What does concept-based inquiry look like in a dual immersion program?
Implying the IB PYP Curriculum framework has changed the way our educators think, plan and collaborate. It has also changed the way our students learn.
GSM students are encouraged to ask questions and actively construct their own understanding rather than passively receiving information. We are so proud to have finally achieved this goal, to be among the ranks of schools worldwide that share the honor of being IB Word Schools.
How do we support our students?
Children play, learn, and explore in a thoughtfully structured classroom environment. From day one, teachers work with children to cultivate a classroom culture built upon rituals that center the child and that creates a safe and joyful learning experience. The school day begins with a morning circle and then transitions into rotations of whole-group, small group, and independent learning. This allows teachers to differentiate learning and to meet each student where they are academically and social-emotionally. Our progressive, well-rounded approach guides children in meeting all American and German learning competencies.
GSM Kita & Kindergarten (ages 3-5)
In September 2021 GSM added a second campus on Warren Street just steps from the first location. The GSM Kita Preschool & Kindergarten now houses students ages 3-5 at 85 Warren.
The GSM early childhood curriculum framework is inspired by educational standards from the US and Germany. GSM offers 2 years of German immersion for ages 3 & 4 as the preparatory stage for GSM Bilingual Kindergarten. The approach is student-centered and joyful. GSM Kita Preschool offers small classes and an ideal teacher to student ratio. We believe that happy kids make happy learners.
GSM Dual Immersion Elementary School (grades 1-5)
The lower school years are a precious time. Our young learners develop skills, knowledge, and strategies to grow academically, creatively, and socially. Students build a strong academic foundation while also pursuing their unique interests as their identities develop along the path of becoming lifelong learner. German School Manhattan’s lower school academics are based on two main curricula: the German Curriculum from Thüringen and a Common Core aligned curriculum. This bilingual approach prioritizes full language immersion during the time when children are developmentally able to become entirely fluent in both English and German.
Afterschool Program
The afterschool program is bookable per weekday for the entire scchool year for an additional fee. The afterschool program ends at 5:05PM/5:10PM, activities range from crafts, theater, music, dance, chess, coding, soccer and homework (offers depend on grade level).
Camp
Our partner Galli Theater NYC runs their popular German theater camps on the days the GSM is closed for holidays. Camps run from 9AM to 3PM and can be booked on the Galli Website. For Summer Camps GSM has partnered with Galli Theater and Deutsche Sprachschule to offer bilingual classes in July and August. Check out a wide variety of weekly themes that will appeal to young explorers ages 4-12! All camps are open to GSM students and non-GSM students.
US & German School Structure
GSM will organically grow into a full K-5 program, one grade per year.
Good to know: The US Lower School/Elementary School consists of grades, K-5.
In Germany “Grundschule” means grades 1-4. Kindergarten in Germany usually is for all kids ages 3-5 (the equivalent of preschool/pre-K/Kindergarten).
Even though our educational program is heavily influenced by the German curriculum (we refer to it as a 50/50 mixed model), we use the American terminology when we talk about Kindergarten, meaning the single year grade that leads up to first grade.
Being an independent school in the middle of NYC, we are always aiming to align our school calendar with the NY public school vacation times and holidays.