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

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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.

Mission & Values

Education That Empowers Students to Shape the Future

We believe education should develop both strong academic foundations and the ability to navigate a complex, interconnected world.

Students learn in German and English within a supportive environment that values curiosity, responsibility, and belonging.

German International School of Silicon Valley - We go beyond preparing students for the future. We empower them to shape it.

Our Mission

At GISSV, our mission is to foster academic excellence, champion belonging, and equip students with the skills to navigate languages, cultures, and the complexities of a global society. We provide a rigorous, multilingual learning environment for students that seek a German-American education beginning in preschool and culminating in both a German Abitur and American high school diploma. In our strong community, close student-teacher relationships cultivate both intellectual and emotional growth. Together, we shape the future.

German Vision & Mission

German Vision & Mission

Mission

Wir vermitteln mehr als Fachwissen: Wir fördern das Denken, Verstehen und Mitfühlen.
Die Kinder und Jugendlichen lernen auf Deutsch und Englisch – in einem Umfeld, das herausfordert und unterstützt. Wir begleiten sie von der frühen Kindheit bis zum deutschen Abitur und zum amerikanischen High-School-Abschluss.
Dabei wachsen sie nicht nur akademisch, sondern auch als Persönlichkeiten: stark, sozial und bereit für eine vernetzte Welt.

Vision

Wir machen Kinder und Jugendliche stark für eine globale Zukunft: neugierig denkend, kulturell offen und verantwortungsvoll handelnd.

What this means at GISSV

Students learn in German and English every day
Academic rigor is balanced with personal growth and well-being
Learning is structured, inquiry-based, and collaborative
Students are supported from Preschool through graduation
Strong relationships between teachers and students guide learning
Graduates are prepared for universities in the U.S. and Europe

Core values

Academic Excellence
Belonging & Community
Dual-Language Learning
Global Citizenship
Curiosity & Inquiry
Respect & Responsibility