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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.

Events

Among our recurring annual public events are a German Holiday Market, where we transform Downtown Mountain View into a bustling “holiday village” for a day, or the Laternenfest (Lantern Festival) on our San Francisco Campus with on-campus entertainment and a lantern parade through the neighborhood.

Campus events for the GISSV community celebrate American as well as German holidays, sportsmanship (Walk-a-Thon, Bundesjugendspiele, and more), music (talent show, concerts), community (Community Fest) and more.

EVENT NEWS

GISSV Walk-a-thon 2026: Community in Motion

GISSV Walk-a-thon 2026: Community in Motion

Students, staff, and families came together across campuses for a joyful Walk-a-thon supporting community, movement, and meaningful causes.

Read More about GISSV Walk-a-thon 2026: Community in Motion

GISSV Spirit at the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade

GISSV Spirit at the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade

GISSV families and staff returned to the streets of San Francisco, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with clover signs, student performances, candy, and festive flair.

Read More about GISSV Spirit at the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Holiday Market 2025: A Celebration of Community

Holiday Market 2025: A Celebration of Community

This year’s German Holiday Market brought together families, students, alumni, and friends for a joyful day of festive cheer, cultural celebration, and community spirit.

Read More about Holiday Market 2025: A Celebration of Community

Events are a great part of school life, bringing together all members of the GISSV community, and giving us an opportunity to celebrate and engage in conversations.