German International School Chicago
Secular
Updated July 2026
IB PYPAccreditations
Deutsche AuslandsschuleLanguages
English
GermanThe German International School Chicago (GISC) is an IB World School authorized for the PYP and MYP that provides a rigorous German-English bilingual education. Located in the Ravenswood neighborhood, it serves students from Preschool through High School, preparing them to succeed in an increasingly global world.
Teaching approach
The school's motto, "Give Your Child the World," reflects its commitment to fostering well-rounded, creative, and responsible global citizens. Its educational approach is built upon four core values: the Bilingual Advantage, which promotes linguistic and cultural fluency; International Education, rooted in the IB framework; Global Opportunity, which emphasizes intercultural competence and compassion; and a strong, nurturing School Community. The school believes that a supportive environment is essential for student belonging and success.
Programmes
GISC offers a bilingual, international curriculum authorized for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). The academic journey spans from Preschool through High School, with the first high school graduating class expected in 2030. The curriculum emphasizes German-English immersion, with specialized language acquisition pathways including the "Become Bilingual" program for grades K-2 and the "Fast Track" German Language Program for grades 3-6.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a supportive and individualized learning environment for all students. For those requiring language assistance, the school offers the "Become Bilingual" program for English Language Learners (ELL) and German Language Learners (GLL), as well as a "Fast Track" German Language Program for students in Grades 3-6. These programs utilize intensive small-group instruction to help students integrate into the bilingual classroom.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does German International School Chicago offer?
- German International School Chicago offers IB PYP and IB MYP.
- How much is tuition at German International School Chicago?
- Annual tuition at German International School Chicago is $18.5K–$27.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is German International School Chicago a day or boarding school?
- German International School Chicago is a day school.
- What accreditations does German International School Chicago hold?
- German International School Chicago holds accreditations including IB and Deutsche Auslandsschule.
- Is German International School Chicago co-educational?
- German International School Chicago is a co-ed school.
- Where is German International School Chicago located?
- German International School Chicago is an international school in Chicago, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Part-Day (Standard) | — | $18.5K |
| Preschool Full-Day (Standard) | — | $22K |
| Grades K-9 (Standard) | — | $22.8K |
| Preschool Part-Day (Corporate) | — | $23.5K |
| Preschool Full-Day (Corporate) | — | $27K |
| Grades K-9 (Corporate) | — | $27.8K |
Other fees(6)
| Application fee· Admission Fee for new students only (due with application) | $200 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· New Family Fee for new families only (due with 1st tuition installment) | $2K |
| Deposit· Non-refundable tuition deposit due with student registration | $1.5K |
| EAL· Fast Track German Language Program (FTGLP) Fee per student in Grades 3-6 | $4K |
| Enrolment fee· GPG Membership Fee (required component of enrollment) | $60 |
| Materials· Field Trip Fee: $75 for Preschool, $100 for Grades K-4, $200 for Grades 5-9 (due with 1st tuition installment) | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: $1,000 tuition reduction for the second child enrolled. For every additional child, the tuition is reduced by one-third of the original rate.
Admissions
The school welcomes applications for students from Preschool through Grade 9, with Grade 9 launching in the 2026-2027 school year. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open houses, schedule campus tours, and inquire via the admissions office. The enrollment process includes a non-refundable application fee, and financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis, considering a family's overall financial situation.
Calendar
The school operates on a standard academic calendar, with the 2026-2027 school year schedule available for reference. Summer programming is offered in sessions, typically running from late June through mid-August. Key enrollment deadlines for both new and re-enrolling students, as well as financial aid applications, are set for March 31.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, the school occupies 30,000 square feet of learning space. The campus features a large nature playground designed to inspire curiosity and outdoor play. The facility is supported by a dedicated building operations team that oversees property maintenance and improvements.
Co-curriculars
GISC offers a variety of extracurricular programs designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. These activities are managed by a dedicated department and include opportunities in art and music. Additionally, the school hosts a summer camp program with multiple sessions throughout the summer months.
Rasmus FrederichHead of SchoolBefore joining GISC as Head of School, Rasmus served as Deputy Principal at the Marie Curie School in Ronnenberg, Germany, where he led initiatives in digital learning, staff development, and school leadership. He is a trained educator in German and Music with additional qualifications in pedagogy and curriculum implementation.
Dr. Inka KirchenbüchlerDeputy Head of SchoolDr. Kirchenbüchler holds a Ph.D. in Physics and has served in various leadership roles at GISC, including Director of Teaching & Learning and Director of Education, before becoming Deputy Head of School in 2025. She has extensive experience as an educator and previously worked in the aviation industry.
Sonja ManhartHead of AdministrationSonja Manhart has served in various administrative and financial roles at GISC since 2014, including Director of Finance & Administration, before becoming Head of Administration in 2025. Her background includes extensive experience as an administrator at the Swiss Consulate General in Chicago and Johannesburg.
Nathalie KohlhaasHead of PreschoolNathalie Kohlhaas has been with GISC since 2014, serving as a preschool teacher and Co-Head of Preschool before becoming Head of Preschool in 2018. She is a state-certified preschool teacher trained in Berlin.
Ulf HennigHead of German & TeacherUlf Hennig has been the Head of German at GISC since 2018 and also serves as an elementary and middle school teacher. He has extensive teaching experience in the UK and Germany, including roles at the Westminster School in London.
Katharina Koch StaleyIB DP Coordinator & Become Bilingual Program CoordinatorKatharina Koch Staley has been with GISC since 2014, serving as an elementary and middle school teacher, IB PYP Coordinator, and currently as IB DP Coordinator and Become Bilingual Program Coordinator. She holds an Illinois Professional Educator License and has completed her teaching examinations in Germany.
Stefan KarnerElementary School CoordinatorStefan Karner has been an elementary school teacher at GISC since 2019 and became the Elementary School Coordinator in 2025. He holds a Master of Education with a focus on inclusive education from Austria.