German Immersion Program
Why Learn German?
There are many reasons to learn German!
- Learning German fosters analytical thinking. German is the language of poets and philosophers.
- Learning German gives you access to Europe, especially via three countries: Germany, Switzerland and Austria. And let’s not forget several more in which German is spoken as one of the official languages: Belgium, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein
- Germany has some of the best universities in the world and studying in Germany is free!
- Germany, Switzerland and Austria all have strong job markets.
- Germany is the 3rd strongest economy in the world. All three countries provide a high standard of living. (Skiing anyone?)
Exchange Program with German School
Our International Exchange Program offers 8th-grade students the unique opportunity to attend school in Germany for two weeks, fully immersing themselves in the language and culture. During the exchange, students also gain a global perspective by living with host families. This experience fosters independence, cross-cultural understanding, and lifelong connections with peers from around the world.
German Language Diploma (DSDI)
As an officially recognized German school abroad, our 8th graders take the Deutsches Sprachdiplom I (DSD I) exam, an internationally recognized certification of German language proficiency. This exam assesses their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, showcasing their ability to communicate effectively in German. We are proud to share that our students consistently perform exceptionally well, opening doors to future academic and cultural opportunities both in Germany and beyond.
Common questions regarding a German-English Bilingual education answered
Q: I am interested in German for my child, but we don't speak German at home. Is GSB still an option?
A: In short, yes!
Q: How can I ensure my child learns German fluently?
A: The earlier your child starts to learn German, the easier it will be. In GSB's Preschool and Kindergarten, children learn through play. Our immersive language environment and experienced native-speaking teachers provide daily opportunities for natural language acquisition. Consistent exposure and practice help build fluency and confidence in speaking German.
Q: How do you ensure that the English language instruction is still at a high level? If my child is learning both languages, won’t one of them be stronger?
A: We employ experienced teachers who follow a comprehensive reading and writing curriculum aligned with New York’s educational standards, ensuring that students receive a robust English education alongside their German studies.
While it's natural for students to have varying strengths in different languages, our balanced approach and small class size ensure that students can thrive in both English and German. Our graduates who have gone on to competitive NYC high schools tell us that they’ve been more than equipped for their English language subjects!
Q: What types of assessment do you use to assess language development?
A: Teachers use assessments integrated within our curriculum to monitor and demonstrate students' language progress in both German and English.
In 8th grade, our students take the Deutsches Sprachdiplom I (DSD I) exam, which assesses their level of German fluency in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This exam provides a formal certification of their language proficiency, demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively in German.
Q: Will my child feel comfortable at GSB?
Although our focus is on German and English, our program fosters a multicultural environment where all students feel welcome and valued. We celebrate diversity, ensuring that every student feels seen and included. In fact, collectively, our families speak over 21 different languages!