German International School (GISSV) (Kensington, CA)
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German International School (GISSV) (Kensington, CA)
Sept 2012
Re: Bilingual pre-schools people like?
The German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) has just moved from
formerly cramped space, to a large campus in Berkeley (Cedar at LeRoy). We
started in Kindergarten and liked it. There is now a Pre-Kindergarten or
Bridge-K option, taught in German naturally. French is the 2nd (um 3rd)
language, though hopefully that will switch to Spanish at some point.
Dad
Feb 2012
I am considering the Berkeley campus of the German International School of
Silicon Valley. I was hoping to get feedback from current or former parents
in response to some lingering questions.
1) Is creativity nurtured at all grade levels? How are kids taught about the
writing process? How do they learn to write creatively? Is there more of a
focus on handwriting than on creative writing?
2) How do teachers respond to learning differences? A reviewer on the ''great
schools'' website, writing about the Mountain View campus (of which the
Berkeley school is a satellite) asserts that at the Mountain View campus,
differences in learning style are not accommodated. How is this handled at
the Berkeley school?
3) A yelp reviewer - an unhappy parent - mentioned a case of bullying not
being addressed by teachers or administration at the Berkeley campus despite
frequent complaints since the children were supposed to work things out
themselves. Any idea if this is a systemic problem?
4) How does the small size of the Berkeley campus feel? Constraining or
nurturing? Or both? Are there things your child has not been able to explore
because the small size constrains options?
5) How is discipline handled?
6) A reviewer of the Mountain View campus says it's a great curriculum if you
want to move your child to Germany. But what if you want to, at some point,
transition your child to a public school in the Bay Area. How will they fare?
Thanks so much for any thoughts.
East Bay mom
This is our third year at GISSV Berkeley and so far we've had a great
experience. In response to your specific questions: (1) Yes! There are
lots of creative writing opportunities. For example, the kids keep
journals (in both English and German), write stories, and can participate
in a Writer's Club. Handwriting (and spelling) is considered separately
from writing. (2) I don't have much personal experience with this, but I
know this was an issue that came up in past years and they now have
various extra classes for kids who need extra help in English or German,
math or spelling. In addition, I have found the teachers to be very
approachable and flexible, whenever any issues have come up with our
child. (3) Really have no idea where this is coming from. We had the
opposite experience. Our son was teased by some older kids at one point,
and when we brought it up with the teachers they took immediate action,
discussed the situation with the kids, and there have been no further
problems at all. (4) The small size has not been a problem for us.
Definitely more nurturing than constraining. I think for young kids it's
not a problem. It allows the teachers to really get to know each and
every child (and I've been very impressed with their very detailed
evaluations of our son's academic progress and behavior). Also, despite
the small size, the school is fairly diverse. Finally, at breaks and
during the afternoons (if your child stays for the afternoon club) the
kids get to play with kids from other grades, so their friendships are
not restricted to their class. (5) ?? Can't think of any serious
discipline issues... I think the policy is to first talk to the child,
then the parent. I don't think anyone has every been suspended. (6) The
curriculum meets the standards of both German and US/California
educational systems, so that should not be a problem. The exact program
(e.g. math approach) is going to be different at GISSV and a public
school, but I think the level is high enough that the transition should
not be a problem. Hopefully someone with this experience can respond.
Happy GISSV parent
I have two children at the GISSV - Berkeley Campus, and they have been
going since K. Regarding your question about creative writing, it is my
experience that creativity is nurtured at each grade level, in all
subjects (including math). The writing process starts in first grade, and
continues at every grade level. It includes creative writing, how to
write texts appropriate for the age, spelling, punctuation, and grammar,
and also handwriting. Creative writing is taught by working with the
child to write on their own, starting with simple sentences, illustrating
picture stories, to writing essays, fairy tales, book reports etc in 4th
grade. I would say there is a lot more focus on creative writing than
handwriting, though good handwriting is taught earlier than in the
typical American curriculum.
Regarding some of your other questions, I know some children who have
moved to an American school, and to my knowledge these children didn't
have much problems. Also, this year at the Berkeley Campus, the school
has introduced specialty classes such as spelling and math classes for
children with learning differences. For the moment, the small size is
nurturing for my children and we take it one year at a time. The school
teaches some subjects in combined classes (such as music and PE) which
encourages social interaction in a larger than usual class setting.
Bullying and discipline problems have not been an issue for my children
really, so I cannot give first-hand feedback.
- Happy GISSV mom
GISSV mom
I'll take up just one of your questions, on having the kids work things
out themselves. I do see that as the school's basic strategy, one
anchored in its educational philosophy. To my American eyes it's
sometimes been less interventionist than I would have expected / felt
comfortable with. It is definitely a German school that happens to be
located in Berkeley, and it follows German expectations of how a school
should be run. Having said that, I've had a better experience with it
than the Yelp poster. My kid has had learned some lessons, some of them
sort of hard, about standing up for herself. A part of me wishes I could
spare her that, but I also think it's part of what she needs to learn.
The few times things have gotten actually troublesome, the teachers
intervened in a way that I've appreciated.
On the whole, it's a wonderful, really amazing group of kids she's with.
The 1st through 4th graders play in age-mixed, gender-mixed groups
without thinking that's weird. And I hear far less potty-mouthed
playground talk than I would have expected, given what else I read on
this forum. I don't know what makes the school community like this -- if
it's the school, the German parenting style at home, or just these
particular kids -- but to me it's one of the unexpected pluses of the
school.
parent
The German School nurtures creativity, starting with kindergarten which
is play based. When the children begin reading and writing in first
grade, they are encouraged to write creatively. They read and write a
great deal in both English and German. There is a creative writing class
offered for free after school where the children create poetry books and
other projects. There is also a drama class. The children are encouraged
to develop their own style of handwriting once they have perfected their
handwriting and cursive. The teachers respect learning differences. Kids
who excel in a subject are given extra challenges, whereas kids with
learning difficulties are offered extra help and encouragement. For
example, there are math, spelling, English and German classes offered for
free after school. These are play based and intended for those kids who
need help in certain areas. A couple of children wear headphones with
music, especially developed to help certain children concentrate. My
child just started bringing a chew necklace to school, developed for
autistic kids. Although not autistic, my child needs to chew. His teacher
told him his necklace was a great idea. Basically, the teachers want to
strategize to maximize each child's learning experience. The small class
size enables this. Classroom kinesthetics are also important. The kids
can sit on balls or stand at a special tall desk if they are restless.
The kids play outside a lot. The kids also learn to respect differences
and to play well with mixed ages. My older child who has been there for
four years has several friends in classes above and below him. As for the
case of bullying mentioned on yelp, that is totally not in character with
the school. Perhaps it was from last year's kindergarten class. The
kindergarten grew very quickly last year and also had two new teachers.
It was not a good year. The problem was addressed and there is a complete
turnaround. I can tell you because I have a child in kindergarten this
year and we are very satisfied. It is an amazing environment.
As for your
question about discipline, I can tell you how my child has been treated.
He sometimes disrupts the class and is pretty much the class clown. The
teacher has created a smiley book for him. He tries to earn two smileys
each day. The book works as an incentive and is also a way for the
teacher to communicate with me on a daily basis. The teacher respects and
enjoys my son's humor, but we are working to make sure it doesn't
interrupt the class. So far, the smiley book has been successful.
Regarding your question about transitioning to public school in the Bay
Area, I don't see any difficulties. The kids work hard and play hard in
both English and German and appear well prepared to transition to an
American or German school. It is a great community for our kids (and our
family). It is also very diverse. Of course there are many American,
German and Swiss parents, but there are also parents from Egypt to
Brazil. You should feel free to contact the school if you want to talk to
me or any other parents.
Sally
Nov 2011
Re: Looking for small school, flexibly paced program
My two children are thriving at the German International School, Berkeley Campus
(www.gissv.org). This is a German/English private full immersion school with small
class sizes. They are good at differentiating between children of different
abilities, both in German and English but also Mathematics. Open Houses are
happening now for enrollment next year.
-GISSV mom
Sept 2010
I am US born and my husband is from Cologne. We live in El Cerrito on
the Albany border. We had always planned to send our children to the Bay
Area Kinderstube (BAKS) in Albany, but as our daughter has been on the
waiting list since I was pregnant with her, and at 3.5 years we've still not
been granted admission, we've basically given up. For those who have
gotten in, is there something we are missing? Visits and introductions to
teachers, and requesting a full-time schedule have been to no avail. Are
there other Pre-K programs or playgroups we should try, or just wait until
the GISSV's Kindergarten program? Appreciate any suggestions.
Eine sehr frustrierte Mama (frustrated mommy)
I don't know about the BAKS situation, and I'll be curious
to read the replies if they deal with it. I do know that
GISSV's kindergarten has lots of kids who didn't go to
German preschools. There are even kids who learn all their
German at GISSV (like my child).
GISSV mom
June 2010
Re: Looking for an affordable K-4 private school
I am very happy with GISSV Berkeley Campus. This is a German immersion
school, however don't be scared if you don't speak german yourself. We have
families in every grade that fit that profile. The curriculum is well rounded
and their K approach is play based which will give your child a nice adjustment
time to get to know the language and teachers. My older son will be going to
3rd grade after the summer break and my second child will start K.
Now to the affordability of the program, this school is subsidized by the
german government which makes it very affordable for the kind of education
they are able to give.
Here is the link to their website:
http://gissv.org
click the Berkeley Campus tab on the side
Best of luck
GISSV mom
We are very happy with the Berkeley Campus (located in
Kensington) of the German International School of Silicon
Valley (www.gissv.org). The teachers are wonderful, classes
are small (not more than 20 kids) and the goal of everyone
is to make every single child succeed. For 15k$/year you
even get the after school care until 6pm (sorry, to lazy to
dig out a bill to figure out regular tuition, probably
around 11k$).
Happy GISSV mom
Nov 2009
Re: Challenging Progressive School?
You must approach this with an open mind; there is a school which may
fulfill your quest located in the East Bay. Your child is gifted but
you do not seek a conformist, routine method of learning. Consider a
private school where she will receive an excellent modern European
education, she will be fluent in two languages and upon graduation
from the High School receive a bilingual European Arbitur and American
high school diploma which will qualify her to attend American and
European universities. The teachers will work with your child based
on her abilities and requirements.
Although it is a little late, children can enroll in the school any
time during the school year and there is no birthday restrictions so
if your child at 4 is ready, she could try this for a year and if it
does not work out she will still be the correct age for kindergarten
at another school next year.
Take a look at the German International School of Silicon Valley
Berkeley Campus (GISSV). There is an open house on November 10, 2009
at 6:30 pm. Ralf who is the head of school would be more than happy
to discuss with you how a program will be set up to keep you daughter
intelectually stimulated while in kindergarten. The school is
affordable as tuition is partially subsidized. Even though we do not
speak German, our daughter in kindergarten was fluent in German after
6 months. The style of education is somewhat play based which will
hopefully instill in her a life long quest for learning. Old Sage
(i.e. wise guy)
August 2009
I would appreciate some reviews of the German International
School (GISSV) in Berkeley. We are a second-generation American
family. Very little German is spoken in our home but we would
like our child to pick up another language early in her
education. Does the school accept children during the school
year? What are their expectations with regard to knowledge of
the German language? What educational model is followed in
kindergarten and first grade? And how does tuition cost compare
to other private schools? Thank you for your feedback!
My child is attending 1st grade at the Berkeley Campus of the
German International School. He started Kindergarten last year
and has been the happiest child ever since. My husband is
American but since I speak German, our son grew up bilingual.
However, at least three kids in his class have American-only
parents and I have to say that I am amazed how well their German
has become since they started K-Class. Despite the fact that they
didn't speak a word of German before, they now understand
everything and are already pretty fluent in speaking it as well.
You didn't write the age of your child but I know it would be no
problem at all if your son/daughter has no or only little ability
understanding or speaking German when entering K-Class. Of course
it wouldn't hurt to immediately start German play dates and
listen to German tapes/books once she/he has started;-).
And yes, the Berkeley Campus welcomes each and every new addition
to the school, even if it is during the school year. The tuition
of GISSV is actually on the lower end, compared to other private
bi-lingual schools in the area. It shouldn't be too hard to proof
this fact.
Class sizes are between 8-10 kids with 2-3 teachers in K-Class.
Kids are provided a high-standard bilingual education and now
that my son has started 1st grade, I am even happier to see that
English, taught by a native English teacher and the German
education go side by side ... reading and writing ... and playing
and exploring. The best out of two worlds!
If you are interested in joining the growing GISSV family, I'd
recommend to contact the office in Mountain View to make an
appointment and meet the teachers/students. As far as I know, the
first official open house will be beginning of October. Good luck!
Happy GISSV Parent
I have two children attending the German International school,
one in 2nd grade, one in K. There are a fair amount of families
attending the school whith both parents not speaking German. They
all do have a connection to the German language or culture such
as having distant relatives or ancestors, used to work in Germany
or used to work for a German company.
For Kindergarten there is no requirement that the child speaks
the German language. In first grade they usually would like some
German language skills but it also very much depends on the
willingness of the family to support the child. I think you need
to talk to the school directly. I also think they would still
take your child.
The academics are really good, there is a lot of flexibility in
the teaching, they do a lot of theater projects, PE, music, arts.
The tuition is a lot lower than other private schools, about 10K
for the school year, mainly because of subsidies from Germany.
Kindergarten is developmental, but they do a lot of ''academic''
language and math projects so that learning to read and write in
two languages and to calculate in first grade is a lot easier.
First grade is where the academics start. But they have enough
time for arts, music, theater, PE etc.
The best would be to contact the school at office@gissv.org and
maybe arrange for a classroom visit or talk to the teachers.
GISSV mom
We have a kindergartener at the Berkeley campus of the German
International School. You asked about the educational model, and
I won't really speak to that until I have more experience of it
as it's actually implemented. I'll only say that we were sold on
the school's approach to kindergarten as play and socialization,
as a foundation on which academic work can follow later. The kids
at the Mountain View campus, where they go up to grade 12, do get
to the Gymnasium Abitur in 2 languages, after all, and I have
German colleagues who learned to read at age 7 and still turned
out OK as university professors.
For German language, our kid started this fall knowing next to
nothing. English is our language at home, though both parents
have functional German. The school (and our kid) seems
comfortable with this way of learning it. Some English-language
kindergarteners pick up German quickly, they told us, others take
it more slowly, and the teachers don't seem to give it a second
thought.
They do take new kids during the school year. The tuition is
subsidized by the German government, including for non-German
kids. I'd suggest just contacting the school and asking to talk
with the lower-school head or the teachers. They don't do a hard
sell.
Cathryn
We have two children at GISSV, one in K and one in 2nd Grade, and we are very happy
with the school. To answer some of you questions from a parent point of view: Yes,
the school accepts children during the school year, but as always you need to check
this with the principal. Knowledge of the German language is not a requirement in K.
The K-class is focussed on project based learning and development of language and
social skills. In our experience the school offers a great mix of academic learning and
learning through play, small classes, lot's of art, field trips and projects. Classes are
mainly taught in German, but in English as well.
Kathrin
Our child is starting his second year at GISSV. We have been
very pleased with the school. In fact, it has exceeded our
expectations! Our child spoke no German when he started
kindergarten, and now he is close to fluent. He enjoyed the
play-based Montessori-style kindergarten, and didn't realize
how much he was learning. Now in first grade, he is working a
lot harder with math, reading, writing etc. and still seems
happy. The teachers and peers are great. The class sizes are
small and the tuition is a bargain. I highly recommend checking
out this school if you have any interest in bilingual education.
As for the question about the school accepting children during
the school year, I would guess that's possible since the school
has proved quite flexible in other respects.
-GISSV parent
Our 5.5 year old just started at GISSV in Kensington. They do
accept mid-year students, and there is space in K-class. The
educational model is the same one used in Germany, with some
adjustments for the USA. They focus on skill and relationship
building in K-class rather than jumping straight to
no-child-left-behind academics. Tuition is partially subsidized
by the German government, and is low-average compared to other
fully private offerings. There is (at least at the moment) a
school bus option from Oakland and Berkeley.
Bryce
Nov 2008
My daughter will be ready for Kindergarten next year and we are
currently looking into public as well as private schools. I am
German and my husband and I are raising our children bilingually,
so I was wondering if anybody can tell me about the German
International School of Silicon Valley. I believe they have
opened an East Bay Campus a few years ago? Does anybody have
personal experiences with the school, the teachers and also with
the school's educational approach? Thank you!
CB
My son has been going to the German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV)
since they started their satellite campus in
Berkeley. He is now in the first grade and thriving.
The approach the Teachers take in Kindergarten is play-based. I know that is a
concern for some parents, but in my experience
this approach builds a strong social foundation, a sense of logic and reasoning
which primes the kids for the academic work they
face in the first grade. In fact, many of the students are children of renowned
scientist and mathematicians.
GISSV believes in small class sizes. This has also been very successful for my
son. In his large pre-school he was rather
introverted, but has, in this small setting, found his courage and strength to
speak his mind about anything.
Academically I believe GISSV offers a great program. They teach at a pace that is
in sync with the abilities of the children. The
children are challenged, and they seem to enjoy it and thrive. My son loves
homework and he is not the only kid in class that
does.
If you're interested the next open house is Dec 11th @ 7:00pm at the Kensington
campus:
1 Lawson Road
Berkeley/Kensington CA 94707
Hi, I am very happy to let you know that the German International
School (GISSV, Silicon Valley) has just moved their East Bay
Campus to Kensington (approx. 10-15 minutes car ride if you live
in Central Berkeley). I am German but unfortunately I cannot tell
you about personal experiences with the school because my child
is not enrolled in the school (yet). However, I visited the
school at their last open house, met the teachers and saw the new
location and class rooms. I have to admit that I was VERY
impressed! My friend's son is currently visiting the school
(although none of the parents is German!). They are very happy
and glad they chose the school because their child just thrives
and gets a lot of attention! The classes are very small (10 kids)
and at least in K-Class there are two teachers at all times! From
what I have heard, the teachers develop strong bonds with the
children and know exactly about each child's strengths and
weaknesses (more than any public school teacher would ever be
able to - due to their bigger class sizes). At the German School
the kids have a lot of play time .. more than other (American)
schools offer and their curriculum integrates German AND English
reading and writing. It sounds like their educational approach is
based on the excellent German school system and curriculum which
is more play-based and stress free in the beginning (no homework
in K-Class!) but steps up when 1st grade starts and children
begin to read and write (in two languages). According to my
friends, their son (who had some basic knowledge of German) is
much more fluent now and does not only understand but also
started to speak German. Yes, it is a private school but compared
to other private schools their tuition fee is on the lower end. I
am seriously considering this school for our daughter because of
all the wonderful impressions I got from talking to other parents
and the school staff. Go and check them out!
German and curious
Hi there,
My son is currently attending the first grade at the German
International school. He started in the kindergarten group last
year. We love the school. I'm German and my husband is American
and we are also raising our kids bilingually. But even with me
exclusively speaking German to my son for his first 5 years he
would not ever answer in German. He understood, but was very
insecure about using German. With the school being German
immersion, within a couple of weeks attending he replied in
German and is now completely fluent (and has not lost his English).
In terms of the educational approach, the Kindergarten class is
very play based. The goal is to teach the children a love for
learning. The kids are not expected to read or write at the end
of Kindergarten - if they do its great, if not it is fine too. My
son got to learn about science, art, math and music in really
playful ways. First grade is a little bit more structured: the
curriculum is based on the curriculum taught in Germany and books
and general material are the same as in Germany. Class sizes are
very small so the kids get lots of one on one time with the
teachers (there are 2 in the Kindergarten class). The teachers
are great as well - very warm, engaged and very approachable in
working with the children.
They do have two more open houses coming up on December 11, and
Jan 22, and there are always parents of currently enrolled
children there. You can also learn more here:
http://gissv.org/index.php?catID=500&navID=500&GOTO=1&LEVEL=2&PARENTID=0
Happy GISSV parent
Our son started kindergarten at the GISSV's East Bay Campus this
year. My husband and I are both American. Our only connection to
Germany is the two years I spent there a long time ago and few
friends from back then. Although our son started at GISSV with no
knowledge of German, he loves the school and is totally thriving.
The philosophy is play based but with a carefully thought out
curriculum. Our son has so much fun he doesn't realize how much
he is learning. He likes all of the kids and the teachers. The
other parents are also great - friendly and not snobbish.
Moreover, the teachers and other parents are happy to talk to me
in English or my mediocre German - whatever I initiate. There is
an open house coming up in December so you can check out the
school. Go to their website for the date - gissv.org.
gissv mom
My daughter started kindergarten last year at the new German
immersion program of GISSV in the East Bay (located in
Kensington) and she is now in 1st grade. She is very happy there
and we love the school for many reasons. The school belongs to a
network of German immersion schools in the United States
supported by the German educational authorities. They follow an
adapted German curriculum which meets the California curriculum
standards. Kindergarten is developmental, and 1st grade is when
school becomes more academic. We find the teachers terrific, both
in Kindergarden last year, but also now in 1st grade. In 1st
grade the children have about 6 periods per day, four in German,
and two in English on average. The curriculum is very project
based and the school does not teach to the test. The school is
still small (only K and 1st grade so far) but growing, and there
are quite a few parents who are very involved. Since it is run by
the much larger K-12 bilingual school in Mountain View the East
Bay campus has a lot of resources to fall back on. We also love
the community of German and American parents. You can schedule a
tour by calling the admission coordinator in MV at (650) 254
0748 or by e-mailing office@gissv.org. They have an open house
coming up on December 11 at 7pm.
GISSV mom
Our son is very happy in the K-class. He is one of two students
without a native German speaker at home, and yet from our
observation and the teachers' feedback he is picking up the
language quickly. His class is about 10 students with two
teachers available at most times. While there is no guarantee
this teacher to student ratio can be maintained, our son, a
very outgoing type, clearly benefits from the extra attention
(we compared experiences with the parents of his preschool
peers of similar temperment and they are not pleased with their
selections). Kindergarten instruction is play oriented but not
unorganized. Hands on activities/field trips are regular and
thematic. We cover reading and early arithmetic at home now but
understand that these subjects are introduced formally at GISSV
a bit later after the German model. The parents are extremely
invloved (if we have a complaint, there is too much
communication and expectation of cooperation from the parents).
The teachers and administration appear almost as accomodating
of parents' individual needs as the childrens'. In summary, I
heartily recommend GISSV-East Bay not just for those parents
seeking German language instruction, but for any parent who
wants their child to get individual attention from teachers who
want to be there and be surrounded by other children whose
parents take a real interest in them. Early bilingual, bi-
cultural familiarity is icing.
tumlinson
I can only recommend this school. Our daughter has started
kindergarten this year and is very, very happy. She did not
speak any German beforehand and she now understands it and even
speaks a few words (and that's only after a few months at the
school). The teachers are also amazing and always there to
help.
AP
Feb 2008
Does anyone have information on/experience with the new German
School in Berkeley? I'd like to enroll my son for some summer
classes. I've called them and left a message but have not
received a response.
anon
I'm not sure which school you are referring to. I assume you mean
the East Bay Campus of the German International School of Silicon
Valley (GISSV). The East Bay Campus opened last fall with a
Kindergarten class. This fall they will have a Kindergarten and a
1st grade class. Our son is in the Kindergarten class and so far
we are very happy with the school. As far as I know there are no
plans for summer classes in Berkeley (at least not for this summer).
Happy GISSV mom
My older daughter currently attends the K-program at the new
German school and my younger daughter will be attending it in
2009. I find the K-program fantastic: The school emphasizes a
developmentally appropriate curriculum using child appropriate
educational projects. Within these projects they teach the
children academic subjects, but also cognitive, social, and
emotional skills. They do not teach to the test. They also have
music and PE taught by teachers trained for the subject. The
language of instruction is German but one day a week they have a
special teacher running the program in English. My daughter is
completely bilingual and loves the school.
The parents are very involved as it is a small start-up school.
I don't think they have a summer program yet. They do have summer
classes at their main campus in Mountain View.
When you call the main campus you should ask for the admission
coordinator Nadja Spira.
Ursula
Hi, My Name is Nadja and I am the Admissions Coordinator for
the German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) in
Mountain View as well as in the East Bay. We successfully
opened our East Bay Campus last year with a Kindergarten Class,
and this upcoming school year we will have a Kindergarten Class
and 1st Grade. We have had a great amount of interest with
classes filling up quickly. Our parents are very active in
showing their support for the school. By 2012 we plan to have
reached our goal of a K-5 Campus. If anyone has question or
would like information regarding our classes, please contact me
directly via Email at nspira@gissv.org or by phone at 650-254-
0748.
General School Information can also be found on our website at
www.gissv.org.
GISSV admission coordinator
October 2007
My daughter is in her 3rd year of preschool at the Bay Area Kinderstube and I am
considering sending her to the GISSV program for kindergarten to continue her
exposure to German language acquisition. I hope some parents out there can
provide some feedback/answer these questions for me.
How do current parents feel about the quality of the program? What is the daily
schedule like for kindergarten? How many kids are in the class/what is the ratio
between staff and child? Are there lots of holidays/school closures? How does the
cost compare to other private kindergarten programs?
What kind of academic instruction are the children getting, how much is conducted
in German and how much in English?
Is there a vehicle in place for parent input/involvement. Is there a Board of
Directors, PTA?
If anyone can comment on these questions and/or share your experience so far, it
would be much appreciated.
Jennifer
My daughter also went to BAKS and now attends the new German
immersion kindergarten. It has been operating since late August
and so far I think it is a very good program.
The quality of the program overall and the teaching in
particular is fabulous. There are currently 12 children in the
class with two teachers. There are two more teachers, one
teaching English and Science one morning a week, one teacher
for music.
The language of instruction is four mornings in German, one
morning in English.
What strikes me is how engaged the teachers are, how they care
for and try to support each child. The academics are embedded
in child appropriate and very creative projects and a lot of
focus is spent on social and emotional development.
German language is not a requirement for entering K or 1st
grade and students who donmt speak it get extra support from
the teachers to catch up. My daughter loves her school and has
never said anything else!
The cost is lower than other private schools as the German
Government pays part of the teacherms salaries. They also have
an after school program until 6:00 pm.
The school is currently not offering childcare on school
holidays. However, the PTA is approaching the school about it
and I think they will offer it soon. There is a lot
of parent involvement, being a new school, and there is an
active PTA which organizes lotms of activities and brings needs
to the attention of the school administration.
GISSV parent
Our son is attending the GISSV East Bay Campus. So far we are
very happy with the program. To answer your specific questions:
Quality of the program: Very high. As your daughter goes to
Kinderstube, you are probably familar with the play-based
approach. It feels very much like a somewhat more academic
version of Kinderstube. They learn a lot but in a playful manner.
They also do some really nice art and craft projects.
Schedule: Normal class is from 9 (drop-off starting at 8:30)to
2pm with an afterschool program until 6pm. They start with a
circle time. After that the kids have the choice between two
activities (they try to get about equal sized groups). After the
first activity they have snack and then they do the activity they
have not yet done (so everyone does the same). Then they eat
lunch and finish with another circle. Although the teachers have
a lesson plan for the week, they sometimes adjust it based on the
needs or depending on something coming up.
There are currently 10 kids with one more starting later this
month and another moving here from Germany around Christmas.
There are usually two teachers in the classroom, so for the main
activities of the day it's about five kids per teacher.
Holidays/school closures: There are a few more than in other
schools. Currently there are not enough kids to make offering
camps viable, but that might change in the future if more
families need a place to put their kids during those times.
Cost: It's almost 10k$ per school year for the morning program.
That's significantly cheaper than other private schools I've
looked at.
Academic instruction: They are learning some math concepts, a lot
of science and they have the ''letter of the week''. But it's all
done in a playful manner. They also do a lot of art and craft
projects.
Language: Mainly in german. The science teacher who comes in one
day a week speaks primarily english with the kids (although she
is german).
Parent input/PTA/etc.: A lot of those things are handled in
Mountain View on the main campus. There are parent
representatives at the Berkeley Campus. Most of the parent
involvement centers around the local things (organising car pools
for field trips, collecting money for a marble run etc.,
marketing for the East Bay Campus,...) that do not need to go via
the main campus. Parents are required to work 20 hours per school
year (driving a car pool for a field trip counts toward that).
Ina
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