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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.

St. Martin's Day Celebrations 2022

St. Martin's Day Celebrations 2022

St. Martin's Day Celebrations 2022

Per tradition we celebrated St. Martin's Day with Lantern Fests on both our campuses.

On both our campuses elementary students presented the story of St. Martin, who cut his cloak in half to share with a man in need during a snowstorm, to save him from the cold.

And families enjoyed Kinderpunsch or Glühwein, shared homemade Weckmänner, sang together, and went on lantern walks through the neighborhood.

San Francisco: A Celebration with the Community & Friends

In the spirit of the season we celebrated our annual (public) SF Laternenfest last Saturday on our campus in Eureka Valley/Castro. String students from both our campuses played and after singing lantern songs and learning the story of sharing and compassion around St. Martin, the families - accompanied by musicians from the Dt. Musikverein (DMV) - went on a lantern walk through the beautiful neighborhood of the school.

Parent volunteers together with teachers and students organized this wonderful event for our community and friends - with games, drinks & food, student performances, and more. Families enjoying home made cake, Glühwein and Kinderpunsch, or a bratwurst from Wurstmeister Benz. And the children got a traditional Weckmann after the lantern walk to take home and share.

Video credit: Alex Troy

The Event in the News (NBC Bay Area in the morning and KPIX at night):

Mountain View: A Celebration for Kibili & Grade 1-2 Families

Last Friday, GISSV families from preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school celebrated the St. Martins Fest together on campus. After enjoying food & drinks, singing songs and listening to the story of Sankt Martin, the families lid-up the lanterns - the children had created in school last week - and went on a lantern walk through Whisman Park.

A special thanks goes to our parent and staff volunteers for organizing the beloved Lantern Fest as well as our students for the performance!

Photos (SF & MV):

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