German-American School Manhattan - Elementary School vs The École

	G German-American School Manhattan - Elementary School New York, United States	T The École New York, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $32,500 - 42,500	Fees / year $41,000 - 50,500
Age range	Age range 2 - 11 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location German-American School Manhattan operates two Tribeca campuses: GSM Kita Preschool & Kindergarten at 85 Warren Street and GSM Dual Immersion Elementary School at 74 Warren Street. It is described as a Premier Tribeca Location with access via most subway lines. The Kita campus is at 85 Warren St and the Elementary campus is at 74 Warren St, New York, NY 10007.	Location The École is in New York City's Flatiron District, with two campuses a short distance apart. The Maternelle Building is at 206 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010. The Elementary & Middle School Building is at 115 East 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010. The campus is easily accessible by foot or bike, and a city bus service is available for eligible grades.
Stages	Stages The program serves children from age 2 through 5th grade. GSM Kita Preschool & Kindergarten serves ages 3–5 (2 years German immersion) and GSM Dual Immersion Elementary School serves Grades 1–5.	Stages Maternelle (Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten), Elementary (1st to 5th), Middle School (6th to 8th), High School (9th to 12th); Léman High School with The École offers a French-American bilingual IB curriculum.
School type	School type Bilingual IB World School (Preschool and Lower School) in Manhattan.	School type Independent, French-American bilingual day school that teaches in French and English.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Subjects are taught in German and English by native speakers; teachers address each child's individual needs with attention to language level and developmental skills.	Additional learning support Counseling Department includes a school counselor and a French psychologist; Educational Support Team (EST) provides assessments and interventions; STRIVE Department delivers differentiated instruction with both push-in and pull-out support, including support for newcomers to English or French.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation France (fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and a member of the AEFE network; affiliated with Mission Laïque Française).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Yellow School Bus is available for Kindergarten to 6th Grade; the service is provided by the City of New York and serves downtown, the Upper East Side, and the Upper West Side; OMNYCards are provided for eligible students living more than 0.5 miles from the Elementary & Middle School Building. Bus inquiries: bus@theEcole.org.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - Application fee: USD 200 (one-time, required with application). Tuition fees (school year 2025/26) - Preschool & Pre-K (full program): USD 35,500 per year. - Preschool — half day or 3 days/week option: USD 32,500 per year. - Elementary (Grades K–5): USD 42,500 per year. Note: The school's published figures are given as annual tuition amounts for the 2025/26 school year; no published per-term (semester/quarter) breakdown of those exact amounts is available. Families are required to sign the school contract and pay a first installment to reserve a spot. Billing schedule and payment terms - A signed school contract and payment of the first installment are required to reserve a place after acceptance. Acceptance notices begin to be sent December 1 and enrollment is secured once the contract and first installment are received. - No detailed published schedule for remaining installments, due dates, late fees, or tuition refund deadlines is available in the published materials for the 2025/26 school year. Boarding fees - Boarding fees: Not applicable. The school operates GSM Kita Preschool & Kindergarten and a Dual Immersion Elementary School (Preschool through Grade 5) at day-school locations in Manhattan; no boarding program or boarding fees are published. Other costs and fees - After‑school care and camp programs are offered, but specific fees for after‑school care, camps, extended day, or extracurricular programs are not published. - Uniform fees: No published uniform requirement or uniform fee is listed. - Typical ancillary charges such as lunch/meals, classroom materials, field trips, technology fees, instrument or supply fees, or activity fees are not itemized in the published fee information. - Financial assistance: Financial aid is offered to qualifying families through SSS (School and Student Services). Refund information - No published refund policy for deposits, first installments, or tuition refunds appears in the school's published 2025/26 tuition materials. The only published procedural detail is that families sign a contract and pay a first installment to reserve a spot. Fee payment options - Specific payment methods (credit card, ACH/bank transfer, online payment portal, or checks) are not itemized in the published tuition materials. The main office contact details are provided for billing or admissions inquiries: phone (646) 869-1152 and info@germanschoolmanhattan.org. Brief summary of findings and gaps in published information - Published, load-bearing figures are: USD 200 application fee and annual tuition amounts for 2025/26 (Preschool & Pre-K USD 35,500; Preschool half day 3 days/week USD 32,500; Elementary K–5 USD 42,500). - The published materials confirm that a signed contract and a first installment are required to reserve an offered place, and that financial aid is available through SSS. - The published materials do not provide a full per-term instalment schedule, itemized charges for ancillary services (meals, materials, uniforms, trips), payment-method options, detailed refund policy language, or any boarding fees (the school is a day school). These items are not published in the 2025/26 tuition materials. (For billing or contract specifics not published above, contact the school's admissions/finance office at the provided phone number or email for the authoritative contract and payment schedule.)	Fee details Application fees and one-time enrollment fees - Application fee: USD 300 per application. - One-time Enrollment Fee (first year only): - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: USD 1,000. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: USD 3,500. - Tuition deposit: USD 5,500 required at the time of enrollment or re-enrollment; this deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from the overall tuition. Tuition fees by year group (annual) - Pre-Nursery and Nursery (full-year, full-day program): Tuition USD 46,500 per year. - Pre-K through 8th Grade (full-year, full-day program): Tuition USD 50,500 per year. Per-term / per-installment equivalents (by year group) - Two equal installments (each installment = 50% of the annual tuition): - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: USD 23,250 per installment. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: USD 25,250 per installment. - Nine monthly installments (payments due monthly via FACTS): - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: gross installment ≈ USD 5,166.67 per month (9 payments). Note: the USD 5,500 deposit is deducted from the overall tuition when calculating the balance due. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: gross installment ≈ USD 5,611.11 per month (9 payments). Note: the USD 5,500 deposit is deducted from the overall tuition when calculating the balance due. - Payment in full (single payment) – early payment discount: - A USD 500 reduction in tuition is applied when full payment is made by the early deadline. Example amounts before deposit consideration: - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: USD 46,000 if paid in full by the early payment deadline. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: USD 50,000 if paid in full by the early payment deadline. - The USD 500 reduction is not available to recipients of financial assistance and does not apply when an employer is responsible for payment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrollment window referenced for the schedule: enrollment before April 30 (for the 2026–2027 schedule shown). The tuition-deposit is required at the time of enrollment or re-enrollment. - Payment-in-full option: single electronic payment due before the early-payment deadline (May 1). A USD 500 discount applies when paid by that date (subject to the exceptions above). - Two-installment option: first installment due before May 1; second installment due before October 1. Each installment equals 50% of the total amount due. - Nine-month plan via FACTS: payments due on the 1st of each month, beginning April 1 and ending December 1 (nine payments). - Mid-year arrivals: prorated tuition rules apply and must be paid in full before the student's start date: - Students beginning between December 15 and April 1: prorated tuition = two-thirds (2/3) of the full-year tuition, in addition to the one-time enrollment and application fees. Examples: Pre-Nursery & Nursery 2/3 = USD 31,000; Pre-K–8 2/3 ≈ USD 33,667. - Students beginning after April 1: prorated tuition = one-third (1/3) of the full-year tuition, in addition to the one-time enrollment and application fees. Examples: Pre-Nursery & Nursery 1/3 = USD 15,500; Pre-K–8 1/3 ≈ USD 16,833. Boarding fees - The École operates as an independent day school for Maternelle through Middle School in New York City; no boarding program or boarding fees are listed. Other costs and optional fees - Lunch program: The school's hot lunch program is provided by Little Green Gourmets; participation and pricing for hot lunch are arranged directly with that provider. Lunch program fees are not included in the standard tuition figures above. - Uniforms: All uniform items must be purchased from the school's designated retailer, Untold Horizons; a Uniform Guide is provided by the school. Uniform purchase costs are separate from tuition. - After-school activities, overnight field trips, and Camp activities: these are additional to the tuition and invoiced separately; some families may opt into a bundled “Global Tuition” that can include some of these options. Specific prices for after-school classes, trips, and camps are itemized separately from core tuition. - Transportation, specialty programs, supplies, or optional services where applicable may incur additional charges; these are not included in the base tuition figures above. Refund information - The USD 5,500 tuition deposit is explicitly stated as non-refundable and will be deducted from the overall tuition. No other explicit refund policy for withdrawals or mid-year departures is provided in the published tuition schedule. Mid-year arrivals are required to pay prorated tuition in full before their start date. Fee payment options (methods and platforms) - Payments may be made by electronic payment directly to The École for single or two-installment payments. FACTS is used for the nine-month payment plan (monthly installments). The early-payment reduction applies to electronic payments made by the early deadline. Specific payment instruments (for example, exact credit card or bank transfer acceptance) are handled through the school's electronic payment processes and through FACTS. Brief note on information gaps found - The published schedule provides clear annual tuition figures, enrollment/application fees, the USD 5,500 non-refundable deposit, payment schedules (dates and installment structure), the early-payment discount, and mid-year proration rules. Exact prices for uniforms, lunch, after-school activities, overnight field trips, and camp activities are not listed in the tuition schedule and are shown as separate costs (uniform vendor and lunch provider are identified). No additional refund/withdrawal policy beyond the non-refundable deposit is published on the tuition page.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are available through Untold Horizons, and uniform items must be purchased from Untold Horizons; a Uniform Guide explains it as a set uniform policy, not a dress code. Every student must have at least one polo in their House color for House days, field days, and special events. The policy is gender-neutral; students may choose any item from the formal, casual, and physical education dress codes.
Food options	Food options Breakfast and lunch breaks occur at the students' desks. Lunch is packed by parents and eaten at the desks; no shared lunch facility is used. Water bottles are refilled by teachers as a precautionary measure.	Food options The École offers a European-style hot lunch program with LiTTLE GREEN GOURMETS, with seasonal menus and options for dietary needs. If not participating, students may bring lunch; the school has a nut-free policy and prohibits sodas and candies; packed lunches should use plastic containers and Thermos bottles are allowed. Special dietary options include Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher-style, Gluten-free, Egg-free, Dairy-free, Sesame-free.
House system	House system —	House system The École uses a House system; every student must have at least one polo in their House color for House days, field days, and special events. House color polo is integrated into the Uniforms policy.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The École is an independent school in New York City. It is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is a member of AEFE; it is affiliated with the Mission Laïque Française and a NAIS member; it is also a member of the Parents League of New York, AFSA, and FISNA.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GSM is a bilingual IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) offered for Preschool (2s–4s) through Grade 5, with two campuses at 85 Warren Street (Kita Preschool) and 74 Warren Street (Dual Immersion Elementary). The curriculum blends German grade-level competencies with New York State Education standards and is aligned with IB principles. After establishing a solid bilingual foundation in kindergarten, instruction in grades 1–5 is split evenly between German and English, with native German teachers guiding German reading, writing, math, social studies, and ethics and native English teachers guiding English reading, writing, social studies, science, and math. Art, music, and movement are taught in both languages, and Spanish is introduced in Grade 3. Classes are small (maximum 20 students per class) to support personalized instruction, reflection, independence, and collaboration within an inquiry-based learning framework. The Kita/Preschool program (ages 2–4) uses a bilingual approach to early childhood learning. The school operates across two campuses: Kita Preschool at 85 Warren Street and Dual Immersion Elementary at 74 Warren Street.	Curriculum details The École is an independent French-American bilingual school serving students aged 2 to 14 in New York City's Flatiron District. It offers a bilingual curriculum in French and English for preschool through middle school. The program develops bi-literate, bi-cultural thinkers who see the world from two perspectives. In 2022, a high school track was opened in partnership with Léman High School, offering a French-American bilingual IB curriculum for graduates and French-speaking middle-school students. There are two classes per grade from 1st through 8th grade, and in 2025 the Elementary & Middle School Building moved to 115 East 22nd Street.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Class sizes are small. Maximum class size is 20 students per the Academics page; another page notes a maximum of 16 with an average of 12.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning GSM is child-centered and international, fostering a joyful learning environment and shaping learners to be knowledgeable, caring, and responsible global citizens. GSM cultivates a culture of empathy and open-mindedness and promotes cultural diversity and critical thinking within a safe learning community. Students are encouraged to take mindful actions as part of their education. The language departments collaborate to support socio-emotional well-being as an essential element of the bilingual learning experience.	Social & emotional learning The École adopts a holistic approach to social, emotional, and academic development. The Counseling Department includes a school counselor and a French psychologist and provides counseling in French or English for individuals or groups. Social-emotional learning is central and is delivered through guidance lessons, advisory classes, and both short-term and longer-term counseling. The counseling team is a visible presence in all grades, offering crisis counseling and support for conflict resolution as needed. Regular guidance lessons cover friendship, bullying, diversity, feelings, and kindness, and Counselor Chats for parents complement the school program.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The Educational Support Team (EST) is composed of a French-speaking psychologist, a school counselor, special education teachers, administrators, and outside providers. They meet weekly to review students who require additional academic or social support and design tailored interventions, monitoring progress. If a deeper evaluation is necessary, EST guides families and teachers and refers to outside providers. The STRIVE Department provides flexible, personalized learning with push-in support in the classroom and pull-out small-group instruction to meet students where they are. STRIVE includes two full-time certified French teachers and two full-time certified English teachers who differentiate across all subjects and support newcomers to English or French, spanning Pre-Nursery through 8th Grade.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language GSM uses dual immersion with content-based instruction in German and English. It welcomes students with no prior German knowledge and integrates English Language Arts with the German curriculum. The school aligns instruction with international standards through its bilingual model.	English as an additional language STRIVE supports students who are newcomers to English or French. The program uses push-in support delivered in the classroom and pull-out small-group instruction for targeted language development. The STRIVE team includes two full-time certified French teachers and two full-time certified English teachers who differentiate across all subjects, including English, French, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Instruction is designed to meet students where they are and to accelerate bilingual proficiency across Pre-Nursery through 8th Grade. Language support is integrated with the school's bilingual curriculum to support overall academic achievement.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing GSM emphasizes socio-emotional well-being as part of its mission and approach. It promotes empathy, open-mindedness, and a safe learning community where students are encouraged to act mindfully. The bilingual program supports well-being through collaborative teaching and a focus on student welfare.	Mental wellbeing The Counseling Department centers on social-emotional learning and mental health. They provide short-term, longer-term, and crisis counseling available in French and English across all grades. Counseling lessons cover mental health topics and preventive health classes (addictions, sex education, and digital wellbeing) to support overall wellbeing. Counselors maintain a visible presence in the school and collaborate with families and outside providers as needed. The STRIVE Department complements wellbeing by creating flexible, personalized learning environments that support students' social and emotional growth.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding GSM published a reopening plan for 2020 detailing safety, health monitoring, social distancing, PPE, and a sick policy to protect students and staff. The plan describes health monitoring, enhanced cleaning, and communication with families, with remote learning options if needed.	Safeguarding The École requires all students and parents/guardians to sign The École's Code of Conduct and Anti-Bullying Policy at the start of each school year. Crisis counseling is available to provide immediate support after traumatic events. The Counseling Department offers guidance on safety, and safeguarding is supported by collaboration among the EST and outside providers as needed. The school provides ongoing safeguarding resources through in-class guidance and advisory programs to support student safety and wellbeing.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Two Tribeca campuses: GSM Kita Preschool & Kindergarten at 85 Warren St and GSM Dual Immersion Elementary School at 74 Warren St. The campuses are Premier Tribeca Location and are easily accessible by subway (Chambers Street A, C, 2, 3; City Hall R, W; PATH). The sites are surrounded by parks and playgrounds, providing an outdoor context for daily activities in a city setting. Enrollment is open for Preschool starting at age 2 and for Elementary School through 5th grade, reflecting the two-campus arrangement. The Warren Street locations are convenient for families from NYC neighborhoods and New Jersey.	Facilities overview The École has two campuses in Manhattan's Flatiron District: a Maternelle Building at 206 Fifth Avenue for Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten, and an Elementary & Middle School Building at 115 East 22nd Street for 1st through 8th grade. The Maternelle Building is five stories tall and houses seven light-filled classrooms, plus multi-purpose spaces that serve as a gym, auditorium, and cafeteria, with an outdoor rooftop playground and garden. The Elementary & Middle School Building contains sixteen classrooms, a dedicated library, and spaces for performing arts, music, art, sport, and STEM/design technology. In 2025, the school moved the Elementary & Middle School Building from 111 East 22nd Street to 115 East 22nd Street, doubling its square footage from 23,000 to 46,000 square feet over two and a half floors to support two classes per grade from 1st through 8th. The campuses combine tranquil learning spaces with active environments close to Madison Square Park.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The Maternelle Building includes a full-floor space that serves as a gym, an auditorium, and a cafeteria, and a rooftop playground and garden provide outdoor space for recreation. The Elementary & Middle School Building includes dedicated spaces for sports among other subjects. Baruch College provides access to state-of-the-art sports facilities and equipment for physical education year-round.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities GSM is an IB World School authorized to teach the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The school is a German-English dual immersion program, welcoming students from all language backgrounds. Small classes (maximum 16 students, average 12) enable individualized attention. The curriculum blends proven teaching methods from Germany and the United States and uses content-based instruction in German and English, meeting high standards in both the US and Europe. Transdisciplinary, inquiry-driven learning underpins the program.	Academic facilities The Elementary & Middle School Building houses sixteen classrooms, a stunning library, and dedicated spaces for performing arts, music, art, sport, and STEM/design technology.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers an after-school program for enrolled GSM students and a range of programs for non-GSM students and siblings, including languages, music, theater and art. GSM runs bilingual Summer Camps and Summer Break Programs in partnership with Galli Theater and Deutsche Sprachschule, with July and August offerings for ages 2–12 and options for single- or multi-week enrollments. Partnerships with cultural organizations enrich the cultural and educational experience, including collaborators such as Galli Theater NYC and KinderBooks NYC.	Extra curricular facilities After-School offers over 110 activities in Semester 2 2025-2026 across four categories: Academic & Character, Art & Music, Sports & Fitness, and Science & Technology. Activities include language classes (Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian), SHSAT Enrichment, Little Ecologists, The Little Workshop; Construction Games and Lego, Chess, Genius Gems, Scratch Coding, Robot Genius League, Club STEAM, Weird Science Television, Kidz Architects; Model-Making Workshop, Cooking, Knitting & Crocheting, Studio Art, DJ, Broadway Musical, Theatre, Photo & Graphic Design, Embroidery; Judo, Swimming, Team Sports, Tennis, Capoeira, Gymnastics, Parkour, Intro to Taekwondo, Fencing, Dance, Momentum Athletics, Ping Pong, Pickleball, Yoga, Gravity Gym. The second-semester runs from January 26, 2026, to June 18, 2026.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History German-American School Manhattan opened in September 2018 with its inaugural Kindergarten class, becoming Manhattan's first German-English bilingual IB Preschool and Lower School. It uses a 50/50 mixed model, with subjects taught in German and English by native speakers. The program serves children from age 2 through 5th grade. It operates two Tribeca campuses, 85 Warren Street (Kita Preschool & Kindergarten) and 74 Warren Street (Dual Immersion Elementary School). It is authorized to teach the Primary Years Programme (PYP) as part of the IB World School network.	History Founded by the Wood family with Yves Rivaud and Clyde Javois in 2008, The École launched as Manhattan's first school of its kind. It opened on September 8, 2009 at 111 East 22nd Street with 22 Nursery–5th grade students. By its first eight years the school grew to over 200 students across Nursery–8th grade. Philippe and Laurence Roux joined the leadership in 2017 to refine the philosophy, expand the community, and restore the spirit of the original group for a bilingual French-American program. In 2020 Jean-Yves Vesseau became head of school, Pre-Nursery began in 2021, and a Léman High School bilingual IB track started in 2022; in 2025 the building moved to 115 East 22nd Street, doubling space and enabling two classes per grade.
Community	Community German-American School Manhattan is growing into a meeting point for cultural exchange among multilingual families in downtown Manhattan. It operates as an IB World School with a Program of Inquiry that aligns with US and German benchmarks across core subjects and uses a transdisciplinary approach connecting social studies, STEAM, and arts. The school hosts open-house tours and community playdates, inviting families from across boroughs and New Jersey to engage with GSM's programs. The two Tribeca campuses and a calendar of events and news serve the GSM community as a hub for language, culture, and learning.	Community The École serves an international community in New York City's Flatiron District as a French-American bilingual school. The community is strengthened by active parent involvement through the Parents Association, which partners with faculty and administrators to enhance student life. The Association has spearheaded numerous initiatives and helped form lasting bonds across the school. The leadership emphasizes bringing together a diverse group of international families in close friendships and collaboration.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association GSM has a Parent Association (GSM PA) that coordinates community events. PTA-led activities include a community flea market coordinated with GSM and hosted at 74 Warren Street on June 11, 2025. The GSM PA also sponsors partnerships like the McNally Jackson x GSM PA Book Fair (December 2, 2025) in the Lower School Theater, with 20% of net sales supporting GSM's English library. These events bring families together to support language, literacy, and community, and illustrate active parent involvement in GSM's school life.	Parent teacher association Active and engaged parents are essential to The École's education and student life. The Parents Association has spearheaded many initiatives over the years and helped form lasting bonds across the community. The Association collaborates with school leadership on events, volunteer programs, and family activities to support students. The PA's work reflects the school's bilingual, international focus and commitment to a welcoming, inclusive community. The PA's activities are central to the school experience and contribute to a supportive school culture.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual IB PYP Dual Immersion Preschool & Lower School combines German and U.S. curricula in an inquiry-based, concept-driven program. Native German and English teachers guide students through bilingual instruction, fostering reflection, independence, and collaboration. Small classes maximize personalized attention with a maximum size of 16 (average 12). Units culminate in grade-wide presentations that showcase learning and language skills in both languages.	Academic & intellectual The École offers a French-American bilingual program across Maternelle to High School, built on two complementary educational systems for learning. In Elementary, humanities, math, and social sciences are taught in English and French by native-speaking teachers; art, STEAM, music, and theatre are taught in English or French, and Mandarin and Spanish begin in 3rd Grade. In Middle School, foundational subjects are taught in both French and English by native-speaking specialists, with art, STEAM, theatre, sport, and music taught by either French or American faculty; students continue studying Spanish or Mandarin through 8th Grade. In High School, Léman High School with The École provides a French-American bilingual IB curriculum, extending the dual-language program through 9th–12th grade.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art, music, and movement are taught in German and English beginning in kindergarten. The arts are integrated across the curriculum. GSM partners with Galli Theater NYC to offer bilingual theater camps and with Deutsche Sprachschule for Camp Wunderbar, which blends arts, crafts, and language activities. These programs provide hands-on creative experiences for GSM students and non-GSM participants.	Arts & creative The École extends Art & Music through after-school and daytime programs. Elementary students study art, STEAM, music, and theatre in English or French, guided by native-speaking teachers. The After-School program offers 110+ activities per semester, including swimming, judo, capoeira, parkour, DJ Master, Broadway Musical, and studio art, led by school staff or partner organizations. Camps also feature daily art, music, and theater workshops in a bilingual immersion experience.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school uses a bilingual program of inquiry blending German and English through the IB Primary Years Programme. Content-based instruction in German and English is guided by native-speaking teachers. GSM fosters an international community with families representing more than 20 languages and cultural connections with German-speaking artists and partner organizations. Non-GSM programs are available for learners hoping to study languages, music, theater and art.	Cultural & language The École teaches in English and French through a French-American bilingual program across all grades. In Maternelle, the classroom is co-taught by a native English speaker and a native French speaker, delivering a fully immersive bilingual experience. In Elementary, Mandarin and Spanish begin in 3rd Grade, and in Middle School students continue with Spanish or Mandarin through 8th Grade. In High School, Léman High School with The École offers a bilingual IB curriculum, with electives taught in French as part of the two-language program.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies After School Care is available for Lower School (K–5) and Preschool Hort for ages 2–4, with daily free play and guided discovery on a rotating theme. After School runs 3:35 pm–5:10 pm at 74 Warren Street; Preschool Hort runs 3:35–5:10 pm at 85 Warren Street. The program is open to non-GSM students, with sign-up details provided by GSM. Costs are $1500 per weekly activity/year for lower school and $1400 per weekly activity/year for preschool.	Social & hobbies The Student Council, recess clubs, and the House system provide regular opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and social skills in Elementary and Middle School. Elementary notes these initiatives build a strong sense of character, while Middle School highlights involvement in the student council, clubs, and the House system. After-School offers 110+ activities each semester across categories such as Academic & Character, Art & Music, Sports & Fitness, and Science & Technology, including options like swimming, judo, capoeira, parkour, and language classes. Camps also include language and performance workshops that encourage social engagement and exploration.
Community & service	Community & service GSM fosters an international community with families representing more than 20 languages and cultural exchange. Cultural connections include German-speaking artists and partner organizations enriching the educational experience. In addition to the after-school program for enrolled GSM students, the school offers programs for non-GSM students, siblings, and learners hoping to study languages, music, theater and art, with partnerships including Galli Theater and other community organizations.	Community & service The École has an active Parents Association that partners with faculty and administrators to enhance student life. The Parents Association has spearheaded numerous initiatives to support the school community. TEPA also maintains a scholarship fund to assist families with financial need for after-school programs, uniforms, and lunches. This reflects the school's commitment to community and family involvement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional GSM promotes knowledgeable, caring, and responsible global citizens and fosters mindful, reflective leadership in learners. Students are prepared to be thoughtful, compassionate leaders who engage in inquiry-based, cross-cultural learning. The team comprises experienced teachers from Germany and the United States, with native German and English-speaking faculty guiding instruction. Community partnerships support collaborative learning and leadership development across language and cultural activities.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is embedded in programs across the grades. The Elementary program includes Student Council, recess clubs, and the House system, while Middle School expands these opportunities with clubs and leadership initiatives. In High School, Leadership and Service is emphasized as part of the bilingual IB pathway, with students participating in leadership-building activities and community service to prepare for university and global citizenship. The bilingual IB pathway strengthens collaborative and leadership skills through interdisciplinary learning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Personal well-being is the foundation for all learning, with a child-centered approach that supports socio-emotional development. The curriculum includes movement, outdoor activity, and access to local parks to complement art and music experiences. Summer programs emphasize curiosity, collaboration, and empathy through outdoor exploration and inquiry-based themes, reinforcing IB Learner Profile attributes.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and Fitness are core components of After-School life, with activities such as swimming, judo, capoeira, parkour, tennis, and team sports. The campus includes outdoor recess during Camps at Madison Square Park or the rooftop, and maintains a nut-free environment to protect students with allergies. The school's European-style lunch program promotes healthy eating, with nut-free policies and locally sourced ingredients. Mindfulness and structured physical activity are integrated to support students' overall well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught include German, English, and Spanish. German reading and writing, math, social studies, and ethics are taught by native German teachers; English reading and writing, math, social studies, and science are taught by native English teachers (beginning in 1st grade, math is taught in English). Art, music, and movement are taught in German and English from kindergarten. Spanish-language instruction is introduced in 3rd grade.	Language provision French and English are the languages of instruction. Non-French-speaking students can enroll up to Kindergarten and receive STRIVE language support (Stimulate, Transform, Reach, Identify, Value, and Enrich). Each class maintains a minimum of 60% French-speaking students. The École serves an international community from Maternelle through High School, including a bilingual IB program at Léman High School for 9th–12th grade.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching German-English bilingual IB Preschool and Lower School. Subjects are taught in German and English by native speakers. The bilingual program blends German and U.S. curricula within the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).	Bilingual teaching The École teaches in French and English as part of a French-American bilingual program. Instruction runs from Maternelle (Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten) through Middle School, with Léman High School providing a French-American bilingual IB curriculum for 9th–12th grade. The École serves an international community across Maternelle to High School. Non-French-speaking children can enroll up to Kindergarten and receive personalized language support through STRIVE (Stimulate, Transform, Reach, Identify, Value, and Enrich). There is a minimum of 60% French-speaking students per class.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs GSM uses a 50/50 mixed immersion model. Beginning in 1st grade, instruction is split evenly between German and English, with native speakers guiding the learning. The program follows IB PYP and blends German grade-level learning competencies with New York State standards. Spanish-language instruction is introduced in 3rd grade.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
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Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Apply: Request our application form any time. You will be asked to include the birth certificate, report cards of prior schools and a $200 application fee. Enrollment is rolling for the 2025/26 school year for Preschool through Grade 5. 2. Interviews & Playdates: For Grade 1 or higher, schedule an interview with the child and parent(s)/guardian(s). The interview should be scheduled after submitting the application two days prior. Please request an appointment from the admissions team. Prior knowledge of German is not a prerequisite for admissions K-2; students with strong academic records can be admitted without German language into Grades 3-5. For Preschool or Kindergarten (ages 2-4), open-format playdates are offered; playdates typically occur on Tue/Thu/Fri at 4 PM. 3. Acceptance: Acceptance letters of preferred admissions are sent starting December 1. Families sign the school contract and pay the first installment to reserve a spot (first come first served). 4. Admissions Timetable: For the 2026-27 admissions season, two cycles are used: Early Admissions for siblings and partner-school students; Regular Admissions across all grades. Application Submission Deadline: December 1; Acceptance Notification Date: December 15. Rolling admissions apply for the current year. 5. Current Admissions: We are currently accepting applications for the 2025/26 school year for GSM bilingual Kita Preschool (ages 2-4), GSM bilingual Kindergarten (age 5), and GSM Dual Immersion Elementary School (grades 1-5); interviews are required for the elementary. 6. Open Houses & Tours: In-person open house tours are held at 74 & 85 Warren Streets. Spring tour season includes dates such as 3/5, 3/9, 3/12, 3/26; sign up for open houses online. Virtual Zoom tours are available; community playdates are scheduled on dates such as 3/12, 4/16, 5/14, 6/11; sign up for playdates online. 7. Tuition & Financial Information: Tuition for School Year 2025/26: Preschool & PreK $35,500/year; Preschool half-day 3 days/week $32,500/year; Elementary K-5 $42,500/year. Financial aid is available to qualifying families through SSS.	Admissions A simple admission process with three steps for all grades: 1. an Open House for parents, 2) an online application, and 3) an invitation for the whole family to meet the head of school. If you wish to apply for financial assistance, consult the Financial Assistance information. Maternelle age requirements for the 2026-2027 school year: Pre-Nursery two years old by September 1, 2026; Nursery three by December 31, 2026; Pre-Kindergarten four by December 31, 2026; Kindergarten five by December 31, 2026; from Nursery onward, potty-training is required before the first day of school. Required documents for online application: a copy of your child's birth certificate, a copy of your child's passport, a copy of your child's visa (if applicable), a picture of your child, report cards, and a confidential recommendation form completed by your child's current teacher. Admissions Calendar highlights: Quick Acceptance Applications from September 2025 to December 31, 2025 (decision in less than two weeks; if accepted, one week to sign the contract and pay the deposit); Standard Applications from September 2025 to January 11, 2026 (open houses encouraged; deadline to submit complete application January 11, 2026; decision notice February 2, 2026; deadline to sign the contract and pay the deposit February 9, 2026); If accepted but you prefer to wait, the child will be placed on a waiting list with the seat guaranteed only after the enrollment agreement and tuition deposit are paid; Late Applications after January 11, 2026 are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis; if spaces remain, you will be invited to a family interview; depending on the grade, the child may be accepted or placed on the waiting list; if accepted, three days to accept (sign enrollment agreement and pay tuition deposit); if on the waiting list, an enrollment agreement will be sent as soon as a seat becomes available. Language requirements: 1st through 8th Grade students must speak French. Start the online application by creating an account in the online tool and submitting the required documents.
Scholarships	Scholarships GSM offers financial aid to qualifying families through SSS.	Scholarships Financial Assistance: For 2026-2027, The École will allocate $2 million to enable more students to benefit from the dual French-American curriculum. The amount awarded is based on demonstrated financial need, and both financial need and academic excellence are considered for Middle School applicants. About 20% of families receive financial assistance. Financial assistance is open to all families and can complement grants provided to French citizens attending French-government-accredited schools through the French Consulate in New York. The need assessment is processed through NAIS School & Student Services; applicants must submit via the family portal using the school code and pay a submission fee. Third-party payments do not affect eligibility, and families enrolled for less than two years are not eligible to apply until after enrollment. French citizens may also apply for a bourse through the French Consulate; applicants must be registered with the Consulate and meet with its Social Services. For help with the process, contact Mireille Desalm, Director of Admissions.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If your child is accepted and you prefer to wait before enrolling, they will be placed on a waiting list; their seat will be guaranteed only when the enrollment agreement and tuition deposit have been paid. After January 11, 2026, late applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis; if accepted, you will be invited to a family interview; depending on the grade, the child may be accepted or placed on the waiting list. If accepted, you will have three days to sign the enrollment agreement and pay the tuition deposit; if placed on the waiting list, an enrollment agreement will be sent as soon as a seat becomes available.
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