New to German

GISB is committed to making bilingual education accessible to as many students as possible.

To support learners at every level, we offer specialized language services and our innovative Fast Track Program, designed to help children develop German language proficiency with confidence and success.

Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten

At the early childhood level, children do not need any prior German knowledge to join our Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, or Kindergarten programs. Our immersive approach welcomes children with all levels of German—from complete beginners to native speakers—and provides personalized support to meet each child where they are.

Teachers communicate exclusively in German, using engaging, age-appropriate methods that help children naturally acquire the language. Small class sizes ensure that every child receives individual attention, creating an environment where students feel supported and encouraged.

Children who are not yet fluent receive additional language support as needed. Non-German-speaking preschool and kindergarten students participate in our Junior Fast Track Program, which provides targeted instruction in small groups to help them build foundations in German.

Grades 1 – 5: Fast Track Program

For students entering grades 1 through 5, GISB offers Fast Track, a student-centered, intensive language program for motivated learners with little or no previous German experience. This program allows qualified students to join our rich language-immersion environment while being supported by skilled, dedicated teachers and smaller class sizes.

Fast Track combines focused German instruction in a small-group setting with integrated language support across regular lessons taught in German. This dual approach helps students acquire the language quickly while staying engaged with the full academic program.

Through this accelerated program, students typically reach the proficiency needed to participate confidently in Germany’s rigorous academic curriculum after one or two years, depending on their grade level.

Grades 1–4: No previous German knowledge is required to apply.
Grade 5: Students are expected to have basic German skills at approximately A2 level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Ongoing Language Support for All 

Language development does not stop once students become proficient. At GISB, we offer ongoing German language support for students who need it, including those who already speak German. Our goal is to help every child continue to expand their vocabulary, strengthen their grammar, and refine their academic language skills as they progress through the grades. This ongoing support ensures that all students—beginners and native speakers alike—can thrive in a bilingual learning environment and develop strong German language skills.

Fast Track …

  • is engaging and intensive
  • is designed and taught by experienced master educators
  • prepares students to participate in GISB’s regular bilingual curriculum
  • includes frequent dedicated German instructions together with other Fast Track students and one-on-one or very small group support in regular GISB classes
  • is tailored to your child’s individual strengths

While the focus of the Fast Track program is your child’s German language skills, we will partner with you and your child to advance their academic and social abilities across a range of skills and subjects. Math, science, English, the arts, and physical education are all part of your Fast Track experience. Through a rigorous and exciting German language program combined with supported participation in a regular classroom, your child can form close friendships and enjoy their favorite subjects while working steadily on German fluency.

Candidates for the GISB Fast Track Program are

  • eager to tackle the challenge of an intensive language-learning experience
  • highly motivated and curious about the world and the people around them
  • able to demonstrate above-average academic potential and achievement

Visit our Admissions FAQ section to learn more about the program. Please contact GISB’s Director of Admission & Enrollment at admissions@gisbos.org, with questions or for more information.

Quick Links

Learn more about our programs and quickly find additional resources below.

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