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German-American School Manhattan - Elementary School

United States, New York

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees $32,500 - 42,500
Ages 2 - 11 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2018
Bus Service No
Part of
German-American School Manhattan
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 12
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary
Introduction

German-American School Manhattan (GSM) is a bilingual IB World School serving Preschool through Grade 5 across two Tribeca campuses. At 85 Warren Street is the Kita Preschool & Kindergarten, and at 74 Warren Street is the Dual Immersion Elementary School. The program educates children ages 2 to 11 in a 50/50 bilingual model, delivering a German-language curriculum alongside New York State standards. The school is authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme and blends German grade-level competencies with US standards within an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary framework. In grades 1–5, instruction 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, science, social studies and math. Art, music, and movement are taught in both languages; Spanish begins in Grade 3. Class sizes are small, up to 20 students, supporting learning, collaboration, and reflection.

This campus is part of German-American School Manhattan

74 Warren St. New York City, NY 10007

The Essentials

German-American School Manhattan - Elementary School has typical class sizes of 12, instruction in German, English.

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.

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.

Type
Bilingual IB World School (Preschool and Lower School) in Manhattan.

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.
Diving Deeper

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at German-American School Manhattan - Elementary School ranges from USD 32,500 to USD 42,500 for 2026/27.

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.)
Academics

German-American School Manhattan - Elementary School teaches IB (PYP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum for students aged 2 to 11.

Curriculum
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.

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.

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).

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.
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.

Scholarships
GSM offers financial aid to qualifying families through SSS.
School Events
The school has not added events
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