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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
The Essentials
German International School Chicago has instruction in German, English.
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
Fees
Annual tuition at German International School Chicago ranges from USD 18,450 to USD 22,830 for 2026/27.
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
German International School Chicago teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), German Curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.
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.
Admissions
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.
FAQs
What curriculum does German International School Chicago follow?
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.
What are the tuition fees at German International School Chicago?
Annual tuition fees range from USD 18,450 to USD 22,830 depending on the year group. **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 ye
What age range does German International School Chicago serve?
The school serves students aged 3 to 14. Preschool through Grade 9; Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School; bilingual German-English instruction.
Where is German International School Chicago located?
1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613. Located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood.
Does German International School Chicago provide SEN support?
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.
What wellbeing support does German International School Chicago offer?
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.
How do I apply to German International School Chicago?
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 g
How diverse is the student body at German International School Chicago?
40+ nationalities represented; 64% international families
What type of school is German International School Chicago?
German International School Chicago is a Co-educational school with 200 students. IB World School (Authorized for the PYP)
What languages are taught at German International School Chicago?
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 Languag
What is the history of German International School Chicago?
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 Scho
What extracurricular activities are available?
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 mor
