German International School of Silicon Valley

Our two kids joined the middle school here, after attending public elementary school on the Peninsula. A previous reviewer that stated that there was little support for kids that have deficits in German. That has definitely not been our experience. Both of our kids had previous exposure to German, but neither was fluent. There has been tremendous support from the school and the teachers to help them catch up. In fact the individual attention students consistently receive from the teachers is the stand-out feature of the school. This school offers highly trained and highly motivated teachers, small classes, and a well rounded curriculum. The school community is very cohesive and the atmosphere is friendly. And it costs a lot less than other private schools of similar quality.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at the GISSV, Berkeley Campus, in 1st and 3rd grade. We are very happy with the school, the challenging academics, the quality of the instruction in German and English, and the nurturing environment. The new Principal is fabulous, he is a true leader of the school. Both my children love going to school, they learn something new every day, and critical thinking is encouraged every day. The curriculum is a good mix of standard learning and pursuing creative projects. The children have PE almost every day, and also music and arts on a weekly basis.
--Submitted by a parent

Moving from the East Coast to the bay area 5 years ago my daughter was 4 years old. We researched schools between Menlo Park and Mountain View and visited two of them. Although speaking English at home we believe the bilingual concept built in the education program at GISSV is stimulating and of great value for personal development. We liked the small classes and felt the principal, teachers, and staff accomplished to create a positive learning environment where kids felt save, encouraged, motivated and supported, so we were excited to sign our child up at GISSV. The bilingual concept has worked and GISSV demonstrated experience mixing the right ingredients and applying a personalized formula for each student. Seeing my daughter's interest to learn, motivation going to school, social and personal development, we made the right choice 5 year ago. From being closely engaged with the school I clearly see the school's academic program, the GISSV leadership team, teachers and parents are core contributing factors providing the nurturing environment, promoting critical and imaginative thinking and cultural diversity, reflecting values I learned stand for California's Silicon Valley.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved from Germany in 2010 with our three kids. The school integrates new children very well and they picked up English quickly. We like the opportunity for our kids to make the US High School Diploma as well as the German Abitur given them the ability to study in Europe or the US. Considering the size of the school it offers many afternoon acitivities which is important for working parents like us and if playdates are difficult to arrange due to distances. We are happy with the school and compared to experience in Germany believe that quality of education is much better.
--Submitted by a parent

Great bilingual program, great diversity where the students come from, small class sizes, everyone seems to know one another, kids have also friends in different grades, buddy system for 1st graders, approachable teachers, warm, welcoming atmosphere
--Submitted by a parent

Very good education which follows the curriculum of schools in Germany while meeting (exceeding) the requirements of the California public schools. It's growing steadily and the upper classes (7-12) are filling in more. Another parent's comment that kids are often coming and leaving (returning to Germany) is true but there is also a significant number of local families who are staying for the long haul. Since English is my kids' first language, I appreciate the regular injection of kids fresh from Germany. So far for us the teaching quality has been superb. There is a new principal since Fall 2010 who is very accessible to parents and in a short time has made a lot of positive changes to the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Very good if you need to go back to Germany and fit into the system. Classes are like a revolving door with kids coming and leaving all the time. Some discipline problems poorly handled in lower grades. English language program is weak in the elementary school and is given secondary importance to German (not truly bilingual education, but English as 2nd language). I have seen schools in Europe offer better English programs to elementary schoolers.
--Submitted by a parent

The bilingual concept of the school is exceptional, starting slower with English in the lower grades (K-2), and evolving into a full fledged German and American curriculum. Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and are bilingual, if not trilingual. Teachers are very dedicated and helpful, small class sizes allow for individual support, academics are strong. Parent involvement is welcome and solicited, and parents play an active role. Our two children are extremely happy at this school!
--Submitted by a parent

The 'international' in the name is a misnomer; this is a German school based upon a traditional German curriculum with a student body majority composed of temporary expatriate families. English is not taught until German reading is mastered, and the elementary school kids are about a year behind their US peers in reading (and use lower level texts for much of the year). Academics are generally strong, but teacher quality is variable. It is a great option if your child needs to fit precisely into the German public school system upon return to Germany. There is no support for different learning styles or learning differences, and the atmosphere is fairly rigid. Lots of homework is the norm, but class hours are shorter than typical US schools.
--Submitted by a parent

Great program with a committed and talented staff, effectively employing very sound educational principles.
--Submitted by a parent