DePaul College Prep vs German International School Chicago

	D DePaul College Prep Chicago, United States	G German International School Chicago Chicago, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $21,150	Fees / year $18,450 - 22,830
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), German Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 2014	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Mailing Address: 3333 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL 60618. Main Entrance & Parking: 3300 N. Campbell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. Located in Chicago, Illinois.	Location 1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613. Located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood.
Stages	Stages Grades 9-12 (high school).	Stages Preschool through Grade 9; Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School; bilingual German-English instruction.
School type	School type Catholic, co-ed, college-prep high school.	School type IB World School (Authorized for the PYP)
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 40+ nationalities represented; 64% international families
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning specialists provide curricular support for diagnosed learning differences; targeted strategy support in reading comprehension, written expression, math, and executive functioning. Instructional support is provided inside and outside the classroom. Learning specialists manage classroom and testing accommodations and communicate with teachers, parents, and outside professionals. They help students develop independence through self-awareness, proactivity, perseverance, goal setting, support networks, and emotional coping strategies.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United States	Country affiliation Germany; Official German School Abroad (DAS) in the U.S. Midwest
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Catholic (Vincentian Catholic Identity).	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - There is no separate application fee listed. A non-refundable Registration Fee of USD 550 is charged for all students and is billed through the school's tuition management system. Tuition by school year (amounts shown per academic year and per installment option) - 2026/2027 (All students) - Tuition (annual): USD 20,600. - Registration Fee (non-refundable): USD 550. - Total at initial billing (tuition + registration): USD 21,150. - Payment-plan breakdowns (based on the full total before any scholarships, discounts, or credits): - Annual (pay in full): USD 21,150 due on the single due date. A 2% discount on tuition is applied if the tuition portion is paid in full by the annual due date. - Semi-annual (2 payments): two equal installments of USD 10,575 (1st installment due July; 2nd installment due December). - Quarterly (4 payments): four equal installments of USD 5,287.50 (due July, October, January, April). - Monthly (10 payments): ten equal installments of USD 2,115 (July through April). - 2025/2026 (All students) - Tuition (annual): USD 19,825. - Registration Fee (non-refundable): USD 550. - Total at initial billing (tuition + registration): USD 20,375. - Payment-plan breakdowns (based on the full total before any scholarships, discounts, or credits): - Annual (pay in full): USD 20,375 due on the single due date. A 2% discount on tuition applies if the tuition portion is paid in full by the annual due date. - Semi-annual (2 payments): two equal installments of USD 10,187.50 (1st installment due July; 2nd installment due December). - Quarterly (4 payments): four equal installments of USD 5,093.75 (due July, October, January, April). - Monthly (10 payments): ten equal installments of USD 2,037.50 (July through April). - Note on calculations: the installment amounts above divide the total annual charge (tuition plus the one-time registration fee) evenly according to the selected plan. Actual installment amounts shown on a family's FACTS account will reflect net tuition after any scholarships, sibling discounts, or other credits, and will include any FACTS enrollment fee where applicable. Additional, course‑specific and one‑time fees - Graduation fee (seniors): USD 275 (one-time). - International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme fee (Juniors and Seniors in the IB Diploma Programme): USD 1,800 payable over the two years of the program. - International Baccalaureate individual course fee (for students taking individual IB courses): USD 220 per course. - One-time, non-refundable school-issued iPad fee for the indicated cohort (Class of 2030): USD 800 (the fee may be payable through the regular payment plans). - Sibling discount: USD 500 per sibling (applied as a credit). - Families should budget additionally for books, one‑to‑one technology costs (where applicable), uniforms, meals, school parking (if used), transportation, AP/IB exam fees, summer school, retreats, and other incidental charges. Many of these incidental charges are billed through the school's incidental billing system. - Uniforms: official uniform pieces are required to be purchased from the school's approved vendor (Tommy Hilfiger / Global Schoolwear partner code). Uniforms are ordered through the vendor; uniform prices are set by that vendor. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition collection and billing cycle: payment plans begin in July and run through April for the academic year. The school finalizes tuition payment plan terms in the FACTS tuition management system between May 1 and mid‑June. Families must enroll and maintain a valid FACTS account for tuition and incidental billing. - Specific due dates by plan (examples shown for the 2025–2026 cycle; equivalent monthly/quarterly timing applies in the 2026–2027 cycle with the July–April collection window): - Annual (pay in full): payment due July 15 (2% tuition discount if paid by this date). - Semi‑annual: 1st installment in July; 2nd installment in December. - Quarterly: installments in July, October, January, and April. - Monthly: ten monthly installments from July through April. - FACTS enrollment fee: a one‑time per school‑year payment plan fee (assessed by FACTS when the payment plan is finalized) is charged; amounts vary by payment frequency and do not exceed USD 50 currently. Returned payment fee: FACTS automatically assesses a USD 30 returned payment fee when a scheduled payment fails. Families are responsible for keeping their FACTS payment method current. Payment methods and how payments are processed - All tuition and fees are billed and collected through the FACTS tuition management system. Families must attach a valid payment method to both the Tuition Payment Plan and the Incidental Billing account in FACTS. FACTS will attempt scheduled withdrawals on the payment dates shown in the plan; banks may show withdrawals as pending before the displayed date. The school and FACTS will provide notice when charges are placed. Credit cards and scheduled electronic withdrawals are used for payments; a payment failure for insufficient funds or an invalid credit card will trigger FACTS returned‑payment procedures and fees. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. DePaul College Prep is a Catholic, co‑educational, college‑preparatory high school serving grades 9–12; the school does not operate a boarding program. Other incidental or optional charges - Incidental Billing covers items such as bus fees, AP exam fees, IB program/course fees (when applicable), summer school, retreats (e.g., Kairos), annual registration, and other incidental charges. Families are notified in advance through FACTS before any incidental charge is processed. Parking fees, team or club fees, and meal plans (if used) are typically billed and collected through FACTS or incidental billing. Refund information - Monthly payments that have been made are not refunded if a student withdraws or is dismissed during the July–May period. If tuition has been paid in full, semi‑annually, or quarterly, a prorated tuition refund may be issued at the school's discretion. All outstanding balances must be paid in full to complete student transfers. Important administrative notes relevant to fees and billing - Financial aid and merit scholarships appear as credits in the FACTS tuition account once awards are verified. Outside scholarships and grammar school awards must be submitted to the school for verification so the award can be credited to the FACTS account. - Incidental charges will never be processed in a family's FACTS account without prior email notice. Disputes about charges are handled through the school's Tuition and Financial Aid office. If you require the exact installment amounts displayed on a family account, or need amounts after applying a specific scholarship, sibling discount, or the 2% full‑pay tuition discount, those figures will be calculated and shown in the family's FACTS account when the plan is finalized.	Fee details 2026–2027 Tuition (by program) - Preschool Part‑Day (8:00am–1:00pm): USD 18,450 per year. - Preschool Full‑Day (8:00am–3:00pm): USD 21,950 per year. - Grades K–9 (8:00am–3:00pm): USD 22,830 per year. Corporate tuition (by program) - Preschool Part‑Day: USD 23,450 per year. - Preschool Full‑Day: USD 26,950 per year. - Grades K–9: USD 27,830 per year. Application and enrollment fees - Admission (application) fee for new students: USD 200 (due with application). - New family fee (grades K–8) for new families: USD 2,000 (due with first tuition installment). - Tuition deposit: non‑refundable USD 1,500 due with student registration. Additional / program fees - Field trip fee: Preschool USD 75; Grades K–4 USD 100; Grades 5–9 USD 200 (all due with first tuition installment). - Fast Track German Language Program (Grades 3–6): USD 4,000 per student. - GPG (parent group) membership fee: USD 60 per student (required as part of enrollment for Deutsche Auslandsschulen). Tuition reductions and sibling discounts - Sibling reduction: USD 1,000 off tuition for the second child enrolled. For each additional child, tuition is reduced by one‑third of the original rate. Billing schedule and payment terms - A non‑refundable tuition deposit of USD 1,500 is due at registration. - Remaining tuition balance is billed in two installments due on July 1 and November 1. - Monthly payment plans are available; enrolling in a monthly plan incurs a 2.5% surcharge to the total tuition, payable with the first installment. - For corporate tuition arrangements, first‑time enrollment deposit is required; re‑enrolling families with employer‑paid tuition may not be required to pay an upfront deposit. Corporate accounts receive customized payment plans at no additional charge and no finance charges on account balances. Boarding - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school. Refunds and withdrawal-related terms - The USD 1,500 tuition deposit is non‑refundable. For corporate tuition arrangements, withdrawal is handled on a prorated basis based on attendance. Other refund or withdrawal specifics are governed by the school's enrollment/financial policies. Other costs parents commonly pay (examples noted in billing items) - One‑time or annual charges in addition to tuition can include the new family fee, field trip fees, program fees (e.g., Fast Track German), and GPG membership fee as listed above. These additional charges are charged on or with the first tuition installment unless specified otherwise. Fee payment options and practical notes on payment - The school provides installment and monthly payment plan options (monthly plans carry a 2.5% surcharge). Corporate tuition arrangements offer customized payment plans and billing options for employer‑paid tuition. Specific payment method types (for example: credit card, bank transfer/Wire/ACH) are handled through the school's billing processes and accounts receivable procedures. For corporate accounts, no finance charges are assessed on account balances. Important dates and timing - Re‑enrollment contracts, new student enrollment contracts, and financial aid applications are noted with a March 31 deadline in the school's enrollment timeline. Installment due dates for tuition are July 1 and November 1. (End of fee overview)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required and must be purchased from Tommy Hilfiger. Lands' End pieces are grandfathered for current students, but new students must buy Tommy Hilfiger items. All uniform clothing is purchased from the Tommy Hilfiger Website, and official outerwear must be DePaul Prep apparel (Tommy Hilfiger, Spirit Shop, or team athletic shop) with a school ID badge worn visibly at all times.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Food services are provided by Quest Food Services. Students can add funds to MyMealTime lunch accounts online, and use their DePaul Prep ID badge to purchase items in the cafeteria. Parker Kokowicz is the Food Service Director and can address dietary needs; nutrition information is available online.	Food options Lunch is provided through the Yay Lunch program; families can register at yaylunch.com to view the daily menu and place orders. The school schedules two daily 40-minute breaks for K–8 students during which they snack and have lunch; meals are eaten outdoors when weather permits, inside if temperatures drop below 45°F.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Directors, including President Mary A. Dempsey and Life Directors, as listed on the Board page. The school maintains a university partnership with DePaul University.	Governance and ownership The school is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation governed by its Board of Trustees.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Diploma Programme with two enrollment paths: the Full Diploma Programme and an Individual Course Pathway. IB course offerings cover Group 1 to Group 6 and the IB Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS). Students enroll in two-year IB courses as sophomores and may earn college credit whether or not they complete the IB Diploma. In addition to IB, the school offers sixteen Advanced Placement courses beginning in 9th grade (starting in 2024-2025) and summer dual credit and dual enrollment courses at DePaul University beginning in 11th grade. The STEAM-focused program uses interdisciplinary learning with state-of-the-art technology, ten science labs, four maker spaces, an organic garden, and a greenhouse, including robotics, visual and fine arts, film production, computer programming, engineering, and design. The school maintains an 80-minute block schedule to support personalized instruction and includes a robust post-secondary planning program through a DePaul University partnership for dual enrollment and college-credit opportunities.	Curriculum details GISC is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) offering a German-English bilingual education from Preschool through Grade 9. The majority of subjects are taught in German, and there is full German immersion from Day 1. It is a bilingual program spanning Preschool–Grade 9, with IB credentials and an emphasis on international education.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 14 to 1	Student teacher ratio 6.5:1
Exam results	Exam results 77% of IB Full Diploma Programme graduates earned the IB Diploma in 2025.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates enroll at a broad range of colleges and universities, including DePaul University, Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University, Boston College, Bucknell University, Butler University, Denison University, Drake University, Elmhurst University, Elon University, and more.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Advanced learners have access to AP and IB coursework, plus Dual Enrollment at DePaul University. The E.D.G.E. Program, delivered through Superior Chicago Tutoring, offers tutoring and academic coaching for eligible students.	Gifted and talented Fast Track German Language Program (FTGLP) is open to gifted students in Grades 3-6.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The Counseling program fosters the holistic development of each student within DePaul College Prep's Vincentian Catholic framework. In partnership with families, faculty, and the broader community, it provides a data-driven counseling approach that emphasizes academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social-emotional well-being. Guided by the core values of Faith, Respect, Excellence, Service, and Health, the program creates an inclusive environment where students develop independence, resilience, and moral responsibility. School counselors address students' academic, personal/social, and college/career needs through individual counseling. They support self-management and emotional regulation, and connect students with outside resources when appropriate. The goal is for students to become confident self-advocates and compassionate leaders.	Social & emotional learning SEL is integrated into classroom practice with a Counseling Resource Teacher who collaborates with teachers to implement social-emotional learning, mental health support, and anti-bullying initiatives, ensuring every student feels safe, respected, and valued.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) DePaul College Prep provides support for diverse learners with diagnosed learning differences. Learning specialists offer targeted strategy support in reading comprehension, written expression, math, and executive functioning, with instructional support provided inside and outside the classroom. They manage classroom and testing accommodations to ensure students receive needed supports, while maintaining close communication with teachers, parents, and outside professionals. The program also focuses on developing independent learners by teaching the success attributes of self-awareness, proactivity, perseverance, goal setting, use of support systems, and emotional coping strategies. Eligibility requires a diagnosed learning disability and/or ADHD documented in an IEP, 504 plan, or private evaluation, with documentation submitted by August 1 to receive additional support. Depending on the student, support may include structured study halls, one-on-one meetings, or co-taught classes, with the aim of reducing support as independence grows.	Special educational needs (SEN) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion supports neurodiverse students; staff participate in professional development on inclusion to promote equity and create more supportive learning environments for neurodiverse learners.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Become Bilingual provides English Language Learner (ELL) support; new students in grades K-2 without German fluency join the Become Bilingual Program as German Language Learners, and students with limited English knowledge receive tutoring through BBP as English Language Learners.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is integrated into the counseling program as part of the school's holistic approach. School counselors address emotional regulation, self-management, and other personal/social needs, and connect students to outside supports when appropriate. The team includes a school social worker who collaborates with counselors and families to support students. A range of immediate supports is available, including a 24-hour crisis helpline and the DePaul Prep hotline for emergencies. Additional crisis and mental health resources are listed within the school's community resources, including access to neuropsychological evaluations and local therapy providers as needed. The overall aim is to help students navigate challenges with resilience and timely support.	Mental wellbeing The Counseling Resource Teacher supports mental health and social-emotional learning, promoting a positive, supportive environment and anti-bullying initiatives.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safety is prioritized. The Safety Reporting Form allows any member of the school community to report safety concerns, including harassment or bullying, with a school official following up on all reports. In emergencies, call 911.	Safeguarding The school maintains a Student Bullying Prevention Policy; safety reminders for drop-off and pick-up; all doors are locked during the day with the Front Office as the only access and a visitor sign-in sheet; a state-of-the-art intercom system provides immediate communication and drills for fire, inclement weather, and lockdown.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school sits on a 17-acre campus in Chicago. The Mary A. Dempsey Academic Center houses 62 classrooms, two student dining halls, four maker spaces, and ten science labs, along with a Black Box Theater, a strength training and weight room, a library, a chapel, and two student gathering places. The campus includes an organic teaching garden and a greenhouse, a grass practice field, and a 1,500-seat outdoor stadium. An Indoor Athletic Complex is planned to include a multi-sport field house, a competition gym, an indoor track, a weight room, a wrestling room, cardio equipment, and locker rooms, plus a space for pep rallies and liturgies.	Facilities overview The German International School Chicago is located at 1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 in the Ravenswood neighborhood. It offers a bilingual German-English education for Preschool through Grade 9 and is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The campus provides 30,000 sq ft of learning space and features a Large Nature Playground. Full German immersion is offered from Day 1 in the Preschool program. The school has a 6.5:1 student-teacher ratio and about 200 students from 64 international families representing 40+ nationalities, with 25+ languages spoken by families. 100% of GISC students speak multiple languages.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The athletic facilities include a 1,500-seat outdoor stadium and grass practice fields. The school is developing an Indoor Athletic Complex with a multi-sport field house, a competition gym, an indoor track, a strength and weight training facility, a wrestling room, cardio equipment, and locker rooms, plus a venue for pep rallies and all-school events.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Mary A. Dempsey Academic Center comprises 62 classrooms, two student dining halls, four maker spaces, and ten science labs, along with a Black Box Theater, a library, a chapel, and two student gathering spaces. The STEAM & Arts program provides fully equipped spaces including a dedicated art and sculpture studio, an engineering and fabrication lab, a computer science lab, and a music studio. The department encompasses Visual Arts, Computer Science, Engineering, Film, Music, Theatre, and Sustainable Urban Food Systems and Culinary Arts, linking arts and engineering with hands-on projects.	Academic facilities The school provides a bilingual German-English education for Preschool through Grade 9 and is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Clubs and student organizations include the Theatre Society, music ensembles, and Robotics Club. The STEAM & Arts program supports visual arts, computer science, engineering, film, music, theatre, and culinary arts. The department emphasizes hands-on projects and performances, with events such as a Spring Play in the Black Box Theatre. Examples of student activities include Life Smarts Team and Climbing Club, Baking Club, and other service and leadership opportunities.	Extra curricular facilities After-School Activities and Extracurriculars include After Care from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with supervised sessions (3:00-4:30 and 4:30-6:00) and the option to enroll up to five days per week or use a Drop-In Program. A full list of current after-school programming is available in the PDFs for Winter/Spring 2026 and Fall 2025. Programs include academic support, sports & movement, and arts & music.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History DePaul College Prep is a Vincentian Catholic high school sponsored by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians). The Vincentian fathers sponsor DePaul University, the school's academic partner. From 1898-1968, the Vincentian fathers sponsored DePaul Academy on the university's Lincoln Park campus. Governance is by a lay Board of Directors, and the school is guided by the core values of Faith, Respect, Excellence, Social Service, and Health to create an educated, just, and compassionate world. In 2014 the partnership with DePaul University progressed and the school officially became DePaul College Prep; in July 2019 a new 17-acre campus at 3300 N. Campbell Ave was acquired and DePaul Prep moved to the new campus in August 2020; the sponsorship transferred from the Resurrectionists to the Vincentians in September 2019.	History Founded in 2007, the German International School Chicago began as a small preschool and grew into a full-day bilingual school in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, now enrolling around 200 students from over 40 nations. The school provides a bilingual German-English education and is an IB World School authorized for the PYP. In 2024, it was recognized as a Deutsche Auslandsschule (German School Abroad), reflecting ties to German-speaking culture and the German education system. The motto is 'Give Your Child the World,' and the school plans to graduate its first high school class in 2030 under its Strategic Plan 2024–2030.
Community	Community Experiential Service and community engagement are integral parts of a DePaul College Prep education, rooted in Saint Vincent DePaul and Saint Louise DeMarillac. Freshman Year: 10 verified hours; Sophomore Year–Senior Year: students engage in group service projects through athletic teams, clubs, and other student organizations. Service hours may be acquired through group service projects with athletic teams, clubs, and other student groups; school events outside school hours such as Open House, Back to School Night, etc.; serving with verified not-for-profit or community service organizations; tutoring; helping to coach children; participating in a DePaul Prep initiative such as Rincon Family Services Gift Drive and food drives; signing up for service opportunities via MobileServe. DePaul Prep At A Glance notes a faith-based education in a welcoming environment, grounding students in the core values of faith, respect, excellence, service, and health; a unique partnership with DePaul University extends educational, cultural, and social resources to the students and families, with collaboration with our city, our supporters, our alumni, and our families.	Community GISC describes itself as an active community that values every family and hosts events around holidays and German-American cultural gatherings organized by the school and the GPG. Community events include the Chicago Von Steuben Parade, Oktoberfest, Laternenfest & St. Martin's Parade, Nikolaus, Lunar New Year, Fasching, Spring Concert & Art Showcase, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, and End of School Potluck. All parents are automatically part of the GPG, which is led by an elected team of volunteers and focuses on three areas: supporting the school and teachers through volunteering, welcoming new families and organizing Kaffeekränzchen and Buddy Family systems, and fostering community through events and parent gatherings. The GPG is represented by two room parents in every classroom who attend monthly meetings with the GPG board and school administration, and committees include Adult Karneval, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, and Yearbook; community activities include New Family Integration, Library Volunteers, Flohmarkt, International Potluck, and Crafternoon.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association As a DePaul Prep parent, you are automatically a member of the DePaul Prep Parent Association. We are always looking for creative and energetic parents to work on committees; contact the Parent Association President, Sheri Petitpren, at parentassociation@depaulprep.org if you are interested in volunteering or have questions. Calendar items include the Parent Association Book Club (April 20, 2026) and Spring Fling (April 24, 2026). Volunteer opportunities include the Feb. Book Club RSVP and Spirit Shop signups. The Parent Association supports fundraising efforts throughout the year to bridge the tuition gap, support students, faculty and staff, and fund many community parent events, and the Booster Club raises funds for athletic teams, academic teams, and co-curricular programs. Parental involvement is an integral part of the school's success, and the association emphasizes community building, parent engagement, fundraising, and Booster Club activities.	Parent teacher association The GISC Parent Group (GPG) functions as the school's ongoing parent community. All GISC parents are automatically part of the GPG, and the group is led by an elected team of parent volunteers. The GPG concentrates on three areas: supporting the school and teachers through volunteering for field trips, activities, classroom presentations, and school events; supporting parents by welcoming new families, organizing Kaffeekränzchen (coffee meetups), implementing a Buddy Family system, and planning community activities; and fostering community through events like the von Steuben Parade, International Potluck, Bike to School Day, and various parent gatherings. The GPG is represented by two room parents in every classroom who attend monthly meetings with the GPG board and school administration. Committees include Adult Karneval, Decoration, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, and Yearbook, and community activities include New Family Integration, Library Volunteers, Flohmarkt, International Potluck, and Crafternoon.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers scholarly clubs and activities that emphasize academic exploration and competition. Scholastic Bowl is an IHSA-sanctioned academic team that competes in league and IHSA tournaments. The Speech Team competes in IHSA events across fourteen competitive categories, with auditions in September for a season running through early February. The Philosophy Club and the Computer Science Club provide spaces for critical thinking and coding collaboration.	Academic & intellectual After School Programs include After Care (supervised free play), academic programs, sports & movement, and arts & music. After Care runs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with two sessions: 3:00–4:30 and 4:30–6:00. World Camp offers in-person language immersion camps in German, French, Italian, Arabic, or Mandarin for ages 3–11, and Investigative Learning Camps for ages 11–14 (German, English, and French speakers). The library provides more than 8,000 print resources in German, English, Spanish, and French to support literacy and research.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school has a diverse range of arts and creative clubs. Art Club offers a space for projects in drawing, painting, and other media. Dance Showcase, Drumline, and Theater Society provide performance opportunities, while Painting Club supports portfolio-building. Ram Slam Poets and Cup of Joe illustrate a strong student writing and media-arts environment.	Arts & creative Music and the arts are an integral part of the curriculum. German history and culture are celebrated through music and visual arts, with events such as the Winter Concert and Spring Art & Music Show. After-School Art & Music Programs offer classes in arts & crafts, piano, guitar, percussion, and more.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school has French Culture Club, International Club, Greek Club and Identity Club. French Culture Club and International Club offer language and cultural activities, while Identity Club builds community around LGBTQIA+ identities and Greek Club fosters Greek culture.	Cultural & language GISC is a German-English bilingual IB World School. Our language immersion program provides students with the tools to learn and communicate effectively in German. World Camp offers in-person language immersion in German, French, Italian, Arabic, and Mandarin for ages 3–11, and Investigative Learning Camps for ages 11–14 for German, English, and French speakers. Community events celebrate German language and culture, including Oktoberfest, Laternenfest, St. Martin's Parade, and Nikolaus.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school offers many clubs for social and recreational interests. Baking Club teaches kitchen skills, Climbing Club meets monthly for active climbing, and Dungeons & Dragons Club provides tabletop role‑playing. Pack Chat Sports Club focuses on sports discussion and friendly competition, and the Ski & Snowboard Club offers winter outdoor activity.	Social & hobbies The GISC community hosts a range of events organized by the GISC Parent Group (GPG) and the school, including the von Steuben Parade, Oktoberfest, Laternenfest & St. Martin's Parade, Nikolaus, Lunar New Year, Fasching, Spring Concert & Art Showcase, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, and End of School Potluck. The GPG is led by an elected team of parent volunteers and focuses on three areas: supporting the school and teachers, supporting parents, and fostering community. Committees include Adult Karneval, Decoration, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, and Yearbook, and community activities include New Family Integration, Kaffeekränzchen, Spielgruppe, Library Volunteers, Flohmarkt, International Potluck, Crafternoon, and Mamás Hispanoparlantes.
Community & service	Community & service Experiential Service Commitment makes service a core part of the DePaul Prep experience. Freshman year requires 10 verified hours of service, and students in later years participate in group service projects through athletic teams, clubs and other student organizations. Service hours can come from group projects, school events, tutoring, or working with nonprofit organizations, and there are opportunities such as food drives and other initiatives. The St. Louise de Marillac Service Distinction and the Vincentian Service Award recognize notable service contributions.	Community & service Volunteering for field trips, classroom presentations, and school events is organized by the GPG, which also coordinates a range of community activities to engage families. The GPG is represented by two room parents in every classroom who attend monthly meetings with the GPG board and school administration. Committees support fundraising, decorations, and event planning (Adult Karneval, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, Yearbook), while community activities include New Family Integration, Kaffeekränzchen, Spielgruppe, Library Volunteers, Flohmarkt, International Potluck, Crafternoon, and Mamás Hispanoparlantes.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a national organization that prepares students for careers in business and leadership through sales projects, leadership development, educational programs, and community service. Model United Nations engages students in global issues, research, diplomacy and conferences. Honor societies such as National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society and National Chinese Honor Society recognize scholarship, leadership and service.	Leadership & professional The GPG is led by an elected team of parent volunteers. Two room parents in every classroom represent the GPG and attend monthly meetings with the GPG board and school administration. The group maintains committees including Adult Karneval, Decoration, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, and Yearbook, and coordinates community activities such as New Family Integration, Kaffeekränzchen, Spielgruppe, and Library Volunteers. Participation offers flexible opportunities regardless of work schedules or language abilities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and outdoor activities are supported by clubs like Climbing Club and Ski & Snowboard Club, and Pack Chat Sports Club provides a forum for sports discussion. Mass and retreats unite the community through prayer and reflection, and the F.R.E.S.H. Advisory program offers social‑emotional learning. Experiential Learning Trips and Vincentian Catholic Identity activities contribute to personal growth and wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing After-School Care is offered from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with sessions from 3:00–4:30 and 4:30–6:00, providing a supervised space for activities. The After-Care program includes supervision plus sports & movement and arts & music. A weekly GISC Playgroup runs on Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 10:00 am for babies and toddlers in the gym, playground, or local parks, with no language requirement. Summer Camp features World Camp language immersion in German, French, Italian, Arabic, and Mandarin, and Investigative Learning Camps for ages 11–14, offering cultural and linguistic engagement in the summer.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Spanish is taught at five levels, including IB Spanish. French is offered at four levels. Chinese is offered at four levels. The International Baccalaureate Program provides Language Acquisition courses in French (SL), Spanish (SL), and Mandarin (SL).	Language provision The languages of instruction are German and English in a German-English bilingual education. After preschool, students are placed in Become Bilingual Program (BBP) or Fast Track German Language Program (FTGLP). BBP serves Kindergarten–Grade 2 and supports German Language Learners and English Language Learners with targeted instruction; FTGLP serves Grades 3–6 for students with little or no German experience to develop German language skills.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching German-English bilingual education is central to GISC. GISC students are fluent in both German and English and are prepared to study in German-speaking countries and beyond. Preschool offers full German immersion from day one. New students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 join the Become Bilingual Program as German Language Learners, and students in Grades 3–6 join the Fast Track German Language Program for those with little or no German experience.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Preschool provides full German immersion from day one. All students experience immersion in daily school life, with German heard in hallways, on the playground, and beyond. The Become Bilingual Program and Fast Track German Language Program supplement immersion with highly targeted language instruction to support language acquisition.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations null	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school invites prospective students and families to learn about the student experience, contact the admissions team, apply to DePaul Prep, and explore financial aid and related information. The admissions process seeks to understand each student's strengths, weaknesses, talents, interests, and values to determine fit within the DePaul Prep community. Fall 2025 admissions and recruitment details include the on-campus Entrance Exam held December 6, 2025; eighth graders who register for the Entrance Exam and test in person receive first preference for admission to the Class of 2030; students who test at another Catholic high school will not be notified of admission unless scores are officially sent to DePaul Prep; students who test at DePaul Prep receive preference for consideration. For the application and supporting materials, submit the last three years of grades/report cards (6th–8th), most recent standardized test scores, the discipline report, birth certificate, and the online application. The Class of 2030 Admissions Application opens December 6 at 8:00 AM and closes December 19 for regular applicants. Required documents include birth certificate; 8th-grade, 7th-grade, and 6th-grade report cards; most recent standardized test scores; discipline report; the most updated IEP/504 plan (if applicable); private evaluation (if available); and a completed Diversity Learning Needs template if applicable. Shadow Days include 8th-grade shadow days for the 25-26 school year which have concluded; 7th-grade shadow day registration is now open. Virtual campus tours are available to sign up, and a Prospective Student Info Card provides ongoing information. Open Houses were held in Fall 2025 (Open House #1 on October 9, 2025; Open House #2 on November 2, 2025). The admissions application is open, and the admissions team can be reached at 773-539-3600 for information.	Admissions The school offers a personalized bilingual and international education from Preschool through Grade 8, with High School Grade 9 launching in 2026-2027 and first graduates expected in 2030. It is currently enrolling Preschool to Grade 9. The Expat Brochure describes a full-day preschool through 8th grade program with flexible after-school care until 6:00 pm and extracurricular opportunities for children aged 3 to 14. Classes are taught in German and English, combining German and US curricula within the International Baccalaureate framework. Students in Grade 8 take the DSD I exam. GISC supports a seamless enrollment process through a personalized admissions path and reserves spots in every class for expat families to avoid the stress of a waitlist. GISC accepts new students at any time during the school year.
Scholarships	Scholarships DePaul College Prep offers financial aid and several internal and external scholarship opportunities. Financial aid applications for the 26-27 school year opened October 1, 2025 and closed December 31, 2025.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Expat families have reserved spots in every class to avoid the uncertainty of a waitlist.
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