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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.

Author Visit Inspires Young Readers

Author Visit Inspires Young Readers

Author Visit Inspires Young Readers

May 13 2026

Grade 5 and 6 students met bestselling German author Katja Brandis during a virtual reading and Q&A session.

Yesterday, our Grade 5 and 6 students from the Mountain View and San Francisco campuses welcomed bestselling German author Katja Brandis for a virtual reading of her novel Windwalkers: Vol. 1.

Joining live from Munich, Brandis shared insights into her creative process, her passion for animals, and her personal connection to California, including her research visits to San Francisco. Students also learned more about the internationally successful Woodwalkers series, which has sold over five million copies and been translated into 30 languages.

During the session, Brandis discussed the Woodwalkers film adaptations, including the second film currently showing in German cinemas, and explained that she is writing the screenplay for the third movie herself. She also gave students an honest look into the business side of being an author and answered a wide range of student questions.

The event offered students a unique opportunity to connect directly with a world-class author and experience literature in an engaging and personal way. This marked Katja Brandis’ second virtual visit to our school, and we are proud to continue bringing inspiring international voices into our classrooms to foster a lifelong love of reading and storytelling.

Photos: Tanja Zimmermann

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