San Francisco Bay Area · Mountain View · GISSV School

School introduction

The Mountain View campus in California offers regular education from preschool through Grade 12. German and English shape its learning environment, combining German educational traditions with California requirements in a continuous bilingual pathway.

Small classes support close teacher interaction, interdisciplinary thinking and practical inquiry. Language learning also becomes a way to explore scientific, humanistic and artistic ideas. Discussion, collaborative projects and independent tasks develop clear expression, questioning and problem-solving.

The campus is adjacent to a park, bringing outdoor space into everyday school life. An international outlook sits alongside its Bay Area setting, with cultural exchange, music, sports and creative activities contributing to the community.

Curriculum

The regular curriculum covers German, English, mathematics, sciences, social studies, arts, music, physical education and digital literacy. It draws on Thuringian curriculum guidelines, California standards and U.S. university subject requirements, with skills developing progressively across grades.

High-school instruction uses several languages. Mathematics and physics are taught in German; English and selected U.S. history, government and economics courses use English; some sciences and humanities have bilingual arrangements. The full high-school pathway leads toward the German International Abitur and a U.S. high-school diploma, emphasizing research, argument and independent work. Appropriate German-language readiness remains important for a short classroom visit.

• Each class accepts at most one visiting student per day, subject to space in the appropriate grade.
• Stays longer than 10 school days require advance school approval.
• Ask about language support, learning records and entry documents specifically for this short classroom visit.

Enrollment and Course Planning

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Project days and weeks, visiting experts and educational outings around the Bay Area connect subjects with real situations. Shared tasks develop independence, adaptability and intercultural understanding while encouraging students to apply classroom ideas to their surroundings.

Regular after-school programs span languages, music, art, science, technology and sports. Elementary and middle-school afternoon clubs combine supervised homework, free play and time with friends. These programs have separate registration and fees, with availability varying by campus, semester and capacity.

Mountain View also hosts sports and community events across grades, including a game day that brings students together for team activities. Experiences depend on attendance dates, grade and the activity schedule.

School features

• German-language classroom experience
• Usually up to 10 school days
• Learning matched to language readiness and grade

Grades available for short-term study & entry requirements

Eligible grades

Grade placement subject to German proficiency and eligibility

Application requirements

• German proficiency sufficient for classroom learning is required; advanced or native German is required, particularly in higher grades.
• Normally apply at least 30 days ahead and avoid the first and last two weeks of the school year.
• Space must be available in the appropriate grade; each class accepts at most one visiting student per day.
• Complete the required payment arrangements before the first school day. Contact an advisor.

Can a student who speaks only English join?

German is the main teaching language, and students must be able to follow grade-level learning in German. Advanced or native German is required, particularly in higher grades; English proficiency does not replace this requirement.

How long can a visit last?

Visits usually last up to 10 school days. A longer stay requires the school’s prior approval.

When should we apply?

Normally apply at least 30 days in advance and avoid the first and last two weeks of the school year. With at most one visitor per class per day, discuss the grade and preferred dates with an advisor early.

How are accommodation and fees arranged?

Accommodation, guardianship and transport need individual planning; ask an advisor whether the school can provide any of these arrangements. Contact an advisor about fees, and complete required payment arrangements before the first school day.

Dates, duration & fees

Length of study

Usually up to 10 school days; longer stays require prior approval

Dates

Normally apply at least 30 days ahead. Visits are unavailable in the first or last two weeks of the school year; dates depend on class availability.

Fees

Contact an advisor

Accommodation & documents

Attendance options

Contact an advisor about accommodation

Plan accommodation, guardianship and daily transport alongside the visit. Ask an advisor whether school arrangements are available and what options and costs apply to your family.

Typical application materials

• Grade, proposed dates and German-learning background; ask an advisor about acceptable proficiency documentation.
• Prepare the limited-enrolment agreement, emergency contact form and immunization information required by the school.

More campus & classroom photos

Location

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