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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.

International Food Day Brings the World to GISSV

International Food Day Brings the World to GISSV

Students at a food stand at GISSV's Intl. Food Day 2025/26

Jun 15 2026

Students, families, staff, and alumni came together at both GISSV campuses to celebrate global cultures through food, learning, and community.

Our annual International Food Day once again transformed the Mountain View and San Francisco campuses into vibrant celebrations of culture, community, and cuisine.

Organized by the Student Council (SV) with support from teachers, staff, and parent volunteers, the event invited students and families to explore the rich diversity that makes up the GISSV community. As part of the celebration, each class from Grades 1–11 selected a country to research and represent. Students created informative posters highlighting their chosen country's geography, traditions, history, and culture, while also preparing or presenting foods that reflected its culinary heritage.

Visitors enjoyed a wide variety of dishes from around the world, discovering new flavors and learning about different cultures through the students' creative presentations. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world cultural exploration.

We were also delighted to welcome several alumni back to both campuses. Their visits offered a wonderful chance to reconnect with former teachers, classmates, and families while enjoying one of GISSV's most beloved community traditions.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to our Student Council, families, volunteers, and staff members whose time, effort, and enthusiasm made this year's International Food Day such a memorable success.

Photos: Katja Koehler, Barbara Troy, Minka Vossen

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