Founded in 1988, GAIS has recently become the first IB World School taught primarily in the German language.

The concept of the existence of a German-American School in the Bay Area in order to promote the German language and culture started in May 1980, with an ad-hoc committee under the leadership of Dr. Liedkte, Professor of German at the San Francisco State University. He was assisted by a group of dedicated parents and Mr. Rothmann, the German consul at that time and the Swiss consul, Mr. Frey. The result of many years of dedicated work, the German American School (GAS) was created by a small group of parents wanting to provide a good bilingual education for their children.

The guiding idea of the founding families was to build a school for their own children that would be both German and American, and therefore also teach in both English and German bilingually at the native speaker level. It would promote the German language and culture, as well as familiarize the European families with the American culture. A full-time German-American School would eventually lead to the High-School diploma and the German Abitur, thus broadening the horizons and preparing the students for both university systems. Most of the founding families were of mixed marriages, with one German parent, permanently living in the US, but also wanting to pass on the German or European cultural heritage and language.

One of the main founding families was Steve and Claudia Kispersky. They met at the home of Dr. Kurt Mueller Vollmer, professor of German language at Stanford University, and decided to embark on the laborious yet rewarding task of organizing and building the DAS School. It took about two years from the first official meeting until the school opened its doors. It was first located in three rooms rented from the Woodland School in Portola Valley.

Building a private school from the ground up without external financial support required an unexpected level of commitment. There were times when Steve Kispersky, the President of the Board, had to pay the teachers from his own pocket because the school did not have the required liquidity. Electricity and phone services were disconnected several times, providing another opportunity for the Board members to bail the school out. Soon, however, the school started to grow and attracted an ever more international clientele. Families from Europe, Asia and Africa started to send their children to the school. They were readily integrated into the school community, and the program was extended to include international project weeks far before anyone had ever heard about the International Baccalaureate program. Quoting Claudia Kispersky: “Building up a school costs an immense amount of time, idealism and nerves. But the effort paid off, both on a school level as well as on a personal level.”

Steve and Claudia Kispersky deserve very special thanks for what they have done for our school. Without them, we would have never gotten off the ground, or stayed afloat! We are thankful for their long term vision, commitment and continued support. Our parents typify the cooperative spirit of people from many countries who work together to make our school a special place, a center for cross-cultural learning and exchange. This is the true GAIS family and community!

Our School - Year by Year

2008-09: 20th Anniversary

In September 2008 GAIS celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Activities planned for this special year include the addition of an Octoberfest Party to the social calendar as well as a Gala Anniversary dinner at the Stanford University Faculty Club on May 16th of 2009.

2008-09: New Facilities

An expansion of enrollment from 240 to 280 is accommodated by an ambitious facilities plan launched in 2007. New facilities ready for September 2008 include two classrooms, a library, preschool room, preschool toilets, ESL room, staff room, staff kitchen and administrative offices.

2007-08: IB Authorization

February 19, 2007, GAIS receives authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) for the Primary Years Programme. GAIS becomes the first PYP school in the Bay Area as well as the first in the world to teach the program in the German language.

2006-07: Facilities Improvements

Continued school growth results in a new portable for Grade 2. In addition the school playground receives a new covered lunch area.

2005-06: New Head of School

Hans Peter Metzger is appointed to Head of School effective August 1, 2005. Prior to joining GAIS, Mr. Metzger served as Director of the International School of Trieste in Italy as well as the Director of the Udine International School in Italy.

2004-05: WASC Accreditation

April 27, 2005 GAIS receives accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for a six-year term.

2004: Record Number of 33 New GAIS Families

GAIS builds a new school playground thanks to generous donations by our parents. Administrative restructuring, with Hanna Tikkanen Merk, former president of the Board as the current Executive Director.

2002-2003: Second Year of Implementation of IB Program

Our 6th to 8th graders participated in the SAT 9 tests to increase transparency of our academic credentials and conformity with the US school system. Students also take the German test (AATG) which is designed for high-school students, and pass with the highest scores. This is the first year that the Vorschulkinder enjoyed their own classroom for part of the day. Subjects taught in English increased to 25 percent.

2000-2001: GAIS Considers the International Baccalaureate Program

GAIS has a new administrative team: Mr. Günter Dreschke for the upper grades, Mrs. Erika van Deusen for the elementary school, and Carol Ferrieri for Kindergarten. Consideration of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to follow a more international approach. School has 22 teachers, 66 Kindergarten students, and 98 students from 1st to 8th grade.

1999-2000: Continued Growth in Student Body, From KG to 9th Grade

GAIS faces challenges due to the reduction in German support and many families returning to Europe. Yet, the presence of dolphins at the beach party proved to be the positive sign for a successful year of growth, with 20 teachers, 98 students in school, from first to ninth grade, and 60 students in KG.

1998-1999: GAIS Celebrates Tenth Anniversary!

Mrs. Erika van Deusen is a new director: A very successful year for our school with the number of students peaking at 264. Two classes per grade in elementary school and for the first time a tenth grade with six students and a total of 31 teachers. So many reasons to celebrate!

1997-1998: Major Student Growth, With Double Classes for Each Lower Grade

The number of students increased to 250 with three first grades and two second and third grades for the first time in school history. Large upper grades have an average of 17 students per class and six students in 9th grade. The school extends its use permit to 300 students and adds five portables, including the new gym, new upper grade classrooms, new assembly room for music and a teachers’ prep room, art and crafts room, expansion of library. The old portables are refurbished and the Kindergarten is completely remodeled during the summer. First time consideration to offer 10th grade and apply for the German Anerkennung, with visits from Mr. Lauer and Mr. Quennet of the Bundesverwaltungsamt.

1996-1997: New Director from Germany: Herr Ulrich Scheurenbrand

The school increases to 162 students with 24 teachers. First overseas DAS party, organized by Angelika Hahn, our first parent rep.

1995-1996: New Science Lab for Upper Ggrades

Our school has 103 students in 1st to 9th grades and 38 in KG. New science lab is installed thanks to sponsors, donations and many fundraisers organized by parents and students. Second major fundraiser at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame.

1994-1995: Opening of New Computer Lab

Student body formation (SMV, Schuelermitverwaltung) help with organization and funding for school projects and activities. Opening of a new computer lab for upper grades.

1993-1994: The School Expands Office and Major Growth in Students

School has 89 students and 36 in Kindergarten. Addition of 2 classroom portables on campus, new KG room, and KG play structure. Major donation by Siemens/Rolm provides new office equipment, such as fax/copy machine. First major fundraiser at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga.

1992-1993: Five-Year Anniversary!

Five-year celebration at the Elliott Street campus, with many special guests including the German, Austrian, and Swiss consuls.

1991-1992: Our First Library Opens Its Doors

Official opening of our first German library with the support of Claudia Kispersky. First edition of student newspaper, the Echo. 52 students, first to eighth grade, 18 teachers.

1991-1992: The GAS Moves to Menlo Park

Opening of the school in Menlo Park on October 23, 1991. We welcome our second principal, Herrn Heinz Jochem Schmahl. The school receives the required permit to operate a non-government organization.

1990-1991: Increased Number of Students Leads to Search of New School Site

The school opens its Kindergarten at the University Center in Palo Alto.

1988-1989: Opening Day of the German-American School

Opening of the GAS (German-American School) at the Woodland School campus in Portola Valley, thanks to the hard work of teachers, staff and families. The school starts outby renting 5 rooms in the Woodland School to accommodate 22 students, ranging from Kindergarten to 5th grade. Frau Anne Gross is the first principal with seven teachers.