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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.

A Special Start to Grade 1: Schultüten Welcome Our New First Graders

A Special Start to Grade 1: Schultüten Welcome Our New First Graders

A Special Start to Grade 1: Schultüten Welcome Our New First Graders

Aug 19 2026

A beloved German tradition marked the beginning of a new school journey as our first graders on both campuses received their Schultüten and celebrated the start of the 2026/27 school year with their families, teachers, and the GISSV community.

A new school year brings new beginnings—and for our first graders, it began with one of the most beloved traditions of German school life: the Schultüte ceremony.

On Monday, our San Francisco campus celebrated its new first graders, followed by Mountain View on Tuesday morning. Surrounded by their families, teachers, and members of the GISSV community, the children received their beautifully decorated Schultüten, filled with treats and school supplies. The colorful cones symbolize the excitement and joy of embarking on a new chapter of learning and growing.

As part of the many celebrations kicking off the new school year, Head of School Dr. Wolfram Schrimpf welcomed new and returning families together with our new Heads of Elementary School, Nadine Heckmann-Zakharov in San Francisco and Michelle Catudal in Mountain View, President of the Board Shamala Hinrichsen, and Deputy Consul General Franciska Obermeyer.

The celebrations also marked the beginning of a new chapter for our elementary school teams. We are delighted to welcome Frau Tatsiou as the teacher of our San Francisco first graders. In Mountain View, Frau Schloetter and Frau Martiny are welcoming our new first graders and guiding them through this exciting first year of elementary school.

For our youngest elementary students, the Schultüte ceremony is more than a festive tradition. It is a joyful milestone—a moment to celebrate their first steps into school life and to remind them that they are embarking on this journey surrounded by a caring community.

Herzlich willkommen in der 1. Klasse! We are so happy you are here and look forward to all the learning, discoveries, friendships, and adventures the new school year will bring. 💛

Photos

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