German International School of Silicon Valley

Most excellent bi/multi-cultural school (US + German + Brazil + ...+ ... all sorts of combos) with deep holistic pedagogy and a fun international and diverse community...and the 'kicker' - this K-8 school is in the middle of a national park, The Presidio of SF,

I can’t imagine a better school. Our kids enjoyed and still enjoy an excellent education based on the schools’ comprehensive curriculum and outstanding teachers. Our son graduated after attending GISSV’s Middle and High School at the MV campus and immediately started in one of the top 5 Universities in Germany (Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings data 2018). His language skills he acquired at GISSV have already encouraged him to be a world citizen. Our daughter started at this San Francisco Campus in Kindergarten and is now enrolled as elementary school student. We are impressed by the schools’ nurturing of her interests and curiosity and fostering growth in her understanding of the world. We see her apply the head, heart and hands model for transformational learning every day. [The model shows the holistic nature of transformative experience and relates the cognitive domain (head) to critical reflection, the affective domain (heart) to relational knowing and the psychomotor domain (hands) to engagement]. She enjoys applying mathematical concepts in daily routines and creative projects. She continuously takes her time to observe and assess various projects and scientific phenomena from different angles –and hands on. She independently and proudly makes connections and applies her learning experiences in school to out-of-school activities, eager to explore more and follow-up on new discoveries and accomplishments. She brings home books from the school library and requests us to hear her read before and after dinner and breakfast. While on the road or on the bike, she happily sings songs in several languages addressing natural, cultural or social concepts. We feel very blessed having found this school for our kids. As parents, we are thankful for the way the elementary and middle school community at the San Francisco campus appreciates the growth of all students. We were touched to hear teachers read out excerpts of beautifully written stories by the students. Sharing in this way with the whole community sitting in a circle on the Presidio school lawn what the precise accomplishment of a student was –made the students feel truly recognized and distinguished, (something even more than a grade or prize could accomplish). Seeing the student’s lovely performances, and just spotting the joyful faces or laughter among students during a school day is what makes us appreciate this school. Every child deserves such experiences during their forming education years!