Children's Classes

Parent and Me

Ages: approx. 18 months - 3.5 to 4 years

No prior German language is required for parents or children! Children are accompanied by their parent/caregiver for a one-hour long class consisting of singing fun songs, an interactive story-time and making arts and crafts - all in German! The curriculum covers ten topics throughout the year including - family, my body, holidays (St. Martin's Day, Christmas, Fasching, Easter, birthdays), seasons & weather, animals, bedtime & fariytales, colors, numbers and more. Following the class, students along with their parents my check out German language children's books from our library until the next class-time, as well as stay for a free snack.

C1a Class (Beginner Level)

Ages: 3.5 to 6 years (potty-trained and ability to follow basic directions required)

Both native and non-native German speakers are welcome! Students learn and practice primarily on spoken German through songs, arts & crafts, and play, using a variety of methods and regular repetition. The curriculum covers a variety of topics pertinent to preschool and kindergarten age learners, such as alphabet, numbers, animals, holidays, seasons, food and more.

C1b Class (Beginner Level)

Ages: 7 to 9 years

Some previous basic knowledge of spoken German language is encouraged but not required. Textbooks guiding much of the curriculum and weekly homework assignments are introduced. Students learn and practice spoken German and are also introduced to reading and writing in German.

C1c Class (Intermediate Level)

Ages: 9 to 11 years

Previous knowledge of spoken and written German language at the C1b level is required to join this class (or passing a proficiency text from the C1b level given by our Head Teacher). Students learn and practice speaking, reading and writing in German equally. Textbooks guiding much of the curriculum and basic homework assignments are given weekly to encourage learning throughout the week.

C2 Class (Accelerated Beginner Class for older students)

Ages: 10 to 13 years (late elementary school, early middle school)

Students gain a basic proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in German as well as learn about the cultures of German-speaking countries. Textbooks guiding much of the curriculum and homework assignments are given weekly to encourage learning throughout the week. Students take the National German Exam (NGE)/AATG Level 1 at the end of the Spring semester. Please see more information here https://www.nge.aatg.org/

C3 Class (Intermediate & Advanced Level)

Ages: 11 to 13 years (late elementary school, early middle school)

Previous knowledge of the spoken and written language at the C1B and C1c levels is required to join this class (or passing a proficiency text from the C1c level given by our Head Teacher). Students learn and practice speaking, reading and writing in German equally at an intermediate to advanced level. Textbooks guiding much of the curriculum and homework assignments are given weekly to encourage learning throughout the week. Students take the National German Exam (NGE)/AATG Level 1 & 2 at the end of the Spring and Fall semester. Please see more information here https://www.nge.aatg.org/

C4 Class (Advanced Level)

Ages: 13 to 15 years

Students must meet the prerequisites of the A2/B1 Level and be able to speak, read and write fluently in German. Learning materials for the class are geared towards students in the 8th though 10 grade high school level and students should have a strong grasp of concepts involved with both interpreting and analyzing text. During 50% of the class time, students participate in project oriented work known as "team challenges". Students take the National German Exam (NGE)/AATG Level 2,3,4 and A1 and A2 levels. Please see more information here https://www.nge.aatg.org/

Young Adult Class - HYBRID

(online and in person once a month)

Ages: 15 to 17 years old (high school)

This class is designed for students who already have extensive prior knowledge of the German language. This class is taught at the B2/C1 Level. The teaching materials used are interactive and whose learning level is comparative to the upper grades in a German Gesamtschule. During the class, students participate in project-based learning exercises that prepare them for the following language tests and exam: National German Exam (NGE)/AATG Level 4, DSD I and AP German. Students who complete the DSD I exam with good grades can also then prepare for the DSD II exam here, in order to achieve a certification that enables them to apply for a place at a German university. Students also take part in international competitions through this class. In 2021, teen students at GSF won the main prize from the Goethe Institute Japan which was connected to the 2020 Summer Olympics.