Did you know that up to two-thirds of adults around the world speak at least two languages? At GSB, we know the value of being bilingual in this diverse city and global world. In fact, we live it every day.

Our immersive program supports students to become fluent in German and English, even if students are learning one of these languages for the first time. Our teachers work with the “German Language Learners” and “English Language Learners” by joining their classes to support and/or offer targeted lessons in small groups. More and more students are coming to our school for Kindergarten, because families know that starting to learn a language when children are young sets children up to thrive in a variety of ways.

Ms. Leah supports our youngest English Language Learners in small groups on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

The benefits of speaking more than one language are well documented, and we see these strengths growing in our young learners:

• Flexibility in Thinking
  Bilingual individuals often exhibit more flexible thinking patterns, as they can navigate different linguistic and cultural contexts more adeptly. This flexibility can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making skills. Our teachers challenge students to think about concepts in a variety of ways across all subject areas.
• Increased Linguistic Awareness
  Being proficient in two languages fosters a deeper understanding of language structure, grammar, and vocabulary. This heightened awareness can facilitate learning additional languages. Kids at GSB start learning Spanish in Grade 3, after they have become proficient in English and German, our two main teaching languages. French and Latin are also offered as electives. 
• Cultural Appreciation and Understanding
  Proficiency in multiple languages enables students to engage more fully with different cultures, fostering empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity. Our school has students from all around the world, and we learn to appreciate and understand each other’s cultures through daily interactions, special celebrations and events, and learning about different traditions and ways of life. 
• Enhanced Communication Skills
  Bilinguals possess strong communication skills, including effective listening, interpreting, and expressing ideas across different linguistic and cultural contexts. It’s remarkable to hear our students switch back and forth from German to English, depending on whom they’re talking to. 
• Greater Job Opportunities and Earning Potential
  In an increasingly globalized world, bilingualism is a valuable asset in the job market. Many employers seek candidates with proficiency in multiple languages, particularly in fields such as translation, international business, diplomacy, and tourism. Germany has a strong economy, so this is a plus for German speakers. It may seem early to start thinking this way, but our eldest alumni are already 17 years old and preparing to apply to college both in the US and abroad!
• Personal Enrichment
  Learning and speaking multiple languages can be personally enriching, providing opportunities for travel, cultural exchange, and self-expression! We see this when our students keep in touch with former classmates who are now living and going to school in other parts of the world.

To sum it up, GSB strives to empower every student to reach their fullest potential as citizens of the world, and being bilingual is an important part of realizing this vision.