Courses & Tuition

Together with their parents or caregivers, young children develop their language skills through guided arts-and-crafts, songs, rhymes, free play, and games. A joyful (first) experience of the German language is emphasized.

Required German Background: Our Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten groups are mixed language competency. Students with no previous exposure may be in class with classmates who are native speakers. Small, mixed classes and immersion language teaching (the instructor speaks and responds only in German) support young learners in understanding and speaking German at every level.

We engage students with the German language through play, arts-and-crafts, songs, story time, and German holiday traditions. We informally introduce children to some pre-academic work such as numbers, colors, forms, rhymes and the German alphabet.

Required German Background: Our Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten groups are mixed language competency. Students with no previous exposure may be in class with classmates who are native speakers. Small, mixed classes and immersion language teaching (the instructor speaks and responds only in German) support young learners in understanding and speaking German at every level.

Progress: The Preschool Play Group is repeated until the students reaches Kindergarten age. Instructors choose new themes every semester.

Report Card: Instructors give parents an evaluative report card at the end of each semester. The goal is to show the student's strengths and opportunities for language and social-emotional growth.

We begin extending circle time for more deliberate and conscious language instruction. We teach the phonetic alphabet and "Anlaute", which lay the basis for correct writing beginning in Elementary School courses. A first course book introduces pre-writing exercises and German textbook literacy. Thematic arts-and-crafts, German children's songs, story time, and celebrating German holidays and customs continue to be primary activities at this level.

Required German Background: Our Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten groups are mixed language competency. Students with no previous exposure may be in class with classmates who are native speakers. Small, mixed classes and immersion language teaching (the instructor speaks and responds only in German) support young learners in understanding and speaking German at every level.

Progress: Kindergarten is one year and prepares students for our Elementary School courses.

In the final Kindergarten report card, we will also indicate if we recommend the DaF or DaZ Elementary School track for the student.

Textbook: Der Kleine Tobi

Report Card: Instructors give parents an evaluative report card at the end of each semester. The goal is to show the student's strengths and opportunities for language and social-emotional growth.

DaZ = Deutsch als Zweitsprache

The DaZ track is for students who already can understand and express themselves in German. We emphasize not only communication, but also academic German language competencies: spelling, factual and narrative writing, reading, and grammar. We use books designed for German class in Germany, and teach exclusively in German. Especially for younger students, we emphasize joyful learning, play games, and celebrate cultural holidays and traditions. Starting with Level 4, we still offer differentiated instruction, but the emphasis will be more academic.

Required German Background: To enter DaZ Level 1, students must be able to understand all directions given in German and be able to express themselves--some grammar mistakes and vocabulary gaps are ok, that's what we are here for. Enrollment into the levels generally corresponds to the student's regular grade. If a student who speaks and understands German wishes to enter our school at a higher Elementary school grade, we will find the level that is a good fit for his/her academic language competencies (listed above), while also ensuring a good age and social match in the class.

Progress: A student who attends regularly and completes homework (and who has no other circumstances that may affect his/her learning at a normal pace) will move up one level each year. In six years, we will get the to the language level of a Grundschule-graduate in Germany. The instructor's recommendations for the next school year are always included in the report cards.

Textbook:
Levels 1-2: Tobi Lehrwerk
Levels 3-6: Einsterns Schwester 2-4

Homework: We assign 15-30 min of homework almost every Saturday to repeat and deepen learned phonetics, vocabulary, writing strategies, and grammar. We are aware that not all parents speak German, so the homework can be completed by students alone. We ask for parents' help to ensure the work is done, as a student's engagement with the language is necessary at least twice a week for progress.

Report Card: Instructors give parents an evaluative report card at the end of each semester. The goal is to track the student's academic language development over time, and to highlight areas where additional support may be needed.

DaF = Deutsch als Fremdsprache

The DaF track is for students who are distinctly not confident in German, or who newcomers to the language. Levels 1, 2, and 3 emphasize communication, and support language learners with a slower pace, explicit vocabulary learning, and lots of repetition. DaF students always learn academic language competencies as part of their communicative abilities: articles and spelling are part of learning a new vocabulary word, grammar is part of learning how to construct a sentence, etc. At the end of the DaF track, students will be at largely the same academic level as their peers in the DaZ track. We use books designed for German as a foreign language, and teach largely in German, resorting to English only for more complex explanations or translations. In Levels 1, 2, and 3, we emphasize joyful learning, play games, and celebrate cultural holidays and traditions. Starting with the Older Beginner Accelerated Courses (OBAC), we still offer differentiated instruction, but the emphasis will be more academic.

Required German Background: None to enter DaF Level 1. Enrollment into the levels generally corresponds to the student's regular grade. Depending on age, new students either enter in DaF Level 1 or Older Beginner Accelerated Course 1.

Progress: A student who attends regularly and completes homework (and who has no other circumstances that may affect his/her learning at a normal pace) will move up one level each year. After DaF Level 3, students may either join their German-speaking peers in DaZ level 3 or 4, or may continue into the Older Beginner series, where they repeat the learned language level, but at a higher level of critical thinking and with textbooks designed for older children/preteens. The instructor's recommendations for the next school year are always included in the report cards.

Textbook:
Levels 1-3: "Paul, Lisa & Co." Starter, A1
OBA 1-3: "Wir Alle" A1, A2, B1

Homework: We assign 15-30 min of homework almost every Saturday to repeat and deepen learned phonetics, vocabulary, writing strategies, and grammar. We are aware that not all parents speak German, so the homework can be completed by students alone. We ask for parents' help to ensure the work is done, as a student's engagement with the language is necessary at least twice a week for progress.

Report Card: Instructors give parents an evaluative report card at the end of each semester. The goal is to track the student's academic language development over time, and to highlight areas where additional support may be needed.

In Middle School German, DAF and DAZ students join together for one year of differentiated learning that prepares them to enter our for-credit High School German sequence of classes. The textbook, designed for mixed language classes in a German Gymnasium, gives a great structure for all students to repeat their learned language competencies, and introduces the kind of writing and critical-thinking tasks that will define High School German classes.

Required German Background: A2/B1 level German across all language competencies outlines by CEFR. Students coming from our DAF or DAZ tracks will satisfy these requirements.

Progress: A student who attends regularly and completes homework (and who has no other circumstances that may affect his/her learning at a normal pace) will be well-prepared for our High School courses. The Middle School German year is the right time to check in with the Head of Saturday School about the student's language goals. The instructor's recommendations for the next school year are always included in the report cards.

Textbook: "Beste Freunde" A2/B1

Homework: We assign 30-45 min of homework almost every Saturday to repeat and deepen learned vocabulary, writing strategies, and grammar. We are aware that not all parents speak German, so the homework can be completed by students alone. We ask for parents' help to ensure the work is done, as a student's engagement with the language is necessary at least twice a week for progress.

Report Card: Instructors give parents an evaluative report card at the end of each semester. The goal is to track the student's academic language development over time, and to highlight areas where additional support may be needed.

 

Our High School courses teach German as a foreign language at the Intermediate / Advanced level, and can offer up to 4 years of HS and college prep course credit. The goal for our students is the AP German exam, and, for students who may consider studying in Germany, the DSD exams in parallel (see next category for more information). We commit to advise our students about high school credits, exams, and study abroad, and look forward to sharing our expertise and resources with you!

Required German Background: B1 level German across all language competencies outlines by CEFR to enter German 3. Students coming from our Middle School German class will satisfy these requirements.

To enter German 4 HNRS, our German 3 class, or B2 level German across all language competencies outlines by CEFR.

To enter German 5, our German 4 HNRS class, or B2/C1 level German across all language competencies outlines by CEFR.

To enter AP German, our German 5 class, or B2/C1 level German across all language competencies outlines by CEFR, and high student motivation.

German Language Research, Presentation, and Culture
This is a course for high school students at the B1, B2, and C1 level. Typically, students will take this course to bridge a semester or two while waiting for the AP German or DSDII exam. Students might also take this course after completing the AP German or DSDII exam to continue their studies. Our DSDI students join this course in the spring semester in the few weeks following their exam to semester end.
The minimum entrance requirement is the completion of our German 3 or DSDI course.

Progress: Our High School classes move ahead at a fast pace. Students are strongly advised to miss no more than 1 session per semester, and to complete all assigned homework. Students who miss more sessions or homework will fall behind, and consequently lose their motivation. If a student has a documented learning disability, it is important for us to know, because they will get additional work time during their exams.

Textbook:
German 3-5: Aspekte Junior 1-3
AP: AP German Language and Culture Prüfungstraining

Homework: We assign 45 - 60 min of homework almost every Saturday to repeat and deepen learned vocabulary, writing strategies, and grammar. We are aware that not all parents speak German, so the homework can be completed by students alone. We ask for parents' help to ensure the work is done, as a student's engagement with the language is necessary at least twice a week for progress.

Transcript: The High School level courses are the only ones we give letter grades for. This is so that students may take these courses for credit at their home high school. Grades are based on in-class performance, attendance, homework, and quizzes.

Course Credit: students can receive college prep course credit at their home high school for German 3, German 4 HNRS, German 5, and AP German. Students must obtain an outside credit form their counselor, and contact the Head of Saturday School at the beginning of the academic year so official transcripts can be sent out.

More about
The AP EXAM

DSD = Deutsches Sprachdiplom

We are certified to give the preparatory courses and DSDI / DSDII exams, offered by the German Government's Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA).

Students passing the exams are awarded diplomas of language proficiency by the German Government. These are official documents students may submit for University/Studienkolleg applications in Germany.

 

Interested in Studying in Germany?
If a student may consider studying abroad, please contact the Head of Saturday School at the beginning of their High School German courses. We will help you create a course schedule and set of expectations for the DSD exams.

Admission: DSD students are pulled out of their regular High School German classes at the Saturday School for one semester. That means that we only recommend the most advanced students out of every year for the exams. There are additional age requirements set by the ZfA (click the yellow button below for more info). Each DSD enrollment includes an exchange between the parent and the Head of Saturday School, and a teacher recommendation. If we are not sure about a student, or for students who are joining us from the outside just for the exam, we may require a written assessment essay.

 

Textbook DSDI: DSDI Prüfungstraining

 

DSDII: DSDII Prüfungstraining

Homework: We assign 60 - 90 min of homework every Saturday. Most of this work relates to the students' oral exam presentation, and is an essential part of the course.

 

Transcript: The High School level courses are the only ones we give letter grades for. This is so that students may take these courses for credit at their home high school. Grades are based on in-class performance, attendance, and homework. The transcript is separate from the DSD diplomas, which are awarded in the September following the exams.

Course Credit: Students may receive independent study or world language or similar course credit at their home high school for DSDI and DSDII. Each high school has its own policy, and we recommend checking with the individual counselor what kind of credit award might be possible. Students must obtain an outside credit form their counselor, and contact the Head of Saturday School at the beginning of the academic year so official transcripts can be sent out.

 

 

More about
DSD EXAMS

 

 

 

 

 

Join us for engaging and results-oriented German for Beginners (A1) all the way to the native speaker level (C1). These courses are offered at the same time on Saturday as our kids' courses (great for parents), and also on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings.

Required German Background: none to enter into A1; after A1, the lower grade or its equivalent in German exposure informally or through other language programs.

Progress: A student who attends regularly and completes most homework assignments will be able to move up one level each year. Students can expect to be able to hold basic conversations and get by with set phrases in A1, to communicate with a bit more confidence around specific topics in A2, to be able to communicate well in most situations in B1, and to get by even in complex, new, or difficult contexts in B2. The C1 Conversation Group discusses topics relating to German history and culture, and can be repeated indefinitely.

Textbook:
A1-B2: "Berliner Platz" 1-4
C1: new novels and articles each semester

Homework: We assign 15-30 min of homework almost every Saturday to repeat and deepen learned vocabulary, communication strategies, and grammar. Homework exists to continue the student's engagement with the language throughout the week.

Report Card: Instructors give students an evaluative report card at the end of each semester. The goal is to show the student's strengths and opportunities for growth.

 

Classes Meet:
On scheduled Saturdays
9:30am - 10:30am OR 11am - noon

Cost: $385/semester
(15 Sessions). Parents do not pay to accompany their child.

Class Size: Max. 10 (plus parents)

Note: The child must be accompanied by a parent, other adult family member, or adult caretaker. This does not have to be the same adult each week of class. The accompanying adult does not have to speak or understand German to participate.

Classes Meet:
On scheduled Saturdays,
9:30am - noon

Cost: $540/semester
(15 sessions)

Class Size: Max. 10

Note: Must be potty trained.

Cost: $550/semester
(15 sessions) includes one set of all needed course books.

Class Size: Max. 10

Classes Meet:
On scheduled Saturdays,
9:30am - noon

Cost: $650/semester
(15 sessions)
includes one set of all needed course books.

Class Size: Max. 10-12

Classes Meet:
On scheduled Saturdays, 9:30 am - noon

Note: The AP German exam is usually in May. Students continuing to DSDII will have DSDII prep sessions after the AP exam on remaining scheduled Saturdays. Otherwise, AP students are finished with Saturday School after the exam.

Cost: $660/semester
(15 sessions)
includes one set of all needed course books.

Note: An additional College Board exam fee of $94 applies for AP German.

Class Size: Max. 12

DSDII is offered every Fall Semester.
DSDI is offered every Spring Semester.

Classes Meet:
On scheduled Saturdays, 9:30am - noon

Exam Dates: DSD exams have two parts which are completed on two different dates: a written component and an oral presentation before a panel.
DSDII exam dates are in December-January.
DSDI exam dates are in March-April

Exam dates are set by the German Government's Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA). There is only one date for each exam component, and make-up dates are not available. We will keep enrolled students and parents informed of all important dates.

Note: DSDI students will have special sessions after their final exam for the remainder of the scheduled Saturday School dates. These sessions include German geography and history, and research and presentation skills.
DSDII students who also wish to complete the AP Exam can join the AP course after their last DSDII exam. Otherwise, they will have completed Saturday School.

Cost:

DSD I: $750 per course

DSD II: $900 per course

Saturday Classes Meet:
On scheduled Saturdays, 9:30am - noon

Weeknight Classes Meet: On scheduled Tuesdays OR Wednesdays OR Thursdays, typically 6:30 - 8pm

Cost:
$640/semester (15 sessions) for Saturday classes

$560/semester (15 sessions) for weeknight classes

Class Size: Max. 12

offerings

Saturdays, 9:30 am - noon
A1 (new Beginner)
A2: Elementary
B1: Intermediate
B2: Advanced

Weeknights
Schedule varies by semester. See calendar.
 

Tutoring is available as a stand-alone option, or it can be combined with any of our classes. 

Ages:  6-adult. 

Scheduling: After you register, you will be matched up with a tutor, and you will set up appointments according to mutual availability.  There is a Cancellation Policy.

Sharing your tutoring:  You may share your tutoring with one other student for no additional cost (2:1 tutoring), but only one student is registered.  Please let us know the name of the other student if that is your intention. 

Coupons and discounts: Tutoring is not eligible for any coupons or discount codes, including GISSV staff discounts, except the referral discount. 

Cost:   

• $400 for 5 hours
• $800 for 10 hours
• $1200 for 15 hours (corresponds to 1 hour per week)

Registration:   Tutoring will appear as an option when you visit the regular registration link according to your priority deadline.  You may start with five hours and add more later if you wish. 

Rollovers:  Any unused tutoring hours in December will be rolled over to the Spring semester, but any hours not used by June 1 will expire and be forfeit.

Questions: If you have any questions about tutoring, please e-mail saturdayschool@gissv.org.