Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
600 |
| Native English and German speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Spanish |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
From Elementary School and up, curriculum is supported and enhanced by comprehensive technology resources, such as SMART boards, iPads and laptops. GISSV utilizes teaching technologies to strengthen its pedagogical work as well as its students' independence, self-organization and technological skills. GISSV's technology-enhanced approach is based on three concepts: In Elementary School, students learn laptop/computer fundamentals, internet research and file management. Starting in grade 5, students use iPads in their classrooms, which enables them to develop additional multi-channel learning strategies. Starting in grade 7, students bring their own laptop to school, and GISSV systematically uses technology to enhance students' independent and cooperative learning as well as creative and imaginative thinking. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
German International Abitur
|
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Violin, musical theater, soccer, art, recorder, piano, guitar, swimming, orchestra, hip hop, tennis, volleyball, ballet, choir, mathematics club, Lego-robotics club, creative writing club, young journalists |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The German International School of Silicon Valley is a private bilingual immersion school with an educational program serving children of all nationalities from Preschool through the 12th grade in the San Francisco Bay Area (Mountain View and San Francisco). GISSV is the only elementary and secondary school in the Western United States that meets the strict accreditation requirements of the German government and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), thus enabling entry into the best European and American colleges and universities. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
GISSV's dual-language program is interdisciplinary and provides rich project-based and differentiated learning experiences, nurturing holistic and individual development. GISVV provides small class sizes, an excellent student-to-teacher ratio and safe, stimulating learning environments. GISVV also moves and think beyond the classroom by exploring all the cultural, natural, academic and entrepreneurial destinations the Bay Area has to offer. |