German International School Washington Dc

This school is a private school but does not come close to the quality of education and services of other private schools in the area. Its main distinguishing factor is that it provides German language instruction - and if that is your singular focus, it may be the school for your child. However, if you want anything more than that, I would recommend looking to a different school. Because it is partially run by the German government, the tuition is a lot lower compared to other private schools - but you get what you pay for. Learning and Teaching - students do not seem motivated and - most importantly - the teachers do not really motivate students. Many teachers just fail to show up, send assignments and there is no interaction. Many of the teachers are sent in from Germany and seem to see the US experience as some kind of a boondoggle. Technology is severely lacking. After more than 2 years of COVID, they still do not have an organized way of doing Zoom classes on online. Students can wait for hours before a teacher lets them into the classroom - and then they are given instructions for less than 5 minutes and told to work on their own. It is not conducive to learning. Social-emotional support/special education - There is very limited support and there is no support for children with disabilities. In fact, the school is attempting to limit access to the school for those with disabilities. Safety - The school is run by a parent-led board - although there are some non-parents serving on the board. Many of the board members are from the German armed forces - who dominate the school. The Board is involved in all day to day aspects of school management - and often takes over from professionals who should be running the school. Various people in the school have tried to squash all forms of criticism by instituting a draconian code of conduct that allows the board almost untethered power to expel people. A former board member sitting on the HR committee managed to get the former elementary school principal fired following his son being disciplined by that same principal after bullying another child. Family Engagement - Based on the examples above, family engagement is obviously not really present. Yes - they organize all sorts of programs but it is safe to say that a major portion of the parents are excluded and unhappy about how the school operates and the quality of education. It is completely dysfunctional.

We have two children who attend the school and can attest that this school is amazing. The facilities are top notch and the campus is nestled in the woods in Potomac MD where they have recently added a new science building, new soccer fields and are in the process of adding more sport facilities. Additionally, the school offers a true bilingual education (German/English). By 3rd grade most children read and write fluently in german and english. Further, recently, this school has been independently ranked by the German Govt as being one of the top prep schools in the German Education System. Upon graduation the graduates receive three diplomas german/american and international baccalaureate. Nearly 100% of its graduating class routinely are accepted to top tier European and US Colleges (Harvard/Yale/Stanford/Princeton placement is not uncommon).

This school is excellent! A private, small, multi-cultural school that embraces the German lifestyle while integrating American traditional values.

The best blend of two countries and two education systems!

The education exceeds American standards.

The school works with the community to be a partner in helping others.

Awesome opportunities to children to learn and for adults to volunteer.