German International School of Silicon Valley - Mountain View Campus vs Shu Ren International School

	G German International School of Silicon Valley - Mountain View Campus San Francisco, United States	S Shu Ren International School San Francisco, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $15,500 - 42,225	Fees / year $29,348 - 30,950
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 519	Pupils 185
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language Mandarin, English
Opened	Opened 1999	Opened 2008
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GISSV has two campuses in the San Francisco Bay Area: Mountain View and San Francisco. The Mountain View Campus is at 310 Easy Street, Mountain View, CA 94043. The San Francisco Campus is at 117 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA 94114.	Location Berkeley, California, United States. 2125 Jefferson Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703.
Stages	Stages Mountain View: Preschool–12; San Francisco: Preschool–8.	Stages Early Childhood (Ages 2-5) and Elementary (Kindergarten - Grade 5).
School type	School type Independent, nonprofit preschool–12 school with two campuses.	School type Private international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Inclusion Specialists work with students who benefit from extra support due to learning differences or physical challenges; they collaborate with teachers to adapt curriculum and provide small-group or individualized instruction. Counselors focus on social-emotional learning and overall well-being.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany; dual-language education based on the German curriculum of Thuringia; accredited by the German Government (ZfA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Preschool options include 7:30 am–5:00 pm (Mountain View) or 8:00 am–5:00 pm (San Francisco). For Elementary, classes start at 8:00 am and generally end at 1:50 pm.	School day structure Extended Day and Extracurricular Programs available; Summer School offered.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - New student application fee (per child): USD 75. One-time and annual school-wide fees - Enrollment fee (annual, per child): USD 825. - Society membership fee (annual, per family account): USD 150. - Facilities fee (annual, per family account): USD 1,250. Rebates and sibling discounts - Loyalty rebate: USD 700 per child after five years of consecutive enrollment; USD 1,200 per child after seven years of consecutive enrollment. - Sibling rebate: 10% off the lower of two tuitions; 20% off the lowest of three (or more) tuitions. Annual tuition — Mountain View campus (2026/27 school year) - Preschool & Kindergarten - Preschool (Ages 2–3) 5‑day AM: USD 26,000. - Preschool (Ages 3–4.11) 5‑day AM: USD 26,900. - Preschool (Ages 3–4.11) 5‑day Full‑Day: USD 35,250. - Kindergarten 5‑day AM (Ages 5–6): USD 26,900. - Kindergarten 5‑day Full‑Day (Ages 5–6): USD 35,250. - Grades 1–12 (Morning Program, 8:00 am–1:50 pm) - Grades 1–4 (annual): USD 27,700. - Grades 5–8 (annual): USD 32,200. - Grades 9–12 (annual): USD 35,750. - Afternoon Program (5 days/week; 2:00–5:00 pm) - Grades 1–4 (annual): USD 6,600. - Grades 5–8 (annual): USD 6,100. Annual tuition — San Francisco campus (2026/27 school year) - Preschool & Kindergarten - Preschool 5‑day AM (Ages 3–4.11): USD 30,550. - Preschool 5‑day Full‑Day (Ages 3–4.11): USD 40,000. - Kindergarten 5‑day AM (Ages 5–6): USD 30,550. - Kindergarten 5‑day Full‑Day (Ages 5–6): USD 40,000. - Grades 1–8 (Morning Program, 8:00 am–1:50 pm) - Grades 1–4 (annual): USD 31,850. - Grades 5–8 (annual): USD 35,300. - Grade 9 (added 2026/27): USD 35,750 (2026/27). - Afternoon Program (5 days/week; 2:00–5:00 pm) - Grades 1–8 (annual): USD 9,200. Per‑term figures (calculation note) - The published tuition rates on the school pages are stated as annual amounts for each program and grade band. The school notes that annual tuition may be prorated for students who start mid‑year; several annual fees are explicitly non‑prorated. The per‑term amounts below are an arithmetic division of the listed annual tuition by three (3) to provide an illustrative per‑term figure for database display where a per‑term field is required. This per‑term breakdown is an arithmetic inference (annual ÷ 3) and is shown only to provide consistent per‑term entries; the school publishes tuition as annual amounts. - Example per‑term (Mountain View, Grades 1–4): Annual USD 27,700 → Per term (illustrative) USD 9,233.33 (27,700 ÷ 3). - Example per‑term (San Francisco, Grades 1–4): Annual USD 31,850 → Per term (illustrative) USD 10,616.67 (31,850 ÷ 3). Billing schedule and payment terms - The school lists the enrollment, society membership and facilities fees as annual charges (fees will not be prorated). Annual tuition is published by program and grade; the school states that annual tuition might be prorated for mid‑year starts. - Visiting students pay a daily fee and must present payment in full by the first day of the visit; guest (non‑U.S. resident) students must pay tuition in full at enrollment (tuition will be prorated for guest students but annual fees may not be). - The school's bylaws note that membership (required for attendance) may be terminated for non‑payment after a written reminder if fees remain unpaid for 30 days following that reminder. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. GISSV operates two day campuses (Mountain View and San Francisco) and does not list boarding or residential options. Other costs and typical additional charges - Afternoon/extended‑care program fees (annual rates listed above) apply if enrolled in those programs. - Parents should expect additional, separate costs for items such as spiritwear/uniforms (Spiritwear store), library and school supplies, field trips, exam fees, and optional extracurricular activities. A school Spiritwear/online store and a Library & School Supplies section are part of the school's published program resources. These items are generally billed or purchased separately from tuition. Refund information - For summer programs, the school publishes a specific refund schedule (examples: full refund within a short cancellation window after registration; staged refunds with decreasing percentages the closer to camp start date), and summer refunds are processed within business days as noted in the camp policy. Summer camp refund rules and schedules are explicit for camp registration. - For visiting/guest student arrangements, visiting students pay per day and that payment is applied to tuition if they enroll full time; guest students must pay in full at enrollment (the site indicates tuition for guest students will be prorated). - Annual enrollment, society membership and facilities fees are presented as non‑prorated annual charges; the school's published material indicates these annual fees will not be prorated. Fee payment options - The school uses an online parent/administration portal for account access and online payments. The school's giving/payments information confirms acceptance of credit card and eCheck (ACH) payments through its secure online payment system; the school also supports payments submitted through the school's parent portals. Historic payment instructions reference the school's online payment portal for one‑time fee payments. Notes on timing and display for a database - The listed tuition numbers are the school's published annual rates for the 2026/27 school year for each campus and program. The school states some fees will not be prorated while annual tuition may be prorated for delayed starts; guest students and visiting students have distinct payment requirements. Use the annual figures as the authoritative amounts and the per‑term figures above only as an arithmetic, illustrative division (annual ÷ 3) if a per‑term field is required by your database.	Fee details Applicable academic year: 2025/2026. Application fee - One-time application fee: USD 100 (charged at application). The application fee is non-refundable. Tuition fees — annual and per-term equivalent (by year group / grade) - Nursery 2 (age 2): Annual tuition USD 29,348 — Per-term equivalent (annual ÷ 3) USD 9,782.67. - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual tuition USD 29,348 — Per-term equivalent USD 9,782.67. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual tuition USD 29,348 — Per-term equivalent USD 9,782.67. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual tuition USD 30,923 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,307.67. - Grade 1 (age 6): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67. - Grade 2 (age 7): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67. - Grade 3 (age 8): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67. - Grade 4 (age 9): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67. - Grade 5 (age 10): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67. - (If applicable) Grade 6 listing appears in published fee summaries with annual tuition USD 30,950 — per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67. - Note on first-year total: for a new enrollee the first-year total commonly shown includes the one-time application charge; an example published total for a 2-year-old's first year is USD 29,448 (annual tuition plus the one-time application fee). What the tuition covers - Published tuition descriptions indicate the annual tuition covers classroom materials, access to learning technology, and enriching field trips and related program elements. Billing schedule and payment terms - Published fees are presented as annual amounts. No publicly posted per-term billing schedule, specific installment plans, or late-payment penalties were found in the available fee summaries. Families should expect the school to bill on an annual basis or to offer school-managed payment arrangements; the published figures above are the annual amounts. Sibling discounts and financial assistance - Sibling discount: a USD 2,000 tuition-credit is offered for the youngest sibling in families with multiple children enrolled. Financial assistance is offered for Kindergarten through Grade 5 applicants (details handled through admissions/financial-aid processes). Boarding fees - Shu Ren operates as a day school for ages 2–12; there is no boarding program and therefore no boarding fees. Other costs or fees - Optional / additional charges that may apply: optional hot-lunch orders, extended-day or aftercare program fees, extracurricular activity fees, occasional field-trip fees if outside regular programming, and any optional services selected by the family. Published material identifies lunch service and extended care as available options. Uniforms are listed as not required. Refund information - The application fee is charged as a one-time fee and is reported as non-refundable. A publicly posted, detailed tuition-refund or withdrawal refund schedule was not available in the fee summaries consulted. Fee payment options - No explicit, publicly posted list of accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, check) was found in the published fee summaries. The school uses a parent/admissions portal for account management; billing and specific accepted-payment methods are administered through the school's billing office and parent portal. Limitations and brief note on missing details - The figures above are the published annual tuition amounts and the one-time application fee reported in the 2025/2026 fee summaries. A per-term billing breakdown, explicit billing calendar, detailed payment terms, a full tuition-refund/withdrawal schedule, and a public list of accepted payment methods were not provided in the publicly available fee material consulted. Per-term numbers shown above are per-term equivalents (annual ÷ 3) calculated for convenience because only annual amounts were published.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunch service is provided for GISSV Saturday School Summer Camp by My Green Lunch, five days a week. The program offers multiple hot and cold entrees daily, with gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options; meals are prepaid online.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership GISSV is an independent nonprofit corporation governed by a Board of Directors. The Head of School and a representative of the German Consulate General in San Francisco attend Board meetings as non-voting members. GISSV is accredited by the Conference of German Cultural Ministers, the German Foreign Office and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).	Governance and ownership The school is an IB World School and is fully accredited by WASC.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GISSV provides preschool-12 dual-language education in German and English at two Bay Area campuses. All programs are bilingual and based on the Thuringian curriculum with English and California standards integrated. A multilingual curriculum begins in preschool and adds language courses in grade 6 (French in Mountain View; Spanish in Mountain View and San Francisco). The upper grades follow the German education structure and prepare for Hauptschulabschluss, Realschulabschluss, German International Abitur and the California High School Diploma. Graduates earn two diplomas—the German International Abitur and the California High School Diploma—enabling admission to universities in the United States, Germany and other European countries. Student-teacher ratios average under 20:1 at school and about 10:1 in preschool; the school is accredited by the German government and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).	Curriculum details Blends the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with full Mandarin immersion for Early Childhood (ages 2–5) and Elementary (Kindergarten–Grade 5). The program centers on the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and uses a concept-based inquiry cycle to develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions for lifelong learning. Students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, make connections across subjects, and apply learning to real-world contexts. Social-emotional learning is embedded in the curriculum, with the Responsive Classroom approach, Zones of Regulation, and Personal, Social, and Physical Education (PSPE) supporting wellbeing and global citizenship. Small class sizes and a close-knit community ensure every child is seen and supported. .
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Student-teacher ratios average under 20:1 at school and about 10:1 in preschool.	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes support individualized attention.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates earn two diplomas—the German International Abitur and the California High School Diploma—enabling admission to universities in the United States, Germany and other European countries.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Differentiated learning opportunities with individualized learning plans support entering students; small class sizes facilitate personalized attention.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning At GISSV, every student is supported to succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally. The Student Support Team provides tailored assistance from preschool through secondary school to help students with diverse learning needs thrive in the classroom and feel fully included in the school community. Inclusion Specialists work with students who benefit from extra support due to learning differences or physical challenges. They collaborate with teachers to adapt curriculum, provide small-group or individualized instruction, and help create inclusive classroom environments. Counselors focus on social-emotional learning and overall well-being, supporting students with coping strategies, SEL programs, and guidance for navigating challenges, helping every child feel confident and connected.	Social & emotional learning The school nurtures the whole person and emphasizes social-emotional growth through curiosity, creativity, and compassion. Learners are prepared to act as global citizens and to contribute their voices within a community where every voice matters.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Inclusion Specialists work with students who benefit from extra support due to learning differences or physical challenges. They collaborate with teachers to adapt curriculum, provide small-group or individualized instruction, and help create inclusive classroom environments. Our Student Support Team provides tailored assistance from preschool through secondary school to ensure learners with diverse needs thrive in the classroom and feel fully included. Our approach emphasizes that every student is valued and supported to reach their full potential.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language For children who enter our program with little or no knowledge of German or English, we offer strong language learning support in both DaZ (German as a 2nd language) and ESL (English as a 2nd language).	English as an additional language The school uses a two-way Mandarin–English immersion model in which Mandarin is the language of instruction and English is used alongside to support bilingual fluency.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counselors focus on social-emotional learning and overall well-being. They support students with coping strategies, SEL programs, and guidance for navigating challenges, helping every child feel confident and connected.	Mental wellbeing The school focuses on the development of the whole child, nurturing social-emotional growth alongside academics. It emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and compassionate engagement as part of a globally minded education.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school has an Anti-Discrimination Policy.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview GISSV operates two campuses in Mountain View and San Francisco. All programs are bilingual and based on the German curriculum of Thuringia. The preschool–12 program emphasizes small class sizes and a strong student-to-teacher ratio, with project-based and differentiated learning. The curriculum includes science and technology resources to support learning.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sports are part of school life at GISSV. The program emphasizes physical development and includes physical skills. A volleyball team is depicted among student activities. The school values sports alongside music, culture and arts.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The curriculum provides rich project-based and differentiated learning experiences. The program supports social-emotional competency, critical thinking, artistic expression and physical skills. It offers science and technology resources to support learning. Small class sizes and a high student-to-teacher ratio are reported. All programs are bilingual and based on the German curriculum of Thuringia.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities GISSV offers experiences beyond the classroom, including events and after-school programs. The school fosters a strong sense of community with activities that involve students, teachers and parents. The two Bay Area campuses connect students to local environments through field experiences. Eco-School and other school-life programs are part of the extracurricular offerings.	Extra curricular facilities Extended Day & Extracurricular Programs: Aftercare runs 3 PM–6 PM on preschool, TK, and elementary campuses, with children spending the majority of time in a play-based environment indoors and outdoors (weather permitting) under the supervision of Chinese-language teachers. Enrichment: Many students participate in after-school enrichment in both Mandarin and English; in early childhood, enrichment includes paper art, creative movement, yoga, soccer, and science. The Shu Ren Experience goes beyond the classroom with co-curricular programs and extended-day options that nurture the whole child, including arts and athletics, language and cultural enrichment.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) was founded in 1999 by six German and American families who desired a German and California accredited curriculum. The Mountain View campus welcomed its first 34 students in February 2000. In 2003, the school officially changed its name to German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV). A San Francisco campus opened in 2011 in the Presidio and moved to Castro in August 2020. The Berkeley/East Bay campus opened in 2007 and later relocated to Emeryville in 2017, where it now operates as East Bay German International School, an independent school.	History —
Community	Community GISSV has a vibrant international school community thanks to small class sizes and a cohesive preschool–12 structure, with enriching events that involve all students, teachers and parents. The school operates across two campuses in Mountain View and San Francisco with bilingual German-English programming. The Parent Association coordinates volunteering, fundraising and signature events such as the Holiday Market in Mountain View and the Laternenfest in San Francisco.	Community Families, educators, and students come together in a diverse, caring community that prepares children to belong anywhere in the world. Community is at the heart of everything we do, with celebrations, events, and collaborative partnerships that build lasting connections. The Parent Community Group (PCG) involves parent volunteers who partner with teachers and school leaders to strengthen connections and enrich the student experience; it is open to all Shu Ren families. The Alumni Community celebrates lifelong bonds with graduates and supports current students through reunions, events, and mentorship.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Each GISSV campus has a Parent Association that works closely with the school administration and the Board of Directors. The PA includes representatives from each school division who meet with division heads to discuss issues. The PA coordinates parent committees and volunteers, and supports fundraising and signature events such as the annual Holiday Market in Mountain View or the Laternenfest in San Francisco. PA priorities include improving communication, fostering community, working with teachers, assisting with resolving issues, fundraising, encouraging volunteerism, and promoting GISSV. The PA uses the My GISSV portal for communication, including a PA newsletter and meeting minutes. Mountain View Campus contact: office@gissv.org; San Francisco Campus contact: sf-office@gissv.org.	Parent teacher association Parent Community Group (PCG) is Shu Ren's parent association. It partners with teachers and school leaders to strengthen connections, enrich the student experience, and celebrate the Shu Ren community. Led by caring parent volunteers, the PCG coordinates cultural events and volunteer support. The PCG is open to all Shu Ren families.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The German International School of Silicon Valley offers a bilingual German–English education for preschool through grade 12. The curriculum blends a liberal arts foundation with dual-language instruction and a project-based, cross-curricular approach that supports independent learning. Graduates earn both the California High School Diploma and the German International Abitur, reflecting accreditation by WASC and the California Association of Independent Schools. The program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity and global perspectives.	Academic & intellectual The school has Extended Day & Co-Curricular Programs that extend learning beyond the classroom in both Mandarin and English. Enrichment classes include arts, music, dance, STEM, sports, cooking, Chinese brush drawing, and chess, with offerings rotating each semester. Homework Club provides Mandarin language support after school. Vacation Camps offer Mandarin-immersion experiences during breaks.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school provides opportunities in music, drama and arts, including Junior Orchestra and Senior Orchestra, and a cross-campus Choir. The Orchestra groups perform at school ceremonies and at public and official events, while the Choir engages middle and high school students, parents, teachers and community members. In after-school time, students can participate in Musical Theater, Orchestra, Choir, Art, Sewing, Creative Writing/Young Journalists, and a Lego-Robotics Club.	Arts & creative The school has Arts & Movement programs that nurture creativity, expression, and well-being through Visual Arts and Performing Arts. An Orff-based music curriculum engages Pre-K through 5th grade in hands-on music-making, with singing, movement, speech, and instruments. Physical Education includes PSPE and coaching in Judo to build strength, balance, discipline, and social-emotional skills. The Library supports bilingual literacy, and World Book Week and the Reading Marathon celebrate reading and community.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school supports dual-language learning in German and English across two campuses (Mountain View and San Francisco). It hosts Saturday language and culture sessions at the Mountain View campus for the broader community. It organizes exchange programs with partner schools in Dresden, Chile and France, and hosts cultural events such as Laternenfest and the German Holiday Market.	Cultural & language The school has language and cultural enrichment as a core part of co-curricular life. The House system, inspired by Confucius' Four Teachings—Wen (Learning), Xing (Action), Zhong (Loyalty), and Xin (Integrity)—connects students across grades to foster collaboration and character. The library offers Chinese and English books and hosts World Book Week to celebrate multilingual literacy. Vacation Camps provide Mandarin-immersion experiences that extend language learning into everyday life.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Afternoon Clubs offer a range of activities for elementary through high school, including Lego-Robotics, Musical Theater, Orchestra, Choir, Creative Writing/Young Journalists, Sewing and Art. Students can also participate in athletics such as soccer, tennis, cross-country and swimming, with middle/high school teams in local leagues and an elementary soccer team in the Sunnyvale Alliance league. These programs provide opportunities to pursue hobbies and collaborative projects beyond the classroom.	Social & hobbies The school has a Student Council that represents elementary students, helps organize school events, promotes school spirit, and supports fundraisers or service projects. Enrichment Classes offer diverse after-school options in arts, music, dance, STEM, sports, cooking, Chinese brush drawing, and chess. Afternoon Care provides a safe, nurturing space after the school day ends with outdoor play and healthy snacks. Homework Club gives dedicated Mandarin support after school, and Vacation Camps provide language-rich camps during breaks.
Community & service	Community & service GISSV builds Global Community Stewardship through cross-cultural exchange and environmental stewardship, with involvement in community programs and partnerships with schools in North America, Germany and Mexico. Secondary-school extracurricular activities include service-oriented clubs such as the Interact Club, GISSV TV and Eco School.	Community & service The school has a Student Council that represents elementary students and leads service projects, school events, and initiatives that foster inclusion. The Council functions as a bridge between students and staff to improve the school for everyone. Members are encouraged to demonstrate integrity, empathy, fairness, and service. Through these activities, students grow as responsible community members.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional GISSV offers mentoring for grades 9–12, Internship Week in the 10th grade, and a Career Counseling program for high school students. Students can develop leadership and professional skills through the Entrepreneurship Club and Model United Nations, alongside other senior-level activities like High School Drama and Youth Orchestra.	Leadership & professional The school has a Student Council that represents elementary students and provides leadership opportunities through organizing events and engaging with staff and the broader school community. Enrichment Programs offer chances to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Students participate in projects and initiatives that build collaboration, responsibility, and professional skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports programs include Girls Volleyball and Co-ed Soccer, with additional options such as sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding. The school also supports cross-country running and other athletic activities as part of the secondary-school extracurricular landscape.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school has a PSPE program that supports physical health, social-emotional growth, and well-being, guided by a PE teacher who is also a Judo master. Physical Education includes a variety of activities and Judo coaching to reinforce discipline and resilience. Afternoon Care provides a safe space after the school day with outdoor play and healthy snacks. The Library and reading events like World Book Week support literacy and well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision German and English are the languages of instruction; the curriculum is based on the German state of Thuringia, and the Abitur program is offered.	Language provision Mandarin and English are the languages of instruction. Early Childhood uses a 100% Mandarin immersion environment. Elementary deepens Mandarin and English fluency within a bilingual environment through the Dual Language immersion Model. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Preschool–12 dual language education in German and English across two Bay Area locations.	Bilingual teaching Mandarin and English are used in bilingual teaching. In Elementary, Mandarin and English come together through a Dual Language immersion Model. In Early Childhood, there is a 100% Mandarin immersion environment led by native Mandarin-speaking teachers, with bilingualism supporting language learning.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Dual-language learning with immersion in German and English across all grade levels.	Immersion programs Mandarin immersion is delivered daily through a two-way immersion model. In Early Childhood, students are in a 100% Mandarin immersion environment led by native Mandarin-speaking teachers. In Elementary, learning occurs in a bilingual environment where Mandarin and English come together through the Dual Language immersion Model. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) guides learning across the elementary years.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school welcomes students of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds and serves students from two to eighteen years old. The enrollment period begins in January and February of each year for the upcoming school year, and new students may be admitted throughout the school year based on availability. Knowledge of the German language is required for all children who enroll after 1st grade, and there is a German Fast Track Program.	Admissions 1. Connect with Us. Fill out our short Inquiry Form so we can get to know your family and start the conversation. The inquiry begins the admissions process and helps us understand your child's needs. Our admissions team will respond with next steps and available options, and you'll be invited to take the next step in person. Take the first step by connecting with Shu Ren to learn more about our Mandarin immersion program and community. 2. Come Visit. Join us for a personal tour—step into our classrooms, meet our caring teachers, and feel the warmth of our community. The visit provides an in-person look at the learning environment and the people who guide your child's day. You can ask questions and observe how our program operates in practice. 3. Start your Application. When you feel ready, we'll send you a personalized link to start your application. The admissions team is available to answer questions and offer support along the way. The application process begins once you access the personalized link and submit the required information. 4. Join Our Community. Enroll at Shu Ren and step into a global community where your child can grow, thrive, and discover their unique superpower. Enrollment marks the culmination of the admissions journey and the start of your child's Shu Ren experience.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school offers need-based financial aid for students entering grades K through 12. A professional third-party reviewer assesses household income/assets and each family's ability to pay. The school makes every effort to meet demonstrated need of admitted or enrolled financial aid applicants, but resources are not always sufficient. Applicants are encouraged to apply; however, there is no guarantee that aid will be fulfilled or that it will be fulfilled at the level requested. Because of high demand and deadlines, all documents must be submitted by the prescribed deadlines for returning and new students. Currently enrolled families must be up-to-date on tuition payments to be eligible. Aid decisions are communicated before enrollment, and all information is kept confidential. New students must submit a school application before financial aid is considered, and contact admissions for an access code. The next financial aid application period is for the 2026-2027 school year, with award decisions by April 30, 2026, and the school must receive all required enrollment documents beforehand. To apply, families use the Clarity platform; steps include starting the application, adding the school to the entry, entering financial information, paying a $65 Clarity fee, and completing the Enhanced Tax Verification if required. International families may need to provide translated income documentation.[source: turn2view0]	Scholarships Sibling Tuition: We offer a $2000 tuition discount credit for the youngest sibling in families with multiple children enrolled at Shu Ren. Financial Assistance: If you're applying for Kindergarten through 5th grade and need financial support, connect with our Admissions Team to learn about available assistance.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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