German International School Chicago

🌎 Join us for the final Open House of the school year!

Discover how GISC empowers students through a bilingual, international education from Preschool through High School – preparing them to succeed across languages, cultures, and borders.

See our students and teachers in action, explore our campus, and experience what makes GISC unique.

📅 Friday, June 12, 2026
🕙 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

🔗 Learn more and register: https://www.germanschoolchicago.com/admissions/open-houses-and-school-tours

We look forward to welcoming you!

Our Grade 4 students recently presented their PYP Exhibition projects as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Working in groups, students explored self-selected issues they care deeply about, including endangered animals, space debris, nutrition, sleep hygiene, cancer awareness, and poverty prevention.

Through research, collaboration, and critical thinking, they developed solutions and shared their findings with fellow students, parents, and teachers.

The PYP Exhibition is the culminating project of the Primary Years Programme, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and demonstrate how inquiry can lead to meaningful action. Next school year, they will continue their educational journey in Grade 5 as they begin the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).

And the learning doesn’t stop here! On Tuesday, June 9, our students are hosting a fundraiser in support of causes connected to their projects, turning their ideas into action and making a positive impact beyond the classroom.

We are incredibly proud of our Grade 4 students for the dedication, teamwork, and leadership they have demonstrated throughout this process. Congratulations to all of our PYP Exhibition participants on a successful presentation! 🌎💛

⚽ What a day to remember at GISC! – Part II

While the surprise visit from DFB-Team players Antonio Rüdiger and Leroy Sané was undoubtedly the highlight of the day, the excitement didn't stop there.

Through our partnership with the Goethe-Institut, students in Grades 3-8 participated in soccer camps led by German coach Klaus Stärk of Auf Ballhöhe. Klaus has coached internationally, including serving as head coach of the Namibia Women's National Team.

Throughout the morning, students developed their skills, learned new techniques, and experienced the joy of the game under the guidance of an experienced coach – all while learning or practicing soccer-related German vocabulary. ⚽🇩🇪

In the afternoon, the fun continued with our Fußballfest. Students from Kindergarten through Grade 7 rotated through a variety of soccer-themed stations, while our Grade 8 students served as the station experts, guiding and cheering on their younger peers throughout the activities. Our Preschool students also joined the excitement with a soccer-themed scavenger hunt just for them, bringing plenty of smiles, discovery, and fun to the day.

A heartfelt thank you to Klaus Stärk and the Goethe-Institut Chicago for making the morning soccer camps possible. And a big thank you to our photographer for perfectly capturing the fun and energy of the day.

⚽ What a day to remember at GISC! – Part I

Our students were thrilled to welcome Germany Football Team players Antonio Rüdiger and Leroy Sané for a surprise visit to our school.

From a student-led press conference with questions submitted by their peers to autograph signings and photos, our students had the unique opportunity to connect directly with two of Germany’s biggest soccer stars. 🇩🇪⚽️✨

One of the most memorable moments came as our students proudly sang “Major Tom” for them, creating a special send-off at the end of an unforgettable visit.

Thank you, Toni and Leroy, for taking the time to visit our students, answer their questions, and inspire the next generation of athletes, leaders, and global citizens.

Wir wünschen euch und dem gesamten DFB-Team alles Gute für die WM! 🇩🇪⚽🏆

What an unforgettable surprise for our students! ⚽🇩🇪 Thank you, Antonio Rüdiger and Leroy Sané, for taking the time to visit our school, answer our students' questions, give autographs, and inspire the next generation of soccer players and fans.

Vielen Dank an euch und Germany Football Team für euren gelungenen Überraschungsbesuch! Ihr habt unseren Schülerinnen und Schülern eine riesengroße Freude bereitet und ihnen einen Tag beschert, an den sie bestimmt noch lange mit Freude zurückdenken werden.

Alles Gute für die WM! ⚽🇩🇪🏆

A day of discovery, creativity, and inspiration! 🎨✨

Our K-8 students recently enjoyed an unforgettable field trip to The Art Institute of Chicago. Guided in small groups, they explored a variety of exhibitions, experiencing everything from iconic masterpieces to thought-provoking contemporary works.

The visit encouraged students to look closely, ask questions, make connections, and engage with art from different cultures, time periods, and perspectives. Most importantly, they had a fantastic time learning, exploring, and sharing the experience with their classmates.

A special thank you to for capturing these moments so beautifully. Through her lens, the excitement, curiosity, and joy of the day will be remembered for years to come. 📸✨

⚽ GISC Soccer Tournament Fun!

What a fantastic afternoon of soccer, teamwork, and school spirit!

Our parent team put forth a great effort on the field – but our students, who practice daily during recess on our school pitch, definitely had the upper hand this time 😉👏

After the matches, our community enjoyed hot dogs and popsicles, ending the day with lots of smiles and happy energy.

A big thank you to our GISC Parent Group (GPG) and lead organizer, Board Trustee and parent Kurt Gamauf, for making this wonderful event possible.

It was a great way to kick off the soccer spirit in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup – and the start of an exciting week of soccer in Chicago! 🇩🇪🇺🇸

We look forward to our Fußballfest & Soccer Camp for students this Thursday, followed by the Germany vs. USA friendly at Soldier Field this Saturday. ⚽🔥

We were delighted to welcome back one of our alumni, Franziska, now an 11th-grade student at Lincoln Park High School, who attended GISC from Preschool through Grade 8.

Together with a fellow member of – an IBD & Chronic Conditions Awareness Club they co-founded – she spoke to our Middle School students about chronic illnesses and their impact on young people, highlighting the importance of awareness, advocacy, and community support.

Following the presentation, our community had the opportunity to purchase handmade jewelry created by students in the school’s Jewelry Club, with all proceeds benefiting .

To date, the students have raised $320 toward their $500 goal. To learn more about their initiative and ongoing efforts, visit .

We are proud to see our alumni continuing to lead, advocate, and make a positive impact in their communities. Thank you for inspiring the next generation of changemakers!

Join Our Team!

We are hiring a German-speaking Preschool Teacher to join our warm, international school community.

Passionate about early childhood education and inquiry-based learning? We’d love to hear from you!

🔗 Learn more & apply: https://german-school-chicago-nfp.careerplug.com/jobs/3420965/apps/new

Please share with your network!

🩵💙💛🤍 Spirit Fridays at GISC!

Every Friday, our campus comes alive in light blue, dark blue, yellow, and white as students, faculty, and staff proudly show their GISC spirit – in spirit wear or our school colors! From classrooms to hallways and out on the playground, it’s always a joy to see our campus filled with color and energy. ✨

Spirit Fridays are about more than what we wear – they’re about connection, belonging, and school pride. No matter our backgrounds, languages, or journeys, we are one community, and at GISC, everyone belongs. 🌍💛

Happy Spirit Friday, GISC! 🙌