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German International School Boston

United States, Boston

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees $28,365 - 41,970
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 304
Type Co-educational
Opened 2001
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum
Taught languages English, German, French, Spanish
Typical class size 14
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

GISB is a bilingual independent school serving preschool through grade 12 across two Boston-area campuses. It follows a KMK-approved German curriculum and prepares students for the Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA), conferring both the DIA and the Massachusetts high school diploma. The program emphasizes German and English language proficiency and requires study in at least one additional world language from grade 6 through 10. In high school, science and mathematics receive substantial instructional hours (13–16 per week across four years), and college-level mathematics, science, and history are required. AP German Language & Culture is available from grade 10. All graduates are fluent in English and German and pursue higher education, with 100% entering higher education. GISB is a German government-recognized German School Abroad and earned the Exzellente Auslandsschule designation in 2011; it became a MINT Friendly School in 2015. The Lower Campus (Preschool–Grade 3) is in Watertown; the Upper Campus (Grades 4–12) is in Boston. Facilities include a bilingual library, a dedicated music room, a teaching kitchen, and a gym.

57 Holton St, Allston, MA 02134, United States

The Essentials

German International School Boston has 304 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in German, English.

Location
GISB operates two campuses: the Upper Campus in Boston and the Lower Campus in Watertown. The Upper Campus is located at 57 Holton Street, Boston, MA 02134. The Lower Campus is located at 46 Belmont Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

Stages
GISB serves preschool through grade 12. The Lower Campus serves Preschool–Grade 3, and the Upper Campus serves Grades 4–12.

Type
The school is a bilingual independent school serving students from preschool to grade 12.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The community represents more than 40 cultures.

Additional learning support
Health and wellness services, social-emotional counseling, and special education support are available.

Country affiliation
Germany (German government-recognized German School Abroad).

School day structure
Doors open at 8:00 am. Classes begin at 8:30 am and run until 3:00 pm or 3:50 pm. An after-school Student Life Program runs from 3:00 pm or 3:50 pm to 6:00 pm.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch program is available with an online ordering system; daily meals are provided and today's lunch is posted; there are periodic lunch ordering windows.

Governance and Ownership
GISB is a non-profit corporation named German International School Boston, Inc. It is governed by a Board of Trustees. Guardians of enrolled students automatically become corporate members and pay annual membership dues.
Fees

Annual tuition at German International School Boston ranges from USD 28,365 to USD 41,970 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrollment Fees

- Application fee: USD 50 (non‑refundable).
- Enrollment deposit: USD 800 (non‑refundable) due with the signed Enrollment Agreement to secure a place. Enrollment Agreements and deposits submitted after published deadlines are subject to a USD 500 late enrollment administrative fee per student.

Annual Tuition (2026–2027) — by year group

- Preschool, Pre‑K & Kindergarten: USD 28,365 (standard tuition); Employer‑Sponsored Tuition: USD 38,130.
- Grades 1–4: USD 28,645 (standard tuition); Employer‑Sponsored Tuition: USD 38,410.
- Grades 5–10: USD 30,315 (standard tuition); Employer‑Sponsored Tuition: USD 40,080.
- Grades 11–12: USD 32,205 (standard tuition); Employer‑Sponsored Tuition: USD 41,970.

Per‑payment / per‑installment amounts (computed from the stated annual tuition and the school's payment plans)

Note: the school offers clearly defined payment plans; the amounts below are arithmetic breakdowns of the published annual tuition according to those plans (shown as USD and rounded to the cent where needed). These are computed values based on the published tuition and the published installment structure.

- Two‑installment plan (20% due May 1; 80% due July 1):
- Preschool/Pre‑K/Kindergarten (annual USD 28,365): 20% = USD 5,673.00; 80% = USD 22,692.00.
- Grades 1–4 (annual USD 28,645): 20% = USD 5,729.00; 80% = USD 22,916.00.
- Grades 5–10 (annual USD 30,315): 20% = USD 6,063.00; 80% = USD 24,252.00.
- Grades 11–12 (annual USD 32,205): 20% = USD 6,441.00; 80% = USD 25,764.00.

- Five‑installment plan (five equal payments of 20% each; due May 1, July 1, Sept 1, Oct 1, Nov 1):
- Preschool/Pre‑K/Kindergarten: each payment = USD 5,673.00.
- Grades 1–4: each payment = USD 5,729.00.
- Grades 5–10: each payment = USD 6,063.00.
- Grades 11–12: each payment = USD 6,441.00.
- Installment plan fee for the 5‑payment plan: USD 100 per student.

- Nine‑installment plan (20% due May 1; then eight payments of 10% on the first of each month from July through February):
- Preschool/Pre‑K/Kindergarten: initial 20% = USD 5,673.00; each 10% payment = USD 2,836.50.
- Grades 1–4: initial 20% = USD 5,729.00; each 10% payment = USD 2,864.50.
- Grades 5–10: initial 20% = USD 6,063.00; each 10% payment = USD 3,031.50.
- Grades 11–12: initial 20% = USD 6,441.00; each 10% payment = USD 3,220.50.
- Installment plan fee for the 9‑payment plan: USD 300 per student.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Published payment plan deadlines and schedules are: 2‑installment (20% May 1; 80% July 1); 5‑installment (five payments of 20% on May 1, July 1, Sept 1, Oct 1, Nov 1); 9‑installment (20% May 1, then eight 10% payments on the first of the month from July through February). The 5‑ and 9‑installment plans are not available for International Student Program applicants. An installment plan fee applies to the 5‑ and 9‑payment options.
- Spots are held only after receipt of the signed Enrollment Agreement and the USD 800 deposit; late enrollment administrative fees apply for agreements submitted after the published deadlines.

After‑school, student‑life and extracurricular fees (2026–2027)

- After‑School Program (Preschool – Grade 3) — annual charge, by number of days per week:
- Preschool / Pre‑K / Kindergarten: 1 day = USD 2,725; 2 days = USD 4,960; 3 days = USD 6,755; 4 days = USD 8,190; 5 days = USD 9,300.
- Grades 1–3: 1 day = USD 2,410; 2 days = USD 4,365; 3 days = USD 5,955; 4 days = USD 7,225; 5 days = USD 8,210.
- Student Life (Grades 4–7): annual costs by days per week: 1 day = USD 1,380; 2 days = USD 2,495; 3 days = USD 3,430; 4 days = USD 4,160; 5 days = USD 4,935. Senior Student Life (Grades 8–12) is published as USD 0 for 1–5 days unless a specific team or class carries a separate fee. Specific classes or optional activities may have additional fees; registration occurs before each semester.
- Music & school‑day music lessons: small‑group string/instrument lessons carry semester fees (examples): USD 550 per student per semester for certain twice‑weekly small‑group string lessons; USD 375 per student per semester for some once‑weekly group lessons. Some music offerings are no fee (chorus, certain ensembles). The school notes year‑long commitments for many music offerings, with payment divided into two semester installments where indicated.

International Student Program (ISP)

- ISP full‑year tuition (2026–2027): USD 29,625. The ISP requires an application timeline and includes host‑family placement (host family match is arranged rather than a boarding program). ISP applicants are not eligible for the 5‑ and 9‑installment plans and are not eligible for financial aid.

Boarding / Residential provisions

- The school's ISP organizes host‑family placement for exchange students; the school does not list a boarding/onsite residential program or boarding fees. Host‑family matching is part of the ISP process rather than a paid boarding program.

Other costs and fees

- Installment plan fees: USD 100 per student for the 5‑payment plan; USD 300 per student for the 9‑payment plan.
- Late enrollment administrative fee: USD 500 per student when Enrollment Agreements and deposits are submitted after published deadlines.
- Financial aid application processing cost: USD 65 to complete the Clarity Financial Aid application. Financial aid awards may cover tuition and certain program fees; limits vary by grade band (financial aid currently limited to a maximum of 50% for preschool through grade 5; families with children in grade 6+ may be eligible up to 100% of demonstrated need).
- School clothing and branded gear are made available through the school's clothing & gear vendor (school‑branded apparel sold separately). Instrument rental, private lesson fees and some optional activity fees are additional and billed separately when applicable.

Refunds and withdrawal

- Application fee (USD 50) and enrollment deposit (USD 800) are described as non‑refundable. Enrollment deposit secures a spot; late enrollment may trigger administrative fees.
- Employer‑sponsored tuition arrangements include a flexible withdrawal provision in case of relocation; in those cases tuition is prorated based on attendance. For standard family accounts, published materials reference the deposit as non‑refundable and administrative penalties where applicable; specific tuition refund or withdrawal terms are handled through the school's enrollment agreement and the family's billing contract.

Discounts and reductions

- Sibling discount: 5% for the second child and 10% for the third child enrolled (not applicable to employer‑sponsored tuition plans).
- GISB Employee Tuition Discount: children of GISB employees are eligible for a 50% tuition reduction (not applicable to employer‑sponsored tuition plans).
- Employer‑sponsored tuition customers receive a set of administrative benefits (for example, no upfront USD 800 deposit, no late enrollment or administrative fees, prorated tuition on relocation).

Fee payment options and billing portals

- Tuition billing and enrollment are managed through the school's tuition/enrollment portal (TADS); families set up a TADS account and select a payment plan and payment method in their TADS tuition contract. The school uses separate portals for other program registrations (for example, Jumbula for after‑school and activity registration). Accepted payment methods for tuition are established in each family's TADS agreement (TADS supports online payments and multiple payment methods via the school's billing setup).
- For extracurricular program registration and on‑campus music enrollments, the school uses Jumbula and other family portals; instrument rental and some private lesson payments are arranged with external vendors and billed separately.

Key administrative notes (fees and timing)

- The amounts above are the published 2026–2027 tuition rates and related fees, with installment schedules and plan fees as stated. The USD 50 application fee and USD 800 enrollment deposit are required steps in the admissions/enrollment process. Installment plan fees apply where noted. Financial aid and discounts are available under described conditions.

If you require these figures presented in a specific field-by-field format for an external database (for example: separate lines for tuition, deposit, installment fees, ASP fees, etc.), the amounts above can be parsed directly from each bolded section.
Academics

German International School Boston teaches Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
GISB offers a bilingual education with a German KMK-approved curriculum. The program prepares students for the German International Abitur (DIA) and confers both the DIA and the Massachusetts high school diploma. High school emphasizes science and mathematics with 13–16 hours of instruction per week across all four years, and college-level mathematics, science, and history are required. All students take German and English Language & Literature, and study at least one additional world language from grade 6 through grade 10. The Abitur program in grades 11–12 spans 11 subjects and ends with final Abitur exams (three written and two oral) proctored by German officials, while the AP German Language & Culture exam is available from 10th grade. All GISB graduates are fluent in English and German and speak at least one additional world language; 100% of graduates pursue higher education.

Student Teacher Ratio
High school classes typically have no more than 18 students. Elementary class sizes are small with individualized attention.

Exam Results
GISB follows a KMK-approved curriculum that prepares students for the DIA. The final Abitur exams consist of three written and two oral subject exams proctored by German officials. The AP German Language and Culture exam is available as an option in the German curriculum from 10th grade. 100% of GISB graduates pursue higher education.

Higher Education Progression
100% of GISB graduates pursue higher education.

Gifted and Talented
GISB Merit Award is an annual award honoring academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community service.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school counselor provides individualized mental health support to students and teaches social-emotional learning classes to middle school students. The student services team supports students in reaching their academic and emotional goals with health and wellness, social-emotional counseling, and special education support.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
GISB's Special Education Teachers support all teachers in creating an inclusive environment that provides specialized instructions for students with learning differences.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English fluency is not required at any grade level. Our English Department provides differentiated instruction for both novice and native English speakers alike.

Mental Wellbeing
The health team promotes the health and wellness of all students and provides day-to-day care. They oversee all public health requirements relating to our school, sports, and camp programs and offer health information sessions for students of all ages. The school counselor provides individualized mental health support to students.

Safeguarding
The health team oversees health and safety and public health requirements for the school, sports, and camp programs and offers health information sessions for students of all ages. The Magnus Health Portal is available for health information management, and the health team can be contacted at health@gisbos.org.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 2001 by a dedicated group of parents, GISB is an officially recognized German School Abroad. It moved to 57 Holton Street in Allston in 2006, where the Upper Campus houses the elementary, middle, and high school programs. In 2011 the German government designated GISB an Exzellente Auslandsschule, and the first senior class graduated in 2013 with the German International Abitur. GISB became a MINT Friendly School in 2015, and the Lower Campus opened in 2017 on Western Avenue. In 2024 GISB expanded with long-term leases for 57 Holton Street and 46 Belmont Street in Watertown; renovations in 2025 opened the new Lower Campus at 46 Belmont Street for Preschool–Grade 3, while Grades 4–12 returned to the renovated Upper Campus.

Community
GISB operates on two campuses: the Upper Campus at 57 Holton Street, Boston, and the Lower Campus at 46 Belmont Street, Watertown. The community hosts events such as the Spring Concert, Lion King Musical, Sound of Summer Concert, and GISB Flea Market (Flohmarkt), along with programs like the Spring Vacation Program and various field trips and performances. The school also offers author readings, parent education, clubs, and other extracurricular activities across both campuses.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
GISB is a non-profit membership organization governed by a Board of Trustees. All current parents become members, and memberships are available to community members who are not enrolled at the school (for example, alumni); non-parent memberships carry an annual fee. At the start of each school year, every class elects representatives to the Parent Council, which meets approximately every six weeks to share information, address concerns, and collaborate with the school administration. The Parent Council also organizes community events, the staff appreciation fund, teacher gifts, and staff appreciation day. Parents can volunteer in the classroom, chaperone field trips, or help with community events, and there are opportunities to contribute through leadership roles and board committees.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
GISB operates on two campuses in the Boston area: the Upper Campus on 57 Holton Street, Boston, for grades 4–12, and the Lower Campus on 46 Belmont Street, Watertown, for preschool through grade 3. The Lower Campus features classrooms designed for younger students, an outdoor playground, a large indoor multi-use space, and a teaching kitchen for young chefs. It also includes a bilingual library and a dedicated music room, with both campuses renovated and expanded to support growth. The Lower Campus moved to Watertown in Fall 2025, reinforcing GISB's presence in the Boston area. The school provides a bilingual German–English program within a German curriculum.

Sports Facilities
The Lower Campus includes a gymnasium with a performance stage for indoor athletic and performance activities. The physical education program includes off‑campus activities at Harvard University's athletic facilities, swimming at Boston University, rock climbing at a local indoor gym, and CrossFit. GISB also supports youth sport programs such as the GISB Futsal Team for lower grades (Grades 1–3), with practices held at the Lower Campus and participation in local leagues.

Academic Facilities
GISB follows a KMK‑approved German curriculum and prepares students for the Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA), with courses in German and English and a two‑year Abitur track in grades 11–12. Science and mathematics receive emphasis with substantial instructional hours across all four years, and U.S. history topics are incorporated into the history curriculum. AP German Language and Culture is available in upper grades and may be taken for college‑level recognition, with AP designation on the 12th‑grade German course transcript. Graduates pursue higher education, and 100% of GISB graduates go on to higher education.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Secondary School Extracurricular Activities include Sports: Ski/Snowboarding (Ski Week), Volleyball, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, and Soccer. Clubs include Creative Writing, Yearbook, Student Newspaper, Environmental Club, GSA, Model UN, and Tutoring. Music & Arts offerings include Private Recorder, Piano, and Voice lessons and Musical Theater Club. GISB Futsal Team (Grades 1–3) trains weekly at the Lower Campus and participates in league play.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
GISB is a bilingual independent school serving preschool through grade 12. The German curriculum is internationally acclaimed and GISB awards the International Abitur. GISB is part of a network of 136 officially recognized International German Schools worldwide. The International Abitur is recognized at European and American colleges and universities as an academic distinction.

Arts & Creative
Music is a core, collaborative experience at GISB. The School Day Music Program for Grades 1–3 includes small-group violin and cello lessons, singing and recorder, and instrument rental. For older students, there are additional instrumental lessons and ensembles, plus a chorus that performs at school events. After-school offerings include the GISB Ensemble, GISB Symphony Orchestra, and a Musical Theater Production; private instrumental instruction is offered after school by experienced instructors.

Cultural & Language
GISB provides bilingual education with a German language focus and a Fast Track program designed to develop German language proficiency. Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten welcome beginners and provide immersive German-language instruction with targeted language support. Grades 1–5 Fast Track accelerates language learning, enabling participation in GISB's bilingual curriculum after one or two years. Ongoing language support is provided for all students, including native German speakers.

Social & Hobbies
GISB Upper Campus offers daily student life with a broad menu of clubs and activities, including Admissions Ambassadors, Band, Basketball, Chess, Coding, Creative Writing Club, Environmental Club, Film Making, Model UN, Musical Theater & Musical Ensemble, Student Council, Yearbook, and Open Art Studio. A GISB Children's Choir and ensemble program provide additional musical outlets after school, alongside private instrumental instruction. Senior and Junior Student Life include a range of clubs and classes that foster collaboration and personal interests.

Community & Service
Volunteer opportunities are available through Senior Student Life for older students. The program includes field trips and career-oriented outings that connect students with the broader community. The school emphasizes community and teamwork through a wide array of student clubs and activities such as Admissions Ambassadors and Student Council.

Leadership & Professional
GISB offers leadership opportunities such as Admissions Ambassadors and Student Council. Junior and Senior Student Life empower students to shape their own experiences through daily clubs, events, and supervised activities. The after-school program provides leadership development through a broad range of clubs and activities for older students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and fitness are integral to GISB's program, with a wide array of athletic activities available through Senior Student Life. The program also includes a maker space and an open art studio for hands-on projects and creative exploration. Students participate in field trips and career-oriented outings as part of a balanced, engaging after-school experience. Dance, Crossfit, and various clubs support wellness and healthy lifestyle habits.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in German and English. In the Abitur, classes are taught in German or English depending on the subject, and occasionally in both languages. A third language is learned as part of the Abitur program. GISB is recognized as a German School Abroad and can award the International Abitur.

Bilingual Teaching
GISB offers a bilingual education in German and English. The German International Abitur program provides instruction in German and English depending on the subject, with occasional bilingual delivery. The curriculum is robust, internationally oriented and well-rounded, opening doors to colleges and universities in the United States, Germany, and worldwide.

Immersion Programs
Early Childhood Education uses a play-based language-immersion program. There is a German immersion preschool offered, with a German-language curriculum through elementary to high school. Immersion is a central component of GISB's bilingual program.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
The school is a bilingual independent school serving preschool through grade 12 and is part of a network of officially recognized International German Schools worldwide, enabling it to award the German International Abitur. The Abitur and GISB High School Diploma are recognized by European and American colleges and universities.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit an inquiry form. We'll contact you to schedule a (video) call or a personal tour. This begins the admissions process.

2. Join an admissions event. Meet our community and learn about GISB. This helps you understand the program and culture.

3. Submit your online application and non-refundable $50 application fee. This starts the formal application process. You will be guided through the admissions timeline.

4. Schedule a student visit. Language and math assessments are required for Fast Track applicants. Other applicants may have additional evaluation steps.

5. Await admissions decision. View the admissions timeline to understand when decisions are released. You will be notified within the stated timeframe.

6. Submit your enrollment agreement and $800 non-refundable deposit to secure your child's spot. Deposits and enrollment agreements are due by the specified dates. Spots cannot be held until both documents are received.

7. International Student Program (ISP) Applications. International students follow the same admissions timeline. A mandatory online interview is scheduled. If accepted, enrollment is initiated along with visa processing and host-family matching.

8. Fast Track Applications. GISB accepts Fast Track applications for grades K to 5 according to the regular admissions timeline. Grades 2–5 undergo Math and English assessments. The program is subject to minimum enrollment; contact Marion Goodwin for more information.

Scholarships
GISB is committed to enrolling a diverse student body and making bilingual education affordable to all families. We offer various tuition reductions and a need-based financial aid program.

2026-2027 Tuition: Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten $28,365; Grades 1–4 $28,645; Grades 5–10 $30,315; Grades 11 & 12 $32,205.

Payment Plans and Financial Aid: GISB offers three payment plans (2, 5, or 9 installments). Financial aid is awarded based on financial need and is typically for tuition as well as after-school program costs and overnight trips.

Financial Aid: Aid is typically granted based on need and is awarded through Clarity Financial Aid; an annual renewal is required. International Student Program applicants are not eligible for financial aid.

Important Dates: Financial aid applications become available online in mid-October 2025; returning families due January 1, 2026; new families due February 1, 2026.

Other Tuition Reductions and Benefits: Sibling Discount 5% for the 2nd child and 10% for the 3rd child; GISB Employee Tuition Discount 50%; Employer-Sponsored Tuition Benefits include benefits such as guaranteed enrollment, waitlist priority, no upfront deposit, and customized payment plans.

For further information about financial aid or tuition reductions and benefits, please contact the Director of Finance.

Merit Award: Established in 2016, the GISB Merit Award honors academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community service. Applications are open for students in grades 9 and up; the award includes a one-year tuition reduction and is awarded annually by a committee.
School Events
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