathered on our SF campus for a memorable outdoor movie night in partnership with the Goethe-Institut.

A Week of Spirit and Style: Mottowoche 2025

A Week of Spirit and Style: Mottowoche 2025

From vintage glam to classroom role reversals—our senior-led Mottowoche brought joy, creativity, and school spirit to Grades 1–12 across both campuses.

Spotlight

The German Approach

The German Approach

Seal of Excellence

Seal of Excellence

Dual Diplomas

Dual Language Learning

Dual Language Learning

The GISSV Advantage

Bilingual Benefits

Immersion in a second language equips children not only with an amazing capacity for language acquisition, but also a deep understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.

International Excellence

Our dual-immersion program combines the best of German and American curricula and prepares our students to be global citizens.

Our Community

GISSV is a collaborative, diverse, ambitious and supportive community and offers a wide range of vibrant activities and events to our students, parents and faculty & staff members throughout the year.