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Teaching Philosophy

UNSERE UNTERRICHTPHILOSOPHIE 教学理念

Our students develop and maintain fluency in German, Mandarin, and English languages, depending on the track.

At German International School we give our students the tools and perspectives they need to be active participants in a global community by nurturing their natural curiosity with inquiry-based learning. 

We provide a high-quality German and Mandarin language education by immersing students in the language and culture, and as an IB World School, we are committed to developing knowledgeable, caring world citizens.

German School of Excellence

GIS is accredited by the German Central Administration for Schools Abroad and is a designated German School of Excellence

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International Baccalaureate

GIS is an IB World School, using the Primary Years Programme framework for preschool through grade 5.

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Chinese Language Program

The GIS Chinese track educates students from 2 years old through Grade 5. We will be adding Grade 6 in 2023-2024.

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Frequently asked questions about our teaching philosophy

Answer

No! A child can enroll in Preschool or Kindergarten with no exposure to the German or Chinese language.

Answer

Yes! All GIS students receive music, art and PE each week

Answer

Near-native or native fluency of the German or Chinese language is a requirement for all teachers who instruct in German or Chinese, including Head classroom teachers. Teaching assistants are either native or proficient in the language. All English teachers are native English speakers. Read all about our staff!

Answer

We are the only school (preschool-5th grade) in the Portland metro area that offers German language as an immersion program; our graduates will speak German fluently upon graduation. The addition of a Chinese track option gives parents even more language-immersion choice. Our academic standard is very high, we hire experienced teachers, keep class sizes small, and teach using a German curriculum within the International Baccalaureate framework, recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities.

Answer

Who?

For motivated students entering grades 1 through 3 with little to no German or Mandarin skills.

What?

One-year accelerated program that embeds students in a language immersion classroom with individual or small group pull-out sessions to offer intensive language support.

How?

Relevant and hands-on learning opportunities with real-life connections

Interactive language software

small group instruction

one-on-one coaching

Language immersion classroom

Expert visits

Field trips


Our Grade Levels

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German International School

3900 SW Murray Blvd.

Beaverton, OR 97005

PH (503) 626-9089

FX (503) 626-9730

International Baccalaureate® (IB) World SchoolPrimary Years Programme
Zentralstelle für das AuslandsschulwesenConsulate General, San FranciscoCertificate of ExcellencePasch

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