Motto The best of two worlds Opened 2000 Grades Preschool, K–12 | Established 1999 Principal Michael Koops Website www.gissv.org | |
The German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) is a school educating children from preschool to grade 12 using bilingual full immersion at sites in Mountain View, Berkeley and San Francisco in California. Students graduate the school with both the German International Abitur as well as the California High School Diploma. The school is accredited with the Western Association of Schools (WASC) as well as by the German government.
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History
The German School of Silicon Valley (GSSV) was established in November 1999 as a spin-out of the German-American International School (now Alto International School) in Menlo Park. Instruction began in February 2000 with 34 students. In July 2000, the school moved to the site of the former Whisman Elementary School in Mountain View. In 2003, the GSSV officially changed its name to the German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV). In December 2016 received notice to vacate its Berkeley Campus.
The German International Abitur
The five Abitur exams (three written exams and two oral exams) are in the following subjects: German Literature, European History or Economics or Math or a Natural Science or a language. In February of senior year, all students take the written examinations for the German International Abitur in three subjects including German. In late spring, grade 12 students have mandatory oral examinations in two subjects, which are overseen by a German educational official. The final GPA includes grades from both junior and senior years, as well as for the five Abitur exams. The final diploma that students receive after successful completion of these exams allows them to qualify for admission to Universities in Germany.