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.
Greeting by the Ambassador of Germany
Welcome!
I am delighted about your interest in the education of your children at the German International School Washington D.C. (GISW).
The GISW is the oldest German international school in the United States offering a dual diploma: the German International Abitur (DIA) and the American high school diploma. With the DIA, the graduates gain access to universities in the United States, in Europe, and around the globe. Families interested in offering their children an intercultural education and an immersive experience with German and American culture are warmly welcome.
The GISW was founded over 60 years ago and is a success story. Today, the school boasts over 550 students from approx. 40 countries. It has repeatedly been awarded “Excellent German School Abroad,” a seal of approval integrating it into a worldwide network of nearly 140 German schools abroad overseen and partially funded by the German Foreign Office.
Through quality instruction, GISW students achieve the highest level of language proficiency, in both German and English. Children with little or no knowledge of German can be admitted to the GISW up to the 5th grade. The "GISW FastTrack Program" offers them the opportunity to learn German quickly, which helps them actively engage in regular German lessons soon.
In addition to world languages, GISW places an emphasis on STEM subjects. Based on its outstanding curricula and achievements in the STEM fields, the GISW in 2018 became the first German school outside of Europe to join the network of STEM Center of Excellence schools.
Instruction at the GISW is based on German curricula. At the same time, the school fosters the skills needed in an increasingly interconnected and global world. Multilingualism, Weltoffenheit, and independence are a lived reality here on the GISW campus. The Head of School, faculty, administration, school board, volunteers such as the fundraising group FRIENDS, parents, members, and above all students work towards these goals every day.
The German Embassy and I are pleased that the Federal Republic of Germany supports the German International School Washington D.C. and value our continued close and faithful cooperation. By working together, we are making an important contribution to the cultural relations and education policy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Warm regards,
Andreas Michaelis
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States of America
