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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.

Calendar

Download Current School Calendar

Online Registration Dates

DSD & AP German EXAM DATES

Note that to participate in any of the exams, students must be enrolled in our exam preparation courses.

If you are an outside student, please contact saturdayschool@gissv.org for assessment:
For DSDII, contact us in April for possible admission in the Fall semester.
For DSDI, contact us in October for possible admission in the Spring Semester.

If you plan to join the AP German prep course in the Spring Semester, please contact smalone@gissv.org to sign up for the exam at our school in October.

All exams are held at our campus.

Fall Semester 2023
DSD2 Info Session: TBD
Registration for the course: June - August 12
Course starts: August 12, 2023
DSD2 ZfA exam registration deadline: September
DSD2 Written Exam: November - December
DSD2 Oral Exam: December - January

Spring Semester 2024
Registration for the course: December
DSD1 ZfA exam registration deadline: probably December
DSD1 Written Exam: March
DSD1 Oral Exam: April

Fall Semester 2023 & Spring Semester 2024
AP German course starts in Fall semester. Registration for the course is possible in Fall and Spring, The exam is in spring. Students who need more prep time should plan to attend both semesters.

Registration for the Fall course: August
Registration for the Spring course: December/January–but note you must also register for the exam earlier, see below.

AP College Board exam registration deadline: October
Students must register for the AP exam through the College Board, separate from the preparation course. If students want to take the AP German exam at GISSV, they must sign up with GISSV. There are a limited number of spots available. Late exam registrations will incur additional fees.
AP German Exam: May 17, 2024, 8 am