That depends on the grade to which they are applying. Children who apply for admission to our Preschool and Kindergarten programs do not need to speak or understand German. Starting in grade 1, applicants must demonstrate a good understanding of German. Since many of our subjects are taught exclusively in German, we want to make sure that students are comfortable participating in classroom activities and completing homework assignments in German. Applicants entering grades 1 – 5 who have little to no German language skills may be eligible for the GISB Fast Track, an accelerated language program for strong candidates. Applicants to our Middle and High School must be fluent and literate in German.
While it is not necessary that German is spoken at home, it is proven that children who have opportunities to converse and read in German outside of school have an overall easier time achieving fluency and literacy.
English fluency is not required at any grade level. Our outstanding English Department provides differentiated instruction for both novice and native English speakers alike.