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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.

Dual Language Learning

Video: GISSV SF Campus (old location in the Presidio)

Dual Language Learning

At GISSV, students learn in both German and English through a dual-language immersion approach that supports academic learning and natural language development.

This model prepares students to think, learn, and communicate confidently in two languages from an early age.

Our Approach

Dual-language learning begins in Preschool
German and English are both used as languages of instruction
Students develop fluency through everyday academic and social use
Language learning is integrated across all subjects
Progression is continuous from Preschool through Grade 12

A Structured Learning Pathway

Our dual-language program is designed to support students at every stage of development, from early immersion to academic fluency.

Explore:

Language Immersion at GISSV
Language Support & Development
World Languages

Fast Track Program

For students entering GISSV in grades 3-6 - with advanced oral skills or Level A2 language skills - we offer our German Fast Track Program.

Students receive additional instruction to strengthen academic German skills and support integration into the bilingual curriculum.

> Learn more.

LANGUAGE IMMERSION AT GISSV

How Immersion Works

In the early years, language learning is introduced through play-based and experiential learning.

Each classroom is led by teachers who use one primary language
Students experience both languages daily in authentic contexts
Learning is supported through repetition, interaction, and exploration
Language is used as a tool for learning, not a subject in isolation

Progression Over Time

Preschool & Kindergarten: immersive exposure through play and routines
Grades 1–2: German is the primary instructional language; English is developed orally and academically
Grades 3–8: increasing balance of German and English across subjects
Grades 9–12: balanced academic instruction in both languages