Admissions FAQ
Do children need previous foreign language experience?
Is there a waiting list and how does it work?
What if my child turns three after the school year begins in September?
How are class assignments made?
What are your re-enrollment policies?
How many openings are available each year?
Do you require interviews?
Do children need previous foreign language experience?
At GSP, applicants ready for preschool and kindergarten are not expected to have had any previous German language experience. Applicants for first through fifth grade in our elementary school program are required to demonstrate sufficient German language skills appropriate for their grade level.
Is there a waiting list and how does it work?
When there are more qualified candidates than openings available, GSP establishes a waiting list. If any openings occur, the school will offer the open spot to the next candidate based on the factors set forth above. Get started now. Whenever GSP cannot offer a place to a child, we are eager to offer counsel on other schools that may be able to accommodate the student.
What if my child turns three after the school year begins in September?
GSP applicants must be 36 months and potty trained. Applicants not ready to enter our preschool program at the beginning of the school year generally have the option to seek enrollment on the first day of the month following your child’s third birthday. This can be done in one of two ways:
1. Guaranteed Placement
Pay 50% of tuition for the months leading up to your child’s start date.
Failure to pay any monthly guaranteed placement fee when due will result in loss of the reserved spot.
The guaranteed placement fee is nonrefundable and cannot be applied to tuition.
A guaranteed placement arrangement is available only to the extent that an opening in the program is available. The Head of School must approve a guaranteed placement arrangement as part of the enrollment contract.
2. Pending Placement
In the case of families who do not enter into a guaranteed placement arrangement, GSP will offer space to the next eligible applicant based on the factors set forth above.
How are class assignments made?
Grade placements/teacher assignments are determined by the Head of School. Parents are welcome to indicate a preference for a certain class or teacher directly to the admissions office. We will do our best to meet these requests, but we strive to have classes equally balanced according to gender, language background and age.
What are your re-enrollment policies?
Students presently enrolled at GSP receive the highest priority in admission for the following year. Re-enrollment typically takes place in January. Parents seeking to re-enroll a student must provide the following:
Signed re-enrollment sheet submitted by stated date
Re-enrollment deposit paid in full by stated date
GSP reserves the right to release spots after the re-enrollment deadline has passed. Students seeking to re-enroll after the deadline will be considered based on the admission criteria above and will be placed on the waiting list, if any.
How many openings are available each year?
The number of openings varies from year to year and from class to class. GSP has an average class size of 10-15 students and we aim for classes no larger than 18 students per class.
Do you require interviews?
No, but we ask all parents of all applicants to complete the Admissions Parent Questionnaire. In addition, we use the following opportunities to meet with families:
Preschool and Kindergarten
For young children, informal evaluation is conducted during the tours, Schnuppertage and any other visits to determine readiness for preschool or Kindergarten. Again, all children are admitted on a three-month trial basis to provide the best chances for success and integration into the program.
Elementary school
Applicants for our elementary school program are asked to spend a full day at GSP attending and participating (when possible) in classes with current students. If spending time in the program is not possible, GSP will consider applicants based on report cards from the student’s current school, and may make other inquiries of the student’s current school, if appropriate.