German International School Of Silicon Valley

GISSV describes its teaching philosophy as a rigorous dual-language German-English education that blends the German and American curricula in a multilingual, culturally open environment. The school emphasizes holistic development through project-based and differentiated learning, aiming to build critical and imaginative thinking, social-emotional growth, and strong student-teacher relationships while preparing students to thrive in a global society. (gissv.org)

GISSV says the admissions process starts with an online inquiry and a tour/open house/open classroom visit, both of which are prerequisites before applying; families then submit the application with a $75 fee, and preschool/kindergarten applicants provide parent and prior-school evaluation forms while grades 1–12 submit recent report cards and may be asked to complete an interview and, for non-native German speakers entering grade 2+, a German language assessment. (gissv.org) Key dates on the site are slightly inconsistent: the general admissions page says enrollment begins in January-February, while the application-process page says December-January, but both indicate decisions are typically communicated by the end of February; sibling/staff-priority applications must be completed by January 31, new families become eligible for remaining openings on February 1, signed enrollment agreements are due by June 30, and remaining enrollment documents by July 31. (gissv.org) Requirements include German proficiency for children enrolling after 1st grade, age cutoffs for toddler/preschool/kindergarten/1st grade entry, full potty training for children age 3+, and compliance with California vaccination rules; required enrollment documents include the contract, application, society membership form, ID/birth record, vaccination record, and additional health or school records depending on grade level. (gissv.org) For availability, GISSV notes that some classes may have waitlists and advises families to contact admissions; it also says preschool-aged children are not admitted into the current school year after the end of February. (gissv.org) Priority goes to siblings of current students and children of staff members during the priority window, after which open spots are offered to new families. (gissv.org)