doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
G

German International School Toronto

Canada, Toronto

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English, French
Fees CA$19,160
Ages 3 - 17 years
Pupil numbers 110
Type Co-educational
Opened 2000
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages German, English, French
Typical class size 15
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

German International School Toronto (GIST) is an international school for ages 3 to 17 that delivers a trilingual program in German, English and French. The curriculum blends the Thuringian German curriculum with the Ontario Canadian curriculum and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for upper grades. Primary instruction is mainly German, with English increasing to about a 50/50 split from Grade 5, and French beginning in kindergarten and becoming integral from Grade 3. Students can follow a bilingual English/French or English/German Diploma track as part of the high school IB programme, preparing for global university access. GIST has a Germany–Canada affiliation and has earned the STEAM_MINT profile and a Seal of Excellence from the Federal President of Germany for its science-authored program. A Three Step German Program (GermanFasttrack, GermanPlus, GermanPro) supports language development, with free language support in German, English and French. The 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd campus provides PreK–Grade 12 education with a strong emphasis on multilingualism, science education and community engagement.

25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9A 1G9, Canada

The Essentials

German International School Toronto has 110 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in German, English, French.

Location
The German International School Toronto is located at 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Toronto, ON M9A 1G9, Canada.

Stages
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12

Type
International school offering a trilingual program (German, English and French) with a High School IB Diploma Programme

Additional learning support
Accommodating Diverse Learning Needs.

Country affiliation
Germany and Canada

School day structure
Kindergarten: 7:30 AM–1:15 PM, with aftercare until 3:15 PM or 5:30 PM. Grades 1–4: 7:45 AM–1:15 PM, with aftercare until 3:15 PM or 5:30 PM. Grades 5–12: 7:45 AM–3:15 PM, with aftercare until 3:15 PM or 5:30 PM.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires wearing the school uniform for all students. In kindergarten, uniforms are worn for special occasions and once a week; the dress code lists the uniform items and uniforms can be ordered online from InSchoolwear.

Food Options
Twice a week students may order a meal through the Lunch Lady Program. There is also a Pizza Day once a week; on all other days, parents provide lunch.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a not-for-profit corporation under Ontario law; the Board of Trustees is the main governing body. It oversees fiscal matters, assets, and strategic direction, while day-to-day operations are managed by the Principal and the School Management Team; board directors are elected for two-year terms, with a maximum of nine directors.
Fees

Annual tuition at German International School Toronto ranges from CAD 19,160 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees
- Registration (application) fee: CAD 150 (per child). This fee is non‑refundable and is due with the submitted application.
- Acceptance (enrolment) fee: CAD 2,500 (one‑time). The acceptance fee is due when the signed enrolment agreement is returned and the place is secured (generally due about two weeks after acceptance). If enrolment occurs during the school year, the acceptance fee is paid along with the tuition instalment(s).

Tuition fees by year group (2026/2027 academic year) — annual and per term
Note: The school year runs in two terms (Term 1: early September through end of January; Term 2: February through the end of June). Per‑term figures below are the annual tuition divided into two equal term amounts to match the school's two‑term calendar.

- Kindergarten (Pre‑K, JK, SK)
- Local families (annual): CAD 14,460.
- Corporate‑funded families (annual): CAD 22,990.
- Per term (two terms): Local CAD 7,230; Corporate CAD 11,495.

- Primary School (Grades 1–4)
- Local families (annual): CAD 19,160.
- Corporate‑funded families (annual): CAD 28,300.
- Per term (two terms): Local CAD 9,580; Corporate CAD 14,150.

- Grades 5–12 (Middle School, High School and IB Diploma years)
- Local families (annual): CAD 20,330.
- Corporate‑funded families (annual): CAD 29,630.
- Per term (two terms): Local CAD 10,165; Corporate CAD 14,815.

Aftercare / extended‑day fees (annual) and day‑rates
- Afternoon care options (available for JK through Grade 12, not for Pre‑K sleeping accommodation):
- Aftercare until 3:15 p.m.: annual rate CAD 2,700 for local families; included for corporate‑funded families.
- Aftercare until 5:30 p.m.: annual rate CAD 3,450 for local families; CAD 750 for corporate‑funded families.
- Individual day rates (drop‑in): typical range CAD 18–28 per day for local families; CAD 10 per day for corporate‑funded families.

Other compulsory or regularly expected additional costs
- School uniform: mandatory; purchase through the school's supplier (InSchoolwear) or the school's ordering process. Uniform costs are additional.
- Textbooks, extracurricular activities, overnight camps and certain program materials: additional charges apply and are billed separately.
- Lunch program and occasional paid event days (Pizza Day, lunch provider) are charged separately.

Discounts, reductions and financial aid
- Sibling discount: 10% off tuition for the second and subsequent siblings (in order of birth).
- Early‑payment discount: 3% discount on the tuition fee for the following academic year when full payment is received by June 1.
- Long‑term enrolment reduction: each local student receives an annual CAD 2,500 reduction once they enter their fifth year of continuous enrolment and for all subsequent years.
- Tuition assistance: limited program administered via Apple Financial Services; aid may be up to 50% of tuition (does not apply to registration, acceptance, or extended‑care fees). Applications for assistance follow Apple Financial Services' process and internal Board review.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The academic year is organised in two terms (Term 1: September–end of January; Term 2: February–end of June). Per‑term amounts above are the annual tuition split into two equal term amounts for practical budgeting.
- Registration fee (CAD 150) is due with the application. The acceptance fee (CAD 2,500) is due on return of the signed enrolment agreement to secure the place (typically within two weeks of acceptance). When enrolment occurs mid‑year, the acceptance fee is due together with the relevant tuition instalment(s).
- Early full payment by June 1 for the following academic year qualifies for the 3% early‑payment discount.
- Payment plans are offered (options vary); one plan (referred to as Payment Plan A) allows payment by Interac e‑Transfer or wire transfer; other payment plans require cheques. Specific instalment dates and required plan paperwork appear in the enrolment agreement and the school's fee schedule provided with enrolment.

Accepted payment methods and practical notes
- Accepted methods include: Interac e‑Transfer, bank transfer (school account at Bank of Montreal — parents are instructed to contact the office for account details), wire transfer (for certain payment plans), and cheques. The acceptance fee may be paid by cheque or Interac e‑Transfer. Credit card payment is not listed among the standard methods.

Boarding / residence
- Boarding is not offered at the school; the school operates as a day school with afternoon care and extended‑day options.

Refunds and enrolment‑related refund conditions
- Registration fee: explicitly non‑refundable. The acceptance fee is payable to secure the place at enrollment; the enrolment agreement references the conditions of payment and any terms for withdrawal/refund, which are handled through the enrolment documentation. Parents should note the registration fee's non‑refundable status when applying.

Summary — what parents should record immediately
- Pay CAD 150 registration fee with the application (non‑refundable).
- When offered a place, return the signed enrolment agreement and pay CAD 2,500 acceptance fee to secure the spot.
- Expect annual tuition by grade band: Kindergarten CAD 14,460 (local) / CAD 22,990 (corporate); Grades 1–4 CAD 19,160 (local) / CAD 28,300 (corporate); Grades 5–12 CAD 20,330 (local) / CAD 29,630 (corporate).
- Aftercare is billed separately (annual and drop‑in rates apply).
- Available discounts: sibling, early‑payment (3% if full payment by June 1), and long‑term enrolment reduction after the fifth year; limited tuition assistance is available by application.
Academics

German International School Toronto teaches Canadian Curriculum, IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 17.

Curriculum
The school follows a state-of-the-art combined German and Canadian curriculum. It teaches the Thuringian German curriculum alongside the Ontario curriculum. Primary instruction is mainly German, with English increasing to about 50/50 from grade 5. French begins in kindergarten with weekly lessons and becomes integral from grade 3. The Three Step German Program (GermanFasttrack, GermanPlus, GermanPro) supports language development, with free language support in German, English, and French. The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for global university access and has a STEAM_MINT profile with a Seal of Excellence from the Federal President of Germany.

Student Teacher Ratio
Class sizes are kept small to provide individualized attention.

Exam Results
Third-party inspections and standardized tests, Canadian and German, demonstrate the school's overall quality, and the school holds the Seal of Excellence awarded by the Federal President of Germany.

Higher Education Progression
The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for global university access and provides a pathway to universities worldwide.
Parent Experience

History
GIST began with just 10 students and has grown into an IB World School. It moved from Cranbrooke Avenue to a downtown location at Bloor and Dufferin Street after an extensive search, and later relocated to its current site at 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Toronto.

Community
GIST is a private school in Toronto and a proud partner of an extensive global network of over 135 German Schools Abroad and eight German Schools in North America. The Central Office for Schools Abroad (ZfA) supports all German Schools Abroad. The schools welcome students of all nationalities, and graduates from German Schools Abroad are part of a community that reaches far beyond one's own school. A community of global citizens.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A strong partnership: Our Parent Council. The Parent Council is formed when two parent representatives from each grade are elected at the start of the school year. The Council meets monthly and publishes minutes for reference. It hosts events such as Flea Markets and Parents' nights out to Ripley's Aquarium and Second City. In past years, it organized initiatives such as a warm school lunch, a mud kitchen, and book and bake sales. The Council remains open to new ideas and feedback.
Facilities

Academic Facilities
New IB Diploma Programme is offered with language options English/French or English/German. From PreK to Grade 12, the school provides education across all grades. Trilingual education in German, English and French. STEAM_MINT @ GIST program combines Canadian and German science education and the school has been awarded as a STEM-friendly school.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school hosts community events such as Süd Beat Big Band - Live in Concert celebrating 75 years of German-Canadian friendship. Easter Egg-stravaganza is held in collaboration with Islington United Church. Virtual Open House and School Tours are offered for prospective families. The school emphasizes activities that engage families and the wider community.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
New IB Diploma Programme runs from PreK to Grade 12. Students may choose English/French or English/German for the Diploma track. The school provides a multilingual learning environment with instruction in German, English, and French. STEAM_MINT @ GIST strengthens science education by blending Canadian and German approaches; the school is described as STEM-friendly.

Cultural & Language
The school teaches in German and English, with a regular French program beginning in Grade 3. The primary curriculum is mainly German, with increasing English instruction from Grade 5 onward (roughly 50/50 by upper primary). The French curriculum is based on German standards for French as a second language and is taught in a bilingual German-English context.

Social & Hobbies
There are afterschool care options available until 3:15 pm or 5:30 pm, with homework and reading time plus a range of afternoon clubs and activities. The school also runs an ambassador program to help new families connect with the community.

Community & Service
The school community includes parents, students, teachers, staff, board representatives and partners; frequent school events and activities are organized, and there is a Parent Council. Family Ambassadors support new families in joining the community.

Leadership & Professional
The school provides a Staff & Faculty directory, a Careers page, a Board of Directors, a Parent Council and Family Ambassadors, reflecting opportunities for involvement and governance within the GIST community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Afterschool care is available after regular hours (until 3:15 pm or 5:30 pm) with clubs and activities. There is a Lunch Lady meal program twice weekly and a Pizza Day once weekly; a school uniform is required.
Languages

Language Provision
German, English, and French are taught at GIST. The German program uses DeutschFASTTRACK, DeutschPLUS, and DeutschPRO to accommodate varying levels of German proficiency; in Grades 1–4, German classes are taught by two teachers to provide support. The English program follows the Ontario Canadian English curriculum, with two teachers per class from Grade 1 to 9 and EQAO testing in Grades 3 and 6. The French curriculum is based on German standards for French as a Second Language, begins in pre-kindergarten, and continues through the grades; all teaching materials are available in German and French.

Bilingual Teaching
GIST provides trilingual education in German, English, and French. The program uses a bilingual approach designed to develop proficiency in all three languages. German instruction is delivered by native-speaking teachers and runs through a three-step program (DeutschFASTTRACK, DeutschPLUS, DeutschPRO), with two German teachers in Grades 1–4 to provide individualized support. Admission is open to students with any level of German, including beginners.

Immersion Programs
Students are immersed in a multilingual environment with signs in English, French, and German around the school. Most instruction is in German, and non-German-speaking students can join Pre-K through Grade 4 with targeted German language support. The German language program follows three steps (DeutschFASTTRACK, DeutschPLUS, DeutschPRO) to accelerate learning. GIST also participates in international competitions for German Schools Abroad and language-related projects.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Explore: Request the digital information package and discover the teaching approach. The package includes general information about the school, the fee schedule, the yearly calendar, and the Application for Admission form. 2. Apply: Complete the form on the online application portal. After the school receives the application, the non-refundable registration fee of $150 and all supporting documents, processing begins. 3. Meet: Arrange an in-person tour or virtual meeting with the Admissions team. Trial days are available and family ambassadors can connect you with current families. 4. Enroll: If the application is approved by the principal and the registration fee has been paid, the Enrollment Agreement is sent. Return the signed agreement and pay the enrollment fee of $2,500 to secure the spot.

Scholarships
Tuition assistance is awarded in a limited number of cases based on financial need and assessed by Apple Financial Services. Assistance is up to 50% of tuition and does not apply to registration, acceptance, or extended care fees. An Apple Financial Services application is required. Apple Financial Services evaluates the application and makes a recommendation to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees; final decision rests with the Board of Trustees. Applications must be submitted by May 1, and the process typically takes four to six weeks. Annual renewal is required.

Waitlist
For Pre-Kindergarten applications, complete the waitlist application form and email it to admissions@gistonline.ca.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare German International School Toronto with
vs Walden International School vs Nile Academy vs Toronto STEM School
Search for more schools
Search schools in Canada View all schools in Toronto View all schools in Canada IB curriculum schools in Canada Open days & tours in Toronto What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools