Meet German International School Toronto's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04). RSVP NOW
The big picture on German International School Toronto
We summarized the school ourselves
GIST bases instruction on the curriculum developed in Thüringen, a state at the geographic and cultural heart of Germany. It’s also inspected regularly by officials from that region who come in order to ensure that the school meets the standards set out within the curriculum, something it does for all of the 140 German schools around the globe. They were formed to offer education to German expats, though their popularity grew in response to local demand. The schools offered a quality, a unique pedagogical approach, and a sense of globalism that was hard to find in other institutions. The school provides dual-immersion, admitting students for whom either of the instructional languages are mother tongues. The ideal student is one who is intellectually curious, keen to learn languages, and who is excited by the prospect of learning and living within a rich, diverse, and uniquely authentic cultural environment.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"At the German International School Toronto, an IB World School, students learn in a multilingual environment - German, English, and French. The small class sizes allow us to support diverse learners with a personalized approach. We blend the rigour of the German curriculum with the breadth of the Ontario curriculum to deliver future-ready education. With a strong focus on STEM subjects, critical thinking, and creativity, our CHARAKTER program empowers students to grow into confident, independent, lifelong learners."
Recognised German School Abroad with funding from German Government
IB World School with Diploma Programme
International learning experience
Combined curriculum from Germany (Thuringia) and Ontario for seamless transition to both systems
Small class sizes with individual learning support
German immersion, English and French
CHARAKTER framework with outstanding educational value
Awarded as STEM-friendly school
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Modern, state-of-the-art education must go beyond academic excellence. We believe that a balanced and challenging program of character education sets the stage for children’s...(more)
"Modern, state-of-the-art education must go beyond academic excellence. We believe that a balanced and challenging program of character education sets the stage for children’s educational success. Our character framework inspires every child to be their best self. To achieve this, we rely on an individualized approach to learning and an excellent student-teacher ratio, along with the development of monthly character themes."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"As a German School Abroad that is part of a network of over 140 schools worldwide, we follow both the German and Ontario curricula. Our students receive a high-quality education...(more)
"As a German School Abroad that is part of a network of over 140 schools worldwide, we follow both the German and Ontario curricula. Our students receive a high-quality education and obtain German as well as local qualifications. The emphasis on individual development, multilingualism and intercultural exchange form the cornerstones of the German International School Toronto. It opens a world of opportunities for its students to communicate and interact with people from all over the world."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Our highly qualified and internationally experienced faculty and staff are the foundation of our German School Abroad, providing a wealth of international knowledge and experience...(more)
"Our highly qualified and internationally experienced faculty and staff are the foundation of our German School Abroad, providing a wealth of international knowledge and experience that ultimately has a positive impact on students' academic and learning experiences."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"At GIST we know every student and we care for every student! The small class sizes enable our teachers to respond individually to the students and not only support them in their...(more)
"At GIST we know every student and we care for every student! The small class sizes enable our teachers to respond individually to the students and not only support them in their learning process, but also challenge them to develop into intelligent, independent, and self-confident young people. In addition, small learning groups allow for more intensive support and encouragement of the students: we see the children with their individual needs, talents, and characters."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
JK (current), Gr. 3 to Gr. 6 (current) — Watch our parent interview with Sebastian Bailey to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend German International School Toronto.
Preschool (current),Preschool (current) — Our children's experience at the German International School Toronto (GIST) has been nothing short of extraordinary, and they appreciate a multitude of aspects of the school. The language program remains a top favorite, as they eagerly learn English, German, and French, immersing themselves in diverse cultures. Moreover, our kids adore the numerous fun projects and various activities they engage in, both within their own grades and with students from other grades. These collaborative experiences have fostered a strong sense of community and friendship. The fantastic emphasis on STEM subjects has also captivated our children's interest. The hands-on learning approach in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics has made education exciting and sparked their curiosity. GIST has truly provided a holistic and enriching experience for our children. From language proficiency to collaborative projects and STEM education, the school has played a pivotal role in shaping our kids into well-rounded individuals. We couldn't be happier with their educational journey at GIST.
I have 2 children at the GIST currently in grades 2 and 4. They have been enrolled since 2018, having come from a Montessori education. I am also the head of the Parent Council and very involved in school life. I appreciate the smaller classroom sizes and individualized attention that my children get. There is immediate feedback from the Administration about any concerns. I find that the curriculum is flexible to the rapid changes in the world, especially in this digital age. The children have a trilingual education and therefore, more opportunities are open to them. The school is ambitiously growing and expanding its curriculum and services. I am impressed with any program that has high standards and offers the children a wealth of opportunities, as the GIST does,
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