German International School Chicago

United States, Chicago

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The school at a glance

Instructs in German, English

Fees $18,450 - 22,830

Ages 3 - 14 years

Type Co-educational

Opened 2007

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), German Curriculum

Taught languages German, English, Spanish, French

Strengths Languages, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts

Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service

Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Introduction

German International School Chicago (GISC) is a Preschool–Grade 9 school in Chicago's Ravenswood area offering a German–English bilingual education within the IB framework. The 30,000 sq ft campus serves roughly 200 students from 64 international families representing 40+ nationalities, with 25+ languages spoken. GISC is officially designated as a German School Abroad (DAS) in the U.S. Midwest and was recognized in 2024 for ties to the German education system. The school is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and provides a German-English bilingual curriculum, with the majority of subjects taught in German and full immersion from Day 1 in Preschool. The first high school class is planned to graduate in 2030 under the Strategic Plan 2024–2030. Facilities include a Large Nature Playground and a 6.5:1 student–teacher ratio, enabling small-group learning. The school offers after-school care, World Camp language immersion, and a library serving multiple languages.

1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

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The Essentials

Location

1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613. Located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood.

Stages

Preschool through Grade 9; Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School; bilingual German-English instruction.

Type

IB World School (Authorized for the PYP)

Pupil Nationality Mix

40+ nationalities represented; 64% international families

Country affiliation

Germany; Official German School Abroad (DAS) in the U.S. Midwest

Diving Deeper

Food Options

Lunch is provided through the Yay Lunch program; families can register at yaylunch.com to view the daily menu and place orders. The school schedules two daily 40-minute breaks for K–8 students during which they snack and have lunch; meals are eaten outdoors when weather permits, inside if temperatures drop below 45°F.

Governance and Ownership

The school is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation governed by its Board of Trustees.

Fees

2026–2027 Tuition (by program)
- Preschool Part‑Day (8:00am–1:00pm): USD 18,450 per year.
- Preschool Full‑Day (8:00am–3:00pm): USD 21,950 per year.
- Grades K–9 (8:00am–3:00pm): USD 22,830 per year.

Corporate tuition (by program)
- Preschool Part‑Day: USD 23,450 per year.
- Preschool Full‑Day: USD 26,950 per year.
- Grades K–9: USD 27,830 per year.

Application and enrollment fees
- Admission (application) fee for new students: USD 200 (due with application).
- New family fee (grades K–8) for new families: USD 2,000 (due with first tuition installment).
- Tuition deposit: non‑refundable USD 1,500 due with student registration.

Additional / program fees
- Field trip fee: Preschool USD 75; Grades K–4 USD 100; Grades 5–9 USD 200 (all due with first tuition installment).
- Fast Track German Language Program (Grades 3–6): USD 4,000 per student.
- GPG (parent group) membership fee: USD 60 per student (required as part of enrollment for Deutsche Auslandsschulen).

Tuition reductions and sibling discounts
- Sibling reduction: USD 1,000 off tuition for the second child enrolled. For each additional child, tuition is reduced by one‑third of the original rate.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- A non‑refundable tuition deposit of USD 1,500 is due at registration.
- Remaining tuition balance is billed in two installments due on July 1 and November 1.
- Monthly payment plans are available; enrolling in a monthly plan incurs a 2.5% surcharge to the total tuition, payable with the first installment.
- For corporate tuition arrangements, first‑time enrollment deposit is required; re‑enrolling families with employer‑paid tuition may not be required to pay an upfront deposit. Corporate accounts receive customized payment plans at no additional charge and no finance charges on account balances.

Boarding
- Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school.

Refunds and withdrawal-related terms
- The USD 1,500 tuition deposit is non‑refundable. For corporate tuition arrangements, withdrawal is handled on a prorated basis based on attendance. Other refund or withdrawal specifics are governed by the school's enrollment/financial policies.

Other costs parents commonly pay (examples noted in billing items)
- One‑time or annual charges in addition to tuition can include the new family fee, field trip fees, program fees (e.g., Fast Track German), and GPG membership fee as listed above. These additional charges are charged on or with the first tuition installment unless specified otherwise.

Fee payment options and practical notes on payment
- The school provides installment and monthly payment plan options (monthly plans carry a 2.5% surcharge). Corporate tuition arrangements offer customized payment plans and billing options for employer‑paid tuition. Specific payment method types (for example: credit card, bank transfer/Wire/ACH) are handled through the school's billing processes and accounts receivable procedures. For corporate accounts, no finance charges are assessed on account balances.

Important dates and timing
- Re‑enrollment contracts, new student enrollment contracts, and financial aid applications are noted with a March 31 deadline in the school's enrollment timeline. Installment due dates for tuition are July 1 and November 1.

(End of fee overview)

Academics

Curriculum

GISC is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) offering a German-English bilingual education from Preschool through Grade 9. The majority of subjects are taught in German, and there is full German immersion from Day 1. It is a bilingual program spanning Preschool–Grade 9, with IB credentials and an emphasis on international education.

Student Teacher Ratio

6.5:1

Gifted and Talented

Fast Track German Language Program (FTGLP) is open to gifted students in Grades 3-6.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEL is integrated into classroom practice with a Counseling Resource Teacher who collaborates with teachers to implement social-emotional learning, mental health support, and anti-bullying initiatives, ensuring every student feels safe, respected, and valued.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion supports neurodiverse students; staff participate in professional development on inclusion to promote equity and create more supportive learning environments for neurodiverse learners.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Become Bilingual provides English Language Learner (ELL) support; new students in grades K-2 without German fluency join the Become Bilingual Program as German Language Learners, and students with limited English knowledge receive tutoring through BBP as English Language Learners.

Mental Wellbeing

The Counseling Resource Teacher supports mental health and social-emotional learning, promoting a positive, supportive environment and anti-bullying initiatives.

Safeguarding

The school maintains a Student Bullying Prevention Policy; safety reminders for drop-off and pick-up; all doors are locked during the day with the Front Office as the only access and a visitor sign-in sheet; a state-of-the-art intercom system provides immediate communication and drills for fire, inclement weather, and lockdown.

Parent Experience

History

Founded in 2007, the German International School Chicago began as a small preschool and grew into a full-day bilingual school in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, now enrolling around 200 students from over 40 nations. The school provides a bilingual German-English education and is an IB World School authorized for the PYP. In 2024, it was recognized as a Deutsche Auslandsschule (German School Abroad), reflecting ties to German-speaking culture and the German education system. The motto is 'Give Your Child the World,' and the school plans to graduate its first high school class in 2030 under its Strategic Plan 2024–2030.

Community

GISC describes itself as an active community that values every family and hosts events around holidays and German-American cultural gatherings organized by the school and the GPG. Community events include the Chicago Von Steuben Parade, Oktoberfest, Laternenfest & St. Martin's Parade, Nikolaus, Lunar New Year, Fasching, Spring Concert & Art Showcase, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, and End of School Potluck. All parents are automatically part of the GPG, which is led by an elected team of volunteers and focuses on three areas: supporting the school and teachers through volunteering, welcoming new families and organizing Kaffeekränzchen and Buddy Family systems, and fostering community through events and parent gatherings. The GPG is represented by two room parents in every classroom who attend monthly meetings with the GPG board and school administration, and committees include Adult Karneval, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, and Yearbook; community activities include New Family Integration, Library Volunteers, Flohmarkt, International Potluck, and Crafternoon.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The GISC Parent Group (GPG) functions as the school's ongoing parent community. All GISC parents are automatically part of the GPG, and the group is led by an elected team of parent volunteers. The GPG concentrates on three areas: supporting the school and teachers through volunteering for field trips, activities, classroom presentations, and school events; supporting parents by welcoming new families, organizing Kaffeekränzchen (coffee meetups), implementing a Buddy Family system, and planning community activities; and fostering community through events like the von Steuben Parade, International Potluck, Bike to School Day, and various parent gatherings. The GPG is represented by two room parents in every classroom who attend monthly meetings with the GPG board and school administration. Committees include Adult Karneval, Decoration, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, and Yearbook, and community activities include New Family Integration, Library Volunteers, Flohmarkt, International Potluck, and Crafternoon.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

The German International School Chicago is located at 1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 in the Ravenswood neighborhood. It offers a bilingual German-English education for Preschool through Grade 9 and is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The campus provides 30,000 sq ft of learning space and features a Large Nature Playground. Full German immersion is offered from Day 1 in the Preschool program. The school has a 6.5:1 student-teacher ratio and about 200 students from 64 international families representing 40+ nationalities, with 25+ languages spoken by families. 100% of GISC students speak multiple languages.

Academic Facilities

The school provides a bilingual German-English education for Preschool through Grade 9 and is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Extra Curricular Facilities

After-School Activities and Extracurriculars include After Care from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with supervised sessions (3:00-4:30 and 4:30-6:00) and the option to enroll up to five days per week or use a Drop-In Program. A full list of current after-school programming is available in the PDFs for Winter/Spring 2026 and Fall 2025. Programs include academic support, sports & movement, and arts & music.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

After School Programs include After Care (supervised free play), academic programs, sports & movement, and arts & music. After Care runs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with two sessions: 3:00–4:30 and 4:30–6:00. World Camp offers in-person language immersion camps in German, French, Italian, Arabic, or Mandarin for ages 3–11, and Investigative Learning Camps for ages 11–14 (German, English, and French speakers). The library provides more than 8,000 print resources in German, English, Spanish, and French to support literacy and research.

Arts & Creative

Music and the arts are an integral part of the curriculum. German history and culture are celebrated through music and visual arts, with events such as the Winter Concert and Spring Art & Music Show. After-School Art & Music Programs offer classes in arts & crafts, piano, guitar, percussion, and more.

Cultural & Language

GISC is a German-English bilingual IB World School. Our language immersion program provides students with the tools to learn and communicate effectively in German. World Camp offers in-person language immersion in German, French, Italian, Arabic, and Mandarin for ages 3–11, and Investigative Learning Camps for ages 11–14 for German, English, and French speakers. Community events celebrate German language and culture, including Oktoberfest, Laternenfest, St. Martin's Parade, and Nikolaus.

Social & Hobbies

The GISC community hosts a range of events organized by the GISC Parent Group (GPG) and the school, including the von Steuben Parade, Oktoberfest, Laternenfest & St. Martin's Parade, Nikolaus, Lunar New Year, Fasching, Spring Concert & Art Showcase, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, and End of School Potluck. The GPG is led by an elected team of parent volunteers and focuses on three areas: supporting the school and teachers, supporting parents, and fostering community. Committees include Adult Karneval, Decoration, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, and Yearbook, and community activities include New Family Integration, Kaffeekränzchen, Spielgruppe, Library Volunteers, Flohmarkt, International Potluck, Crafternoon, and Mamás Hispanoparlantes.

Community & Service

Volunteering for field trips, classroom presentations, and school events is organized by the GPG, which also coordinates a range of community activities to engage families. The GPG is represented by two room parents in every classroom who attend monthly meetings with the GPG board and school administration. Committees support fundraising, decorations, and event planning (Adult Karneval, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, Yearbook), while community activities include New Family Integration, Kaffeekränzchen, Spielgruppe, Library Volunteers, Flohmarkt, International Potluck, Crafternoon, and Mamás Hispanoparlantes.

Leadership & Professional

The GPG is led by an elected team of parent volunteers. Two room parents in every classroom represent the GPG and attend monthly meetings with the GPG board and school administration. The group maintains committees including Adult Karneval, Decoration, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, and Yearbook, and coordinates community activities such as New Family Integration, Kaffeekränzchen, Spielgruppe, and Library Volunteers. Participation offers flexible opportunities regardless of work schedules or language abilities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

After-School Care is offered from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with sessions from 3:00–4:30 and 4:30–6:00, providing a supervised space for activities. The After-Care program includes supervision plus sports & movement and arts & music. A weekly GISC Playgroup runs on Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 10:00 am for babies and toddlers in the gym, playground, or local parks, with no language requirement. Summer Camp features World Camp language immersion in German, French, Italian, Arabic, and Mandarin, and Investigative Learning Camps for ages 11–14, offering cultural and linguistic engagement in the summer.

Languages

Language Provision

The languages of instruction are German and English in a German-English bilingual education. After preschool, students are placed in Become Bilingual Program (BBP) or Fast Track German Language Program (FTGLP). BBP serves Kindergarten–Grade 2 and supports German Language Learners and English Language Learners with targeted instruction; FTGLP serves Grades 3–6 for students with little or no German experience to develop German language skills.

Bilingual Teaching

German-English bilingual education is central to GISC. GISC students are fluent in both German and English and are prepared to study in German-speaking countries and beyond. Preschool offers full German immersion from day one. New students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 join the Become Bilingual Program as German Language Learners, and students in Grades 3–6 join the Fast Track German Language Program for those with little or no German experience.

Immersion Programs

Preschool provides full German immersion from day one. All students experience immersion in daily school life, with German heard in hallways, on the playground, and beyond. The Become Bilingual Program and Fast Track German Language Program supplement immersion with highly targeted language instruction to support language acquisition.

Admissions

The school offers a personalized bilingual and international education from Preschool through Grade 8, with High School Grade 9 launching in 2026-2027 and first graduates expected in 2030. It is currently enrolling Preschool to Grade 9. The Expat Brochure describes a full-day preschool through 8th grade program with flexible after-school care until 6:00 pm and extracurricular opportunities for children aged 3 to 14. Classes are taught in German and English, combining German and US curricula within the International Baccalaureate framework. Students in Grade 8 take the DSD I exam. GISC supports a seamless enrollment process through a personalized admissions path and reserves spots in every class for expat families to avoid the stress of a waitlist. GISC accepts new students at any time during the school year.

Waitlist

Expat families have reserved spots in every class to avoid the uncertainty of a waitlist.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is the German International School Chicago located and what ages do you serve?

GISC is located at 1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 in the Ravenswood neighborhood. The school serves children aged 3 to 14, covering Preschool through Grade 9.

What type of curriculum does GISC offer and what language model do you use?

GISC is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and delivers a German–English bilingual education. The majority of subjects are taught in German, with full German immersion starting on Day 1 in Preschool.

How large is the school community and when was GISC founded?

GISC was founded in 2007 and enrolls roughly 200 students from 64 international families representing 40+ nationalities, with 25+ languages spoken by families. The campus comprises about 30,000 sq ft of learning space and emphasizes multilingualism across the community.

How do I apply and are there any important admissions deadlines I should know about?

Applications require a USD 200 admission (application) fee due with the application, and new student enrollment contracts and financial aid applications follow the school's March 31 timeline for the enrollment cycle. GISC accepts new students at any time during the school year and reserves spots in every class for expat families to avoid a waitlist.

What enrollment and upfront fees will we need to pay when joining the school?

New families pay an admission (application) fee of USD 200 due with the application, a tuition deposit of non‑refundable USD 1,500 due with student registration, and a New Family Fee of USD 2,000 (grades K–8) due with the first tuition installment. All families are also charged a GPG membership fee of USD 60 per student as part of enrollment and applicable field trip fees are billed with the first installment.

Are there sibling discounts, payment plans, or corporate tuition options available?

There is a sibling reduction of USD 1,000 off tuition for the second child enrolled, and for each additional child tuition is reduced by one‑third of the original rate. Remaining tuition is billed in two installments due on July 1 and November 1, and monthly payment plans are available with a 2.5% surcharge to the total tuition. Corporate tuition arrangements are available with customized payment plans and, in some cases, re‑enrolling families with employer‑paid tuition may not be required to pay an upfront deposit.

Which grades does GISC currently teach and when will high school be available?

GISC currently teaches Preschool through Grade 9 and is enrolling through Grade 9 for the 2026–2027 year. Under the Strategic Plan 2024–2030 the school expects the first high school graduates in 2030.

What is the typical class size or student–teacher ratio?

GISC maintains a student–teacher ratio of 6.5:1, allowing for small‑group learning and personalized attention. This ratio supports individualized instruction and close teacher collaboration with students.

Does GISC offer accelerated or targeted language programs for students with little German experience?

Yes. New students in Kindergarten–Grade 2 join the Become Bilingual Program (BBP) for targeted German (and English) language support, and students in Grades 3–6 can enroll in the Fast Track German Language Program (FTGLP), which is available at a fee of USD 4,000 per student to accelerate German acquisition.

What campus facilities and outdoor spaces does the school have?

The GISC campus offers approximately 30,000 sq ft of learning space and features a Large Nature Playground for outdoor play and learning. Classrooms and common areas are configured to support bilingual instruction and small‑group activities.

What library and academic resources are available to students?

The school library holds more than 8,000 print resources in German, English, Spanish, and French to support literacy and research across grade levels. Library services are used both during the school day and for curricular projects to bolster multilingual learning.

Is after‑school care provided on campus and what are the hours?

After Care is offered on campus from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm with two supervised sessions (3:00–4:30 and 4:30–6:00). Families may enroll up to five days per week or use a Drop‑In Program, and after‑care programming includes supervised free play plus options for sports, movement, and arts & music.

What kinds of extracurricular activities and clubs are offered?

After‑school programming includes academic support, sports & movement, and arts & music classes, as listed in seasonal activity guides. Offerings vary by term and include options such as piano, guitar, percussion, arts & crafts, and academic enrichment sessions.

Does GISC run summer camps or language immersion programs?

Yes, GISC runs World Camp language immersion programs for ages 3–11 (offered in German, French, Italian, Arabic, and Mandarin) and Investigative Learning Camps for ages 11–14 for German, English, and French speakers. These camps provide concentrated language and cultural experiences during the summer months.

What arts and performance opportunities do students have during the year?

Music and visual arts are integrated throughout the curriculum and showcased in community events such as the Winter Concert and Spring Art & Music Show. After‑school arts programs and instrument lessons supplement classroom instruction and provide performance opportunities.

How does GISC support social‑emotional learning and student mental wellbeing?

SEL is integrated into classroom practice and supported by a Counseling Resource Teacher who collaborates with teachers on social‑emotional learning, mental health support, and anti‑bullying initiatives. The school runs programs and interventions to ensure students feel safe, respected, and valued.

What support is available for neurodiverse students and English or German language learners?

GISC's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts support neurodiverse learners and staff engage in professional development on inclusion to create more supportive environments. Language support includes the Become Bilingual Program for Kindergarten–Grade 2 and targeted ELL instruction, plus the Fast Track German program for Grades 3–6 to help students with little or no German.

What safeguarding and safety procedures does the school have in place?

All exterior doors are kept locked during the day with the Front Office as the single access point and a visitor sign‑in procedure in place. The campus uses a state‑of‑the‑art intercom system for immediate communication, conducts drills for fire, inclement weather, and lockdown, and maintains a Student Bullying Prevention Policy.

Is boarding offered and how are meals handled at school?

Boarding is not offered; GISC operates as a day school. Lunch is provided through the Yay Lunch program and families may register at yaylunch.com to view menus and place orders; the school schedules two daily 40‑minute breaks for K–8 students and serves meals outdoors when weather permits or indoors when temperatures drop below 45°F.

How are parents organized and how can families get involved in the school community?

All parents are automatically members of the GISC Parent Group (GPG), which is led by an elected team of volunteers and represented by two room parents in every classroom. The GPG coordinates volunteer opportunities, community events, and committees such as Decoration, Gala, Garden, Laternenfest, and Yearbook to welcome and engage families.

What are the tuition fees at German International School Chicago?

Annual tuition at German International School Chicago ranges from USD 18,450 to USD 22,830 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.

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