Grade School, Grades 1st through 4th
Inquiry, language, and personal growth in every classroom.
At GIS, elementary grade students build on the foundations skills developed in early childhood and deeper their understanding of the world through inquiry based learning, language immersion and real world application.
Competency based curricula from Thuringia, Germany and Beijing, China
Framework of International Baccalaureate (IB) and Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Integrated German or Mandarin Chinese language immersion
Diverse hands on learning experiences for growing minds
Learning is structured around the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), with integrated Units of Inquiry that connect academic content to students’ lived experiences. This approach fosters curiosity, independence, and meaningful learning across subject areas.
Multidisciplinary topics are explored through hands on projects, field experiences, and collaboration. Instruction is differentiated to meet the needs of each learner, allowing every student to engage at the right level and pace.
Language immersion with structured support
In addition to full immersion in the target language (German or Mandarin Chinese) during the school day, students also receive dedicated small group instruction in that target language. These sessions offer more structured language learning aligned with classroom themes, reinforcing vocabulary, grammar and comprehension in context.
Whether they’ve been with GIS since preschool or joined later, all students are supported in their language acquisition journey with tailored instruction and individual attention.
Learning beyond the classroom
Experiential learning is a key part of the GIS approach. Students plant and maintain our school garden and creek area, learning first hand what it means to be responsible environmental stewards. Field trips and expert visits connect classroom learning to the real world and extend the Units of Inquiry into the broader community.
These experiences help students see the impact of their learning and understand their role in a connected world.
GIS Fast tracks: Supporting new language learners
We know that not every student begins their GIS journey with German or Mandarin Chinese fluency. That’s why we offer a Fast Track language support program for students in grades 1-3 entering with little to no prior exposure to their selected immersion language.
Fast Track provides intensive, small group instruction led by experienced language educators. Using interactive tools, one on on coaching, and individualized lesson plans, students build skills quickly and confidently. The program also includes cultural immersion experiences to reinforce both language learning and global understanding.
Our goal is to ensure every student can participate fully in the classroom, feel a sense of belonging, and make steady progress toward fluency.