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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.

GISSV at the Annual Conference of German School Heads

GISSV at the Annual Conference of German School Heads

GISSV at the Annual Conference of German School Heads

Sep 23 2025

GISSV joined German school leaders in NYC for the annual conference, marking the first conference for our new Head of School.

Each year, Heads of German International Schools across North America gather to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration. This year, GISSV was proud to participate, with the conference hosted by the German International School New York.

The event was especially significant for Dr. Wolfram Schrimpf, who joined GISSV last year as Head of School and attended his first conference with fellow leaders.

New heads of school welcomed this year included:

Rasmus Frederich, German International School Chicago
Delia Simons, Alexander von Humboldt German International School Montreal
Funda Suzan, Interim Head of School, German International School Boston
Bettina Gregg, German International School Portland (attended remotely)

Continuing leaders in the region included:

Carsten Apsel, Washington D.C.
Raphael Hillisch, Brooklyn
Rouven Hollmann, Toronto
Volker Ovelgönne, New York

A distinctive feature of German schools is that Heads of School continue teaching in the classroom, staying closely connected with students. Discussions at the conference focused on innovative classroom management, digital learning strategies, and advancing dual language education—topics central to GISSV’s mission.

Events like this strengthen our network, foster collaboration, and inspire growth across German international schools in North America.

Learn more at www.germanapproach.org.

Photos: GISNY

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