Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
560 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
25 |
| Most common nationality |
Students from German-speaking countries make up the largest share, however, there is a significant number of international students from Central and South America, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as many students from the United States. |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1:2 |
| Native English and German speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and German |
Yes, we have the Fast Track program for highly motivated and academically strong students enrolling in grades up to grade 5 without German language skills.
|
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Spanish, Latin |
| Max. number of students per class |
24 |
| Average number of students per class |
18 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
No |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
GISW provides iPads for students that are in a controlled safe environment where students are limited to the use of certain apps and websites that are selected by the pedagogical staff. Each classroom has a smartboard and we use Microsoft Teams for communication. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, we use Zoom and are ready to use it in the classroom again anytime. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
We do not practice religion at school, but we offer religous classes as an elective. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Those who do not choose a specific religious class are in an ethics class. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
German International Abitur (DIA)
|
| Results in these examinations |
Excellent |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Homework is only assigned in grades 5 through 12 |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
This varies by student. On average around one hour. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
Over 90% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
No |
| Learning support offered |
Unfortunately we are not in a position to be able to provide this kind of support. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
With challenging FuF classes for Math, English and German and Science. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes, we have 2 counselors on staff. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Most children who apply to GISW's School Entry Level, Elementary School and Upper School program will undergo a German language assessment before being accepted at GISW. |
| Waiting list |
Yes, in some grade levels. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
GISW accepts applications on a rolling admission basis. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:10 |
| School finish time |
Different times for different grade levels and also different on different weekdays. The earliest is 1:30pm and the latest is 4:45pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes, there is the afternoon program until 3:15pm and there is Extended Care until 4:45pm |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
GISW offers many clubs and activities. |
| Sports activities included |
A large variety of inddoor and outdoor sport activities |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Facilities at the school |
Cafeteria, libraries, playground, science building. art room , music room |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Athletics field, heated indoor swimming pool, soccer field, tennis and basketball courts, beach volleyball, smaller turf soccer field, full-size grass soccer field, track. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The German International School Washington D.C. is a private, co-educational institution with about 560 students in preschool through 12th grade, set on a quiet campus in Potomac, MD. Representing more than 25 different nationalities, the student body is truly international, united by a shared interest in German language and culture. The only full-time German day school in Washington, GISW offers rigorous academics in a warm, multicultural setting. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
GISW has a challenging German curriculum mixed with some American elements. Graduates receive the globally recognized German International Abitur (DIA) as well as a high-school diploma from the state of Maryland. GISW has two academic focus areas: World languages and STEM. Students gain fluency in at least two world languages and achieve mastery of biology, chemistry, and physics. |