East Bay German International School | Early Childhood Program

Educating Global Citizens

The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) is an IB World School offering an outstanding dual-language immersion program from preschool through grade eight. After eighth grade, our students transition to the on-site East Bay International High School (EBIHS), a college preparatory school offering the highly regarded International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

The EBGIS Early Childhood Program – including preschool and kindergarten – uses a play-based and project-oriented approach widely used in Europe. Its highly trained and experienced international faculty employ early immersion principles to expand children’s communicative competencies in both German and English. Multi-dimensional in-class projects are developed by an interdisciplinary team based on seasonal rhythms and students’ interests.

The pre-academic curriculum covers language, intercultural studies, science, mathematics, music, movement, and art, each taught in a developmentally appropriate and engaging way. Projects are complemented by free and guided play. The development of social and emotional skills infuses every school day.

The spacious and centrally located campus features large modern classrooms with ample natural light, a dedicated early years bilingual library, a tumbling room, gardening areas, and generous indoor and outdoor play space.

No prior knowledge of German is needed for admission to the EBGIS Preschool and Kindergarten Programs. Students from all language backgrounds acquire German naturally through immersion, including developmentally appropriate curricular content, daily routines, activities, and interactions.

EBGIS accepts preschool students beginning at 24 months of age. The regular school day runs from 8 am to 2:30 pm with extended day options, including age-appropriate enrichment classes, available until 6 pm.

EBGIS preschoolers and kindergarteners – more than half of whom do not speak German at home – transition successfully to German-language instruction in the EBGIS Elementary School Program. They then continue their advanced academic studies and language abilities in the Middle School Program with the addition of either French or Spanish starting in sixth grade. When they enter the on-site East Bay International High School (EBIHS), students qualify to earn the Bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

Register here for an Open House or Online Information Session, or contact us at [email protected].