History

Founded in 2001 by a dedicated group of parents, German International School Boston is an officially recognized German School Abroad that serves over 300 students from all around the globe.

  • 2001

     

    German International School is founded

    German International School Boston is founded by a dedicated group of German parents and Boston community members and is officially inaugurated by German President Johannes Rau. In the 2001-2002 school year, nine kindergarteners and eight first and second graders attend the school.

    It takes the two founders Bodo Reinisch and Ernst Matthiensen, who also serve on the Board of Trustees, four years of perseverance and strategic planning to move the school from idea to reality. Ernst Matthiensen recalls, “I was told that what we wanted to do was completely unrealistic. But there is always a way and the engagement of our parents made it all possible.”

  • 2006

     

    Move to 57 Holton Street

    After outgrowing its original location, the school moved in 2006 to its current location at 57 Holton Street in Allston. The building, now called the Upper Campus, currently houses the elementary, middle, and high school programs.

  • 2011

     

    GISB is awarded the title ‘Exzellente Auslandsschule’

    The German government recognizes GISB as an Exzellente Auslandsschule – Excellent German School Abroad, the highest accreditation level for German schools abroad.

  • 2013

     

    First Senior Class graduates from GISB

    The class of 2013 becomes the first recipients of the German International Abitur and the high school diploma. Learn more about our graduates.

  • 2015

     

    GISB becomes a MINT Friendly School

    GISB is recognized as a MINT Friendly School and joins a network of German schools worldwide that emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in their curriculum. The German equivalent of STEM is MINT: Mathematik, Informatik, Naturwissenschaften und Technik.

  • 2017

     

    Opening of the Lower Campus on Western Avenue

    After extensive renovation, the Lower Campus on 387 Western Avenue opens its door for our preschool and kindergarten students.

  • 2021

     

    GISB celebrates its 20th Anniversary

    Twenty years after the school opened its doors, approximately 280 students are enrolled at GISB. After the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the school community is excited to celebrate its anniversary!