German International School of Silicon Valley is a American Curriculum / Bespoke Curriculum school in San Francisco, United States. Founded in 1999. Annual tuition ranges from $8,325 to $42,225 USD.
Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Need-based financial aid available for students entering grades K–12. A professional third-party reviewer (Clarity platform) assesses household income and assets. Applications must meet published deadlines; award decisions communicated by April 30 for the 2026–2027 school year. A $65 Clarity application fee applies. Resources are not always sufficient to meet full demonstrated need.
Key facts
About
German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) is an independent nonprofit preschool–12 school with campuses in Mountain View and San Francisco, offering bilingual education in German and English based on the Thuringian curriculum integrated with California standards. Graduates earn both the German International Abitur and the California High School Diploma, enabling university admission in the US, Germany and other European countries. The school is accredited by the German government (ZfA) and WASC, with small class sizes, strong language programs, and a supportive student wellbeing framework.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
GISSV offers a dual-language (German and English) preschool–12 education at two Bay Area campuses based on the Thuringian curriculum integrated with California standards. Graduates earn both the German International Abitur and the California High School Diploma, enabling university admission in the US, Germany and other European countries. Small class sizes, a multilingual curriculum from preschool, and accreditation by both the German government (ZfA) and WASC distinguish the school.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Grade 9 (SF) | USD 35,750 |
| Grades 1-4 Morning (MV) | USD 27,700 |
| Grades 1-4 Morning (SF) | USD 31,850 |
| Grades 5-8 Morning (MV) | USD 32,200 |
| Grades 5-8 Morning (SF) | USD 35,300 |
| Preschool 5-day AM (SF) | USD 30,550 |
| Grades 9-12 Morning (MV) | USD 35,750 |
| Grades 1-4 Afternoon (MV) | USD 6,600 |
| Grades 1-8 Afternoon (SF) | USD 9,200 |
| Grades 5-8 Afternoon (MV) | USD 6,100 |
| Kindergarten 5-day AM (MV) | USD 26,900 |
| Kindergarten 5-day AM (SF) | USD 30,550 |
| Preschool 5-day Full-Day (SF) | USD 40,000 |
| Kindergarten 5-day Full-Day (MV) | USD 35,250 |
| Kindergarten 5-day Full-Day (SF) | USD 40,000 |
| Preschool Ages 2-3 5-day AM (MV) | USD 26,000 |
| Preschool Ages 3-4.11 5-day AM (MV) | USD 26,900 |
| Preschool Ages 3-4.11 5-day Full-Day (MV) | USD 35,250 |
Original currency: USD 8,325 - 42,225. Application fee: $75.
Admissions Process
- 1The enrollment period begins in January and February of each year for the upcoming school year. New students may be admitted throughout the school year based on availability. Knowledge of German is required for children enrolling after 1st grade; a German Fast Track Program is available. New student application fee of USD 75 is required. Financial aid applicants must submit a school application before aid is considered.
Admissions Details
School Day
Preschool options include 7:30 am–5:00 pm (Mountain View) or 8:00 am–5:00 pm (San Francisco). For Elementary, classes start at 8:00 am and generally end at 1:50 pm.
Student Life
Lunch service is provided for GISSV Saturday School Summer Camp by My Green Lunch, five days a week. The program offers multiple hot and cold entrees daily, with gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options; meals are prepaid online.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
Counselors focus on social-emotional learning and overall well-being. They support students with coping strategies, SEL programs, and guidance for navigating challenges, helping every child feel confident and connected.
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent nonprofit corporation governed by a Board of Directors. Accredited by the Conference of German Cultural Ministers, the German Foreign Office and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).