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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.

Meeting with Civil Rights Activist Siegbert Schefke

Meeting with Civil Rights Activist Siegbert Schefke

Meeting with Civil Rights Activist Siegbert Schefke

Sep 24 2025

Students met GDR civil rights activist Siegbert Schefke at our Mountain View campus, gaining firsthand insights into life in East Germany and the events leading up to reunification.

On Tuesday morning, GISSV students in Grades 10–12 had the unique opportunity to meet GDR civil rights activist Siegbert Schefke at the Mountain View campus, thanks to a collaboration between GISSV’s History Department and the German Consulate General San Francisco.

Kerstin Klee from the Consulate opened the event with welcoming remarks about the significance of Unity Day, when the GDR became a part of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Mr. Schefke, who in 1989 secretly filmed the Monday demonstrations in Leipzig—footage broadcast in West Germany that helped raise worldwide awareness of the peaceful protests—shared his powerful story with students. His visit was especially meaningful as we approach the 35th Unity Day on October 3 and the 36th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in November, historic moments that reunited the country and many families, including Mr. Schefke’s own.

Following his talk, students engaged in a thoughtful exchange with him about life in the GDR, the courage to stand up for change, and the importance of civic engagement today.

A special thanks to Stefanie Wenk and Jannicke Maar from our History Department for organizing this inspiring event. We are also grateful to the German Consulate General San Francisco for supporting this meaningful educational experience.

Photos

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