German International School Washington D.C. is a Bespoke Curriculum / American Curriculum / Advanced Placement (AP) school in Potomac, United States. Founded in 1961. Annual tuition ranges from $16,430 to $31,830 USD.
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Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Need-based financial aid is available through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) provides the need analysis. Awards typically range from 10% to 40% of tuition, with a maximum of USD 4,000 per student for Preschool. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; those submitted by February 20, 2026 are guaranteed a response by March 27, 2026.
Key facts
About
German International School Washington D.C. (GISW) is an independent bilingual co-educational day school in Potomac, Maryland, serving students aged 2 to 18. Founded in 1961, the school offers a dual German-American program leading to both the German International Abitur and a U.S. High School Diploma, with a strong STEM/MINT specialization. GISW is part of the global network of over 130 German Schools Abroad and is governed by the German School Society.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
GISW offers a dual German-American bilingual program where graduates earn both the German International Abitur and a U.S. High School Diploma, providing access to universities worldwide. The school is part of the global network of German Schools Abroad (130+ schools). A STEM/MINT specialization offers rigorous mathematics and science curricula. The FastTrack language program and NEWBEES integration support support new families and language learners.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| SEL | USD 25,166 |
| Grades 1-6 | USD 26,418 |
| Grades 7-12 | USD 27,293 |
| SEL with Extended Care | USD 30,703 |
| Preschool 2yo Morning Only | USD 21,223 |
| Preschool 3/4yo Morning Only | USD 17,430 |
| Grades 1-6 with Extended Care | USD 31,955 |
| Grades 7-9 with Extended Care | USD 32,830 |
| Preschool 2yo Morning+Afternoon | USD 24,928 |
| Preschool 3/4yo Morning+Afternoon | USD 21,135 |
| Preschool 2yo Morning+Afternoon+Extended Care | USD 30,967 |
| Preschool 3/4yo Morning+Afternoon+Extended Care | USD 27,174 |
Original currency: USD 16,430 - 31,830. Application fee: $150.
Admissions Process
- 1Create an account on GISW's application portal and submit the online application with required documents. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis subject to availability. 2. The Admissions Office reviews the application; decision is posted in the portal within four to six weeks. GISW cannot accept new students in Grade 12. 3. If admitted, sign the enrollment contract in the portal within 10 days of receipt. Contact Director of Enrollment Management Jeannette Dubrey at [email protected] or schedule a Zoom appointment.
Admissions Details
School Day
Preschool morning program runs 8:00–13:15; morning plus afternoon program runs 8:00–14:45; morning plus afternoon plus extended care runs 8:00–16:45. School day for SEL through Grade 12 includes afternoon program until 15:15; extended care runs 15:15–16:45. Health Room operates weekdays 7:45am–3:15pm.
Student Life
The school does not require a uniform.
Lunch is provided through SageDining. Meals are prepared daily with allergen labeling on the online menu and in the cafeteria. Lunch must be signed up for during the admissions process and is served daily in the cafeteria for Grades 1 through 12; preschool meals are prepared daily in the cafeteria with preschoolers eating in classrooms. Annual cafeteria fee is USD 1,260.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
The Counselor for Grades 5–12 provides individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, student observation, responsive counseling, college counseling, referrals, and parent and teacher support. Programs include drug awareness, assertiveness training, peer mediation, and crisis intervention. Crisis hotlines and community mental health resources are provided. The Counselor for Grades 1–4 addresses problems and conflicts during office hours and coordinates parent meetings. The GREIF token reward system promotes positive social values in elementary school.
The Health Room serves preschool through Grade 12 and operates weekdays 7:45am–3:15pm. Health forms are submitted before admission; families receive access to Magnus Health to store medical documents. Immunization requirements are listed and updated for ongoing compliance. Anti-bullying policy and safeguarding-related resources are included in counseling materials.
Student Demographics
School Background
Governed by the German School Society, composed largely of GISW parents. The Board of Directors consists of nine members and includes the Head of School, Director of Administration, a representative of the German Embassy, and the Chairs of the Parents' Association and Employees' Association.