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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 Schools Abroad: Shaping Global Citizens

German Schools Abroad: Shaping Global Citizens

German Schools Abroad: Shaping Global Citizens

Mar 10 2026

As an accredited DAS school, our Head of School joined colleagues in Berlin last week for the annual Conference of Heads of German Schools Abroad.

This annual gathering brings together the heads of German Schools Abroad and leaders of German-language sections at supported schools worldwide, providing a platform to exchange ideas, reflect on the past year, and explore the future of German education abroad.

GISSV is proud to be part of the DAS network, a global community of accredited German Schools Abroad supported by the German government. This network connects educators, fosters innovation, and provides high-quality education that emphasizes multilingualism, intercultural exchange, and democratic values, preparing students to thrive as globally minded citizens.

At the conference, participants discussed the developments of 2025 and priorities for the year ahead. Key topics included language-sensitive teaching and data-informed school development, reflecting areas central to our educational approach. Trust and collaboration were emphasized as essential for addressing these challenges.

In the photo on the right, you can see the Heads of School from the North American DAS region, that includs AvH Montreal; German International Schools in Boston, Chicago, Portland, Toronto, New York, and Washington D.C.; Global School Brooklyn; and the German International School of Silicon Valley.

The importance of German Schools Abroad was further highlighted by political support: Serap Güler, State Minister at the German Federal Foreign Office, noted that supporting students at these schools is an investment in freedom and democracy.

The impact of the network is evident in its alumni worldwide. For example, His Excellency Antonio José Lehmann Gutiérrez, a graduate of the Deutsche Schule San José, now serves as Costa Rica’s ambassador in Berlin. Nada Seada, who attended German schools in Cairo and Jeddah, emphasizes that critical thinking was the most important skill she gained from her education abroad.

We are proud to be an accredited member of this international network and look forward to bringing new ideas and inspiration back to our school community.

Photo credit: ZfA, German International School Washington D.C.

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