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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.

German-French Friendship Day

German-French Friendship Day

German-French Friendship Day

Jan 23 2026

Students from GISSV and the Lycée Français came together for a morning of language exchange, cultural connection, and a shared German-French breakfast.

Yesterday marked German-French Friendship Day—an occasion that celebrates the close ties between Germany and France and the importance of cross-cultural exchange. To continue the spirit of the day, students from GISSV and the Lycée Français met this morning at our San Francisco campus for a special joint activity.

The focus of the morning was language learning through culture. Students explored German and French idioms, discovering how expressions like “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof” reflect everyday language and humor. GISSV students worked with French idioms, while students from the Lycée Français took on German expressions. To bring their learning to life, the groups created short videos, combining creativity, collaboration, and lots of laughter.

In addition to the language activities, students enjoyed a German-French breakfast featuring specialties from both countries. Sharing food provided another opportunity to connect, exchange experiences, and celebrate cultural diversity in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

We were pleased to welcome Franciska Obermeyer from the German Consulate, who joined the group for the morning and helped mark the occasion with a group photo.

The visit highlighted the value of international partnerships and authentic language experiences—key elements of GISSV’s mission to foster global citizenship from an early age.

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