Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
200 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
40 |
| Most common nationality |
International |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1:1 |
| Native English and German speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and German |
Yes, including English Language Learner (ELL) and German Language Learner (GLL) support |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Spanish |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
16 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Smart boards, Chromebooks, and iPads are as much part of GISC teaching and learning as books, paper, pencils, paint brushes, etc. As there is WiFi throughout the School, students work with school-provided iPads and Chromebooks on specific projects. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, should there be a need for remote learning again in the future, GISC has a full virtual classroom plan in place. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
No |
| Student access to education psychologist |
No |
| Entry evaluation for students |
For students in Grades 3 and up, there is a German language assessment. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
German language assessment |
| Waiting list |
No |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:00am |
| School finish time |
3:00pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Before-school care is available upon request from 7:30 am – 8:00 am. After-school care is offered from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Session 1: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm; Session 2: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm). |
| School bus service available |
GISC offers a morning school bus service with convenient pick-up locations from the South side, West side, and North side of Chicago as well as the Northern suburbs. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes, through our catering partner. Students may either bring their own lunch or place an order. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
We are a nut-free school to help keep all students safe. |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Arts Class, Chess, Choir, Coding, Debate Club, Guitar, Makers Club, Music Class, Piano, ScienceWiz & Wacky Science, Spanish for Native Speakers, Videogames & Music, Violin, Young Film Makers. |
| Sports activities included |
Ballet, German Wheel (Rhönrad), Gymnastics, Karate, Soccer, Track and Field, Yoga, Zumba. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, we have a partner school for Middle School Athletics. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library with books in English, German, Spanish, and French, STEM, Music, Art, Nature Playground. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Gym, outdoor sports court, soccer pitch, basketball hoops. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The German International School Chicago (GISC) is an independent, non-profit private school offering a bilingual, international education to around 200 students from Preschool through Middle School. GISC is expanding into High School, launching Grade 9 in the 2026-2027 school year and adding one grade level each year, with the first graduating class set for 2030. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
With low student-teacher ratios, GISC provides a supportive, individualized environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and global awareness. GISC draws on the best of the German, American, and international education systems. GISC students work on transdisciplinary units with global perspectives within the framework of the International Baccalaureate. Students become fluent in German and English and grow into well-rounded, creative, and responsible global citizens. Students without prior knowledge of the German language are welcome to apply through Grade 6 via GISC's Become Bilingual Program (BBP) and Fast Track German Language Program (FTGLP). |
Contact the admissions team at German International School Chicago
Other Schools in Chicago
Recommended Schools in Chicago
