United States, Chicago
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SEL is integrated into classroom practice with a Counseling Resource Teacher who collaborates with teachers to implement social-emotional learning, mental health support, and anti-bullying initiatives, ensuring every student feels safe, respected, and valued.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion supports neurodiverse students; staff participate in professional development on inclusion to promote equity and create more supportive learning environments for neurodiverse learners.
Become Bilingual provides English Language Learner (ELL) support; new students in grades K-2 without German fluency join the Become Bilingual Program as German Language Learners, and students with limited English knowledge receive tutoring through BBP as English Language Learners.
The Counseling Resource Teacher supports mental health and social-emotional learning, promoting a positive, supportive environment and anti-bullying initiatives.
The school maintains a Student Bullying Prevention Policy; safety reminders for drop-off and pick-up; all doors are locked during the day with the Front Office as the only access and a visitor sign-in sheet; a state-of-the-art intercom system provides immediate communication and drills for fire, inclement weather, and lockdown.
German International School Chicago (GISC) is a Preschool–Grade 9 school in Chicago's Ravenswood area offering a German–English bilingual education within the IB framework. The 30,000 sq ft campus serves roughly 200 students from 64 international families representing 40+ nationalities, with 25+ languages spoken. GISC is officially designated as a German School Abroad (DAS) in the U.S. Midwest and was recognized in 2024 for ties to the German education system. The school is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and provides a German-English bilingual curriculum, with the majority of subjects taught in German and full immersion from Day 1 in Preschool. The first high school class is planned to graduate in 2030 under the Strategic Plan 2024–2030. Facilities include a Large Nature Playground and a 6.5:1 student–teacher ratio, enabling small-group learning. The school offers after-school care, World Camp language immersion, and a library serving multiple languages.