Teen Language Classes at GIS
Empowering students to stay connected to language, culture, and global opportunity.
At GIS, we believe language is more than a skill. It’s a key to understanding the world and your place in it. Our teen language classes extend that belief beyond the traditional school day, giving middle and high school students the chance to deepen their connection to German or Mandarin Chinese, strengthen academic skills, and engage with culture in meaningful ways. Our after-school classes offer a supportive path forward, grounded in the same values of curiosity, empathy and global readiness that guide everything we do.
Intermediate Teen German
Fall Term: Sept 9, 2026 to Jan 13, 2027
Spring Term: Jan 27, 2027 to May 12, 2027
Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
7th - 9th Grade with German Experience
Cost: $375 per semester
Focus: building students' range of vocabulary and grammar to cover common academic topics, polishing reading, essay-writing and presentation skills.
Class meets for 75 minutes a week throughout the school year, divided into two terms. 8th and 9th graders may, with their instructor’s permission, be registered for the DSDI exam. Registration decisions take place in November for the exam in March. Students must enroll in the fall to test in the spring.
For students who have successfully achieved the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language or been scored as Intermediate Mid (ACTFL). Families are encouraged to contact the instructor to discuss their students’ background.
Advanced Teen German: Reading, Writing and Culture
Fall Term: Sept 9, 2026 to Jan 13, 2027
Spring Term: Jan 27, 2027 to May 12, 2027
Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
9th-12th graders with previous German experience
Cost: $375 per semester
Focus: building students' range of vocabulary and grammar to cover specialized academic and personal interest topics, polishing reading and essay-writing skills in preparation for college or professions, with an emphasis on contemporary DACH culture.
The course meets for 75 minutes a week throughout the school year, divided into two terms. This is not an AP class, but students interested in the AP or other college-level exams should find this class helpful.
For students who have successfully achieved the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language or been scored as Advanced Low (ACTFL). Families are encouraged to contact the instructor to discuss their students’ background.
Advanced Teen German: Presentation Skills and Debate
Fall term: Oct 6, 2026 to Jan 5, 2027
Spring Term: Jan 19, 2027 to May 8, 2027
1st & 3rd Tuesdays starting in October, 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
8th-12th graders with previous German experience
Cost: $205 per semester
This course builds students' fluency and confidence speaking in situations with specific rhetorical expectations, especially oral presentations and debates. Class format emphasizes preparation (student-initiated research) and in-class participation, but there is little written work.
The course meets for 75 minutes twice a month throughout the school year, divided into two terms. This is not an AP class, but students interested in the AP exam may find this class helpful in preparing for the oral section of the exam. It is a good way for students with a full afterschool schedule to continue growing their German. In addition, students who enroll both terms may be eligible to participate in a spring debate with students from other German schools.
Families are encouraged to contact the instructor if they would like to discuss whether their students would be a good fit for the class.