German School Chicago (GSC) is an independent, not-for-profit, dual-language school with the curriculum mainly taught in German and a multi-cultural approach. The School welcomes students of all backgrounds and nationalities. Students learn in a supportive, intimate, individualized environment that nurtures curiosity and creativity and fosters global awareness. GSC students – fluent in German and English – will become well-rounded, responsible global citizens.
GSC Preschool & Kindergarten (ages 3-5) offer a curriculum based on hands-on Montessori materials with a whole-child approach. It encourages self-motivation and independence, develops self-confidence and promotes self-discovery. Multi-age classes are taught by a head-teacher and one or two assistants, all native German speakers. Students engage in activities in various content areas in small groups, individually or whole class. Preschool offers part-day (9:00-1:00) and full-day (9:00-3:00) programs 5 days/week; Kindergarten is a full-day (9:00-3:00) program.
Upon entering first grade, students will have acquired oral fluency in German, as well as, some basic reading and writing skills.
GSC Elementary School (ages 6-11; grades 1-5) now offers grades 1 through 3. Students entering these grades are expected to be fluent in German. New enrollees who lack German language fluency will receive extra help to catch up with the required proficiency in German.
The discipline-based curriculum encourages independent learning. Trans-disciplinary projects (e.g., biology and ecology, music and math) – as developed in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program – further integration of students’ skills and knowledge. Students work on themes with global perspectives. Through structured inquiry students build knowledge, develop meaning and refine understanding. Group projects also focus on communication skills and team work.
Although the curriculum will continue to be taught mainly in German, students will also receive Language Arts instruction in English.
GSC-Middle School (ages 11-14; grades 6-8) will be offered with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. The goals remain consistent with those in Pre-K through grade 5. IB students strive to be: Inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, reflective.
German remains the dominant language. However, English literature and writing, U.S. History and some Mathematics will be taught in English. Other languages are offered as electives.
GSC-Upper School (ages 14-18; grades 9-12) offers the IB Program and also course-work required for the Illinois High School Diploma.
Programs:
Pre-School, ages 3-4: Part-Day (9:00am to 1:00 pm); Full-Day (9:00 am to 3:00 pm)
Kindergarten: Full-Day (9:00 am to 3:00 pm)
Elementary School: (Grades 1-4) 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Before/After School Care: Before (7:30 am to 9:00 am); After (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm)
To learn more about GSC or to schedule a visit,
call 773-880-8812 or email info@germanschoolchicago.com
