Water Main Break / Wasserrohrbruch
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025
Our school has experienced water damage due to a water main break in the neighborhood. Preschool, SEL, and grades 5–12 are operating as usual.
IMPORTANT: The elementary school building is currently being restored to a usable condition; therefore, we are unfortunately unable to offer regular classes or supervision for grades 1–4.
Please keep your children in grades 1 to 4 at home on Friday, December 5.
The Newbees canceled the Newbees Breakfast.
We are closely monitoring the MCPS decision for Friday in case they announce a delayed start due to the weather.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
...
Aufgrund eines Wasserrohrbruchs in der Nachbarschaft ist es zu einem Wasserschaden an unserer Schule gekommen ist. Der Kidnergarten, SES sowie die Klassen 5–12 haben regulären Unterricht.
WICHTIG: Das Grundschulgebäude wird derzeit in einen nutzbaren Zustand gebracht, daher können wir für die Klassen 1–4 leider keinen regulären Unterricht und auch keine Betreuung anbieten.
Bitte behalten Sie Ihre Kinder der Klassen 1 bis 4 am Freitag, den 5. Dezember zu Hause.
Die NewBees haben das Newbees-Frühstück abgesagt.
Wir behalten die Entscheidung von MCPS für Freitag im Blick, falls aufgrund des Wetters ein verspäteter Schulbeginn angekündigt wird.
Vielen Dank für Ihr Verständnis und Ihre Unterstützung.
Curricula
The subjects taught in grades 5 through 12 are:
Art | Biology | Chemistry | German | English | French | Geography | History/U.S. History | Technology | Latin | Mathematics | Music | Physics | Religion/Ethics | Social Science/Politics | Spanish | Physical Education
> Curricula and grading criteria for several subjects (will be posted here)
> Detailed description of Class Tests and Exams in Grades 5 to 12
The weighing of academic performance elements is based on decisions made by the subject teacher group and/or the all faculty body and the details lie in the pedagogical responsibility of each individual teacher.
Grading scale and translation key
| Deutsche Note / German Grade | Sehr gut (1) | Gut (2) | Befriedigend (3) | Ausreichend (4) | Mangelhaft (5) | Ungenügend (6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US-Amerikanisches Äquivalent / US Letter Grade Equivalent | A+ | A | B | C | D | F |
| Punkte / Points | 15, 14, 13 | 12, 11, 10 | 09, 08, 07 | 06, 05, 04 | 03, 02, 01 | 0 |
OVERALL LANGUAGE CONCEPT:
To learn more about how we are supporting German language competency from preschool to high school graduation with our FastTrack program, please see the Overall Language Concept (currently only available in German).
MEDIA CONCEPT:
To learn more about how we use media at GISW, please see the Media Concept.
Curricula of each subject:
> Curriculum - Latein - Klassenstufe 8-10
At the German International School Washington D.C., Latin is offered as a third World Language in grades 8 to 10 with four lessons per week.
In grades 8 and 9 the textbook Viva (Verlag Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht) is used. In grade 10, original Latin literature is read.
Students who take Latin as a 3rd World Language from grade 8 onwards can acquire the Latinum through an examination in grade 10. Information about the Latinum examination can be found in the Richtlinien für die Ordnung zur Erlangung der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife an Deutschen Schulen im Ausland (Rili DIA-PO, current version).
Students who started Latin in Germany in grade 5 or in grade 6 and transfer to the German International School Washington D.C. in grade 7 , 8 , 9 or 10 will be taught in a separate Latin course (Latin 2).
Spanish as a Second Foreign Language:
> Spanish Curricula - Grades 6 -9
> Spanish Curricula - Grades 10-12
Spanish as a Third Foreign Language:
> Spanish Curricula - Grades 10-12 (to be posted)