About the German International School Washington D.C.
Founded in 1961, the German International School Washington D.C. is a private, co-educational institution that combines academic excellence with a truly international learning environment. Students from more than 30 nationalities learn, grow, and thrive together in a community built on curiosity, respect, and global perspectives.
1961
Founded
75+
Teachers
550+
Students
30+
Nationalities
Who we are
GISW is the only full-time German day school in Washington, offering a continuous academic pathway from preschool through grade 12 on a dedicated campus in Potomac, Maryland. Our program combines a rigorous German curriculum with selected American elements, creating a distinctive academic framework that prepares students for both depth and flexibility in their learning journey. With two core academic focus areas—foreign languages and science—students develop strong multilingual competencies and a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Upon graduation, students earn the German International Abitur (DIA), recognized worldwide, as well as a high school diploma from the state of Maryland. This dual qualification opens access to universities across the globe. Teaching at GISW is guided by critical inquiry and independent thinking, enabling students to understand how to think, not what to think, and to succeed in an international academic environment.
More information about the German International Abitur can be found at www.germanapproach.org.
The German International School is accredited by the German Ministry of Education and approved by the Maryland Department of Education. Our German curriculum is based on that used in the state of Thuringia, known for its high academic standards.
| DIPLOMAS | |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | Graduation requirements: English - 4, Math - 4, Science - 3.5, Social Science - 3.5, World Language - 5, Fine Arts - 1, Physical Education - 1, Health - 1 TOTAL- 23.5 high school credits |
| German International Abitur | Qualifies students for admission to German and European universities. Many U.S. colleges and universities grant advanced standing or college credit for the Abitur. German courses in grades 9–12 are taught at an advanced level. |
University Acceptances of Recent Grads
Each year, approximately 80% of our students attend university in Germany; 20% study elsewhere.
Germany
- GISW graduates meet the criteria to study at German universities
CANADA
- McGill University*
- Trinity Western University
EUROPE
- Erasmus University, Netherlands
- IE University, Spain
- SciencePo/Columbia University
- St. Andrews, Scotland
- Trinity College, Ireland
- University College London, UK
- University of Edinburgh, UK
- Utrecht University, Netherlands
UNITED STATES
- American University*
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Catholic University of America
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Emory University*
- George Mason University*
- Georgetown University*
- Harvard University
- James Madison University*
- New York University*
- Oberlin College
- Occidental College
- Parsons School of Design
- Purdue University
- St. John’s College
- St. Louis University
- Temple University
- Tulane University
- University of California: L.A.
- University of Southern California*
- University of Maryland*
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute
*Indicates multiple students
We are here to help with any questions:
- If you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact us at mail@giswashington.org.
- You are also welcome to schedule a Zoom-Appointment to discuss your questions directly with us.
- Discover the most frequently asked questions in our FAQs.
The German International School Washington D.C. is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) charitable status (EIN: 54-0740278).
