GSMC’s curriculum follows a two-track program that separates classes for beginners and students with prior knowledge of German.

Track 1 is for non-native speakers with German as a foreign language and abides mainly by the new Common European Framework of References (CEFR) and the US National Standards for Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Track 2 is for children with prior knowledge of German and follows the standards set by the German school curriculum and the CEFR, to further the goal of easy integration into the German School System for returning students and/or to obtain the German Language Certificate (Deutsches Sprachdiplom), which is proof of language proficiency for German, Austrian & Swiss Universities.

GSMC uses music, hands-on and multi-sensory activities with age-appropriate and topic-specific instruction to provide an integral and fun-filled program for all lower grade classes.

Family Music for Toddlers: A musical introduction to the German language Participate with your toddler for 45 minutes each week by singing & chanting in German, moving, dancing, listening, and playing simple instruments.

Get ready to bounce, rock, wiggle, and play peek-a-boo.

For more detailed information select the "Musikgarten" menu entry on the left side.

Cycle of Seasons: Pre-schoolers learn basic German through songs, instruments and movement activities, accompanied by their caregivers. Celebrate your child's love of nature and growing independence through activities involving the four seasons (60 minute class).

For more detailed information select the "Musikgarten" menu entry on the left side.

Children from English- and German-speaking families are exposed to spoken German through games, songs, and role-play. Age-appropriate activities include:

• Songs
• Crafts
• Puppet shows
• Pantomime

With an emphasis on simple communication skills, children acquire the ability to speak about the major course themes. Topics covered include:

• Family
• Clothes
• Colors
• Holidays/Celebrations
• German Alphabet and Phonics/Pronunciation
• Numbers from 1 to 10

Young learners build upon and refine the skills and vocabulary developed in the previous level In a relaxed and fun-filled environment through songs, crafts, puppet shows, videos, reading circles, pantomime, etc. Playing games, singing songs with simple rhymes and reading poems creates an atmosphere where learning is fun and effective. Introduction to reading and writing. Thematic units this level include:

• Colors
• Numbers
• Days of the Week/Months of the Year
• Family
• Foods
• Parts of the Body
• Animals
• Nature
• Birthday and Holiday Celebration

Track 1: CEFR Level A1 Speaking and Understanding
Track 2: First Grade Germany

Each class introduces student to basic language with emphasis on comprehension and simple communication, reading and writing skills. Content is offered and worked on in a multi-level basis in “groups”, “learning stations” and in “learning scenarios” (based on a specific topic or theme).

In addition to comprehension, speaking and vocabulary building exercises, we introduce basic reading, writing and simple structural language concepts, slowly building confidence through games and group activities.

Track 1: CEFR Level A1, A2 Understanding
Track 2: 2nd-4th Grade Germany - Immersion of CEFR Level A2

Middle school students are divided into beginner and more advanced tracks, continuing to develop their verbal and written skills through creative projects, games and group activities that expand on earlier lessons.

Both Tracks: CEFR Level A1 (Beginner) or A2, B1, B2 (Advanced), German Language Certificate (Deutsches Sprachdiplom)
Level A2: minimum age 13 years
Level B1: between 14-16 years

By this level, students are fully immersed and can hold complex conversations. Using previously gained knowledge, we motivate the students to speak about daily activities, culture, and topics of interest. Students continue to learn through group activities, choral and dramatic readings and role-playing.

Both Tracks: CEFR Level A2, B1 (Intermediate) or B2, C1 (Advanced), German Language Certificate (Deutsches Sprachdiplom)
Level C1: between 16-18 years

At this level students are prepared to hold full conversations and prepare for the examinations and tests to enter German, Swiss or Austrian programs.

GSMC offers on demand:

• Teen private lesson
• Adult private lessons for conversational and business German
• Adult groups
• Advanced Placement and SAT preparation
• On-site corporate training

AATG (American Association of Teachers of German) Test

The AATG National German Examination is administered in January to students in higher grades. This test is generally offered to high school students learning German. It measures a student’s German proficiency in comparison to 26,000 others who take the exam, nationwide. The exam tests listening comprehension, reading and conversational skills, applied structure of grammar and idioms in context, and reading comprehension. There are three different test levels: Level 2 correlates to two years of high school German language classes, Level 3 to 3 years, and Level 4 to 4 years. The teacher determines the test level that is appropriate for each child.
Our school will be able to administer the test to qualified students.

CEFR Niveau Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) A2, B1, C1

It is the standardized new testing according to the Common European Framework of References (CEFR). The current “Zentrale Deutschprüfung” (ZDP 8 and 10) and Sprachdiplom (DSD I and II) are in the process of being revised. Worldwide trial testing started in 2007. The first DSD A2 trial testing for the USA will be in spring 2008.
Our students will be able to participate in the testing in cooperation with another German School until we reach eligibility to administer the test ourselves.

High School Credits

We plan to offer high school credits and are in the process of receiving accreditation.