Welcome to the German Pacific School San Diego !
We offer German classes to native and non-native speakers, from 3 years old through adults, with a core program for grades K-12. Our school year consists of 34 weeks and follows roughly the holiday schedule of the public schools.
Different language level classes are offered on Saturday mornings, weekday afternoons and weeknights, as well as field trips and camps with a diverse learning focus.
Classes are offered in La Jolla, Clairemont, Carmel Valley and Poway. Depending on availability, joining during the school year is possible as well.
Due to the corona virus outbreak and spread, all in person classes have been suspended effective Friday, March 13, 2020 until further notice.
All of our classes are now offered through a blended form of distance and online learning. Our great staff continues to teach through weekly group video and 1:1 video classes in combination with online and home assignments.
Please send us an email at germanpacificschool@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about our current program.
about us.
The German Pacific School San Diego (GPSSD) is a non-profit organization that was founded in August of 2013. GPSSD is a language and cultural immersion school open to all students who desire to improve or master their German language skills and enhance their cultural understanding.
GPSSD offers German language classes for native and non-native speakers from age three to adult. Our core program aligns with the requirements set forth by the German Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA) that is part of Germany’s Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
GPSSD is accredited by the German government to administer all levels of German language exams, including the German Language Diploma (DSD I and II ) which serve as proof of necessary language skills required in order to enroll in college-level courses in Germany (DSD I) and evidence of language proficiency required to attend a German university (DSD II). We also offer classes to prepare for the SAT Subject Test German and the Advanced Placement (AP) German Language Test.
Our school is governed by a dedicated board of directors consisting of educators, parents of students, and community members. GPSSD benefits from the unselfish leadership of our volunteer board members. In 2018, GPSSD stakeholders consisting of board members, principal, teachers, and students achieved accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Our Mission.
GPSSD strives to foster global awareness of the traditions and cultural heritage of German speaking countries. The goal is to prepare students to become informed and critically thinking global citizens of the 21st century who are able to communicate inter-culturally. GPSSD is dedicated to broaden and improve its currently existing language program to the next level of excellency by offering more access throughout San Diego County, resulting in a yearly increase of students mastering higher levels of German education. GPSSD is determined to become the premier educational organization in San Diego County for German language and cultural heritage.
Our team.
Peter Teriete, D. Phil.
President
Christine Johnson
Principal
Uli Heine
Board Member
Dr. Angela Miller
Board Member
Paul Williamson
Treasurer
Birgit Wester
Administration
Andrea Palczewski
Teacher
Kathrin Grosse
Teacher
Vicky Ripart
Teacher
Raschel Boujram
Teacher
Eva Vallon
Teacher
Colette Vogler
Teacher
Serena Graedel
Teacher
Magdalena 'Magi' Gawlik
Teacher
Erin Pfeil
Teacher
JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
Interested in joining our team?
We are always looking to increase our pool of qualified candidates that could teach or substitute teach.
Qualifications:
- Native or near native oral and written skills in German
- Availability on weekdays late afternoons/evenings and/or Saturday mornings
- Excellent communication skills with students, parents, staff members
- Teaching experience preferred
Please send your resume to germanpacificschool@gmail.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Teachers
Our teachers are native or near native german speakers with love for the language and passion to share it with others.
Growth
From Pre-K through Grade 12 and for adults, we offer early language acquisition and build a strong foundation for growth.
Community
GPSSD is a supportive community of parents, students and teachers. In addition to our regular classes, we offer a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
Our Locations.
See current class schedule for classes that are offered at a respective location.
La Jolla
Classes are held at the
San Diego French American School
6550 Soledad Mountain Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037
Clairemont
Classes are held at the
Clairemont Lutheran Church
4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
Carmel Valley
Classes are held at the
Harvest Evangelical Church
13885 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92130
Poway
Classes are held at the
Incarnation Lutheran Church
16889 Espola Road
Poway, CA 92064
tuition
please call
Current Child Classes.
Classes started in September 2019 and run through mid June 2020.
If you are interested in joining mid-year, please email us at germanpacificschool@gmail.com for availability.
Class assignment will be based on language level/assessment test and, if joining during the school year, tuition will be pro-rated based on individual start date.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy 2019-2020
In case of withdrawal, notification must be made in writing to the Registrar at germanpacificschool@gmail.com. The Withdrawal and Refund Policy provides for refunds as follows:
- Prior to August 1, 2019 – 100% of the tuition minus non-refundable Enrollment Fee of $80.
- Prior to the second day of school – 75% of the tuition minus non-refundable Enrollment Fee of $80.
- Prior to the third day of school – 50% of the tuition minus non-refundable Enrollment Fee of $80.
- After the third day of school – no refund.
Please allow 4 weeks for a refund to be processed (we will make every effort to process refunds earlier). The non-refundable Enrollment Fee is $80 per student. The non-refundable Enrollment Fee covers the Materials Fee of $60 per student per class as well as the administration and processing costs of new and returning students of $20 per student per class. The Materials Fee helps defray the costs of supplies, testing fees, and materials for classes.
Current Adult Classes.
The 2020 Spring Semester started on February 6th, 2020
New beginner classes will be offered in the Fall of 2020.
If you are interested in joining mid semester, please email us at germanpacificschool@gmail.com,
so we can determine if our current class offering is the right fit for you.
Thursdays in Clairemont
$545
Per Semester
- Adult Beginner / Intermediate
- Level A1.2/2
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- 17 weeks/semester
Withdrawal and Refund Policy 2019-2020
In case of withdrawal, notification must be made in writing to the Registrar at germanpacificschool@gmail.com. The Withdrawal and Refund Policy provides for refunds as follows:
- Prior to August 1, 2019 – 100% of the tuition minus non-refundable Enrollment Fee of $80.
- Prior to the second day of school – 75% of the tuition minus non-refundable Enrollment Fee of $80.
- Prior to the third day of school – 50% of the tuition minus non-refundable Enrollment Fee of $80.
- After the third day of school – no refund.
Please allow 4 weeks for a refund to be processed (we will make every effort to process refunds earlier). The non-refundable Enrollment Fee is $80 per student. The non-refundable Enrollment Fee covers the Materials Fee of $60 per student per class as well as the administration and processing costs of new and returning students of $20 per student per class. The Materials Fee helps defray the costs of supplies, testing fees, and materials for classes.
2020 German Immersion
Summer Program
We are offering German Immersion Summer Programs for elementary, middle, and high school age children and teens.
Program weeks are: 6/22 – 6/26/2020 (week 1) and 6/29 – 7/2/2020 (week 2)
Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Location: Campus of San Diego French American School
6550 Soledad Mountain Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
IMPORTANT CORONA VIRUS UPDATE:
Due to the ongoing corona virus spread in the community our currently offered summer programs might have to be postponed to a later date in the summer or (worst case) get canceled. We will update you on any changes to the schedule as soon as those become known. In case of cancellation, your tuition will of course be fully refunded.
ELEMENTARY AGE
IMMERSION PROGRAM
Bilderbuecher, die Lust auf mehr machen! Not your average picture book!
- wk 1: 6/22-6/26/2020, M-F
- wk 2: 6/29-7/2/2020, M-Th
- Full Day: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Ages 6-9 | Grades 1st to 4th
- Tuition: $320 (wk1), $260 (wk2)
MIDDLE SCHOOL AGE IMMERSION PROGRAM
"So ein (Improv-) Theater!"
- wk 1: 6/22-6/26/2020, M-F
- wk 2: 6/29-7/2/2020, M-Th
- Full Day: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Ages 10 -13 | Grades 5th to 8th
- Tuition: $320 (wk1), $260 (wk2)
HIGH SCHOOL AGE
IMMERSION PROGRAM
Jugend debattiert!
-Join our first GPSSD German-language debate team!
- wk 1: 6/22-6/26/2020, M-F
- wk 2: 6/29-7/2/2020, M-Th
- Half Day: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Option to extend to Full Day
- Ages 14-17 | Grades 9th to 12th
- Tuition: $300 (wk1), $240 (wk2)
Summer Program Withdrawal and Refund Policy
If you have to change your summer plans, please email us at germanpacificschool@gmail.com.
The Withdrawal and Refund Policy provides for refunds as follows:
- Withdrawal four weeks before your summer program start date – 100% of the tuition minus non-refundable Administrative Fee of $40
- Withdrawal three weeks before your summer program start date – 75% of the tuition minus non-refundable Administrative Fee of $40
- Withdrawal two weeks before your summer program start date – 50% of the tuition minus non-refundable Administrative Fee of $40
- Withdrawal at a later point – no refund
Please allow up to four weeks for a refund to be processed (we will make every effort to process refunds earlier). The non-refundable Administrative Fee is $40 per student.
ELEMENTARY AGE IMMERSION PROGRAM - Full Day
Bilderbuecher, die Lust auf mehr machen! Not your average picture book!
Morning Program 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Great picture books are not just for small children, but really for all ages. They vividly tell a funny, scary, or heartfelt story, but profoundness is always lurking in between the pages. Beautiful illustrations capture the interest and imagination. Pictures provide the language we all intuitively understand. We will use a selection of beloved classics and newer pictures books that earned critical acclaim to explore many cross-curricular topics in science, art, culture, and social studies. In this program the children will engage their whole minds and bodies reading, writing, drawing, building, crafting, and moving.
Did you know that most elementary-age children are sad that their parents stopped reading to them when they learned how to read on their own? Shared reading fosters listening, reading comprehension, vocabulary building, and important literacy skills. Reading with children is also an opportunity to discuss social and cultural values.
Students in this program need some basic knowledge of German. Activities and instruction will be differentiated, but teaching will be in German.
Signing up for both weeks in this immersive German environment is strongly recommended.
Supervised Lunchtime 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Activities 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Our German language classes in the morning are complemented by a fun-filled afternoon German-immersion program exploring the theme of “Typisch deutsch!” – German culture and customs from Currywurst to Sportverein. We will mingle with our other students for interesting projects and also have an opportunity to share in their AM learning. We have the opportunity to use the outside campus for physical activities and games.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AGE IMMERSION PROGRAM - Full Day
"So ein (Improv-) Theater!"
Morning Program 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Language improvisation – bring a stories and scenes to life with creativity, spontaneity, and lots of laughter!
Did you know that improvisation can be a very helpful tool for language learning? You can be someone else and speak freely without the fear of making mistakes. Bringing in our emotions and involving our bodies stimulates the imagination and increases retention. Interacting with other students improves German communication skills.
In a relaxed and safe atmosphere with non-verbal and verbal games of improvisation theater, we will bring to light our spontaneous thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and maybe even a short performance! Let German be fun! Let the drama begin!
Intermediate and higher language skills.
Signing up for both weeks in this immersive German environment is strongly recommended.
Supervised Lunchtime 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Activities 1:00PM -4:00PM
Our German language classes in the morning are complemented by a fun-filled afternoon German-immersion program exploring the theme of “Typisch deutsch!” – German culture and customs from Currywurst to Sportverein. We will mingle with our other students for interesting projects and also have an opportunity to share in their AM learning. We have the opportunity to use the outside campus for physical activities and games.
HIGH SCHOOL AGE IMMERSION PROGRAM - Half Day
Jugend debattiert
-Join our first GPSSD German-language debate team!
Morning Program 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“Jugend debattiert” is the renowned German-language debate program and competition supported by the ZfA (Central Agency for German Schools Abroad), sponsored by several German foundations and companies, and organized under the patronage of the German Bundespräsident. It is a fun, engaging, and lively curriculum! Students have the opportunity to compete. The competition spans from school to regional and state competition to federal competition (Germany), in which the best debaters meet in Berlin every year. First step: Bay Area and then the US final in November!
Learn to use your reason. Listen to your peers. Make your voice heard. Exercise your democratic responsibility and ask critical questions, listen to the opinions of others and have a respectful discourse. Successfully negotiate with your parents 
This workshop will not only improve your oral communication skills, but also help you to write well-structured essays in the DSD exam (Deutsches Sprachdiplom).
Teacher training is required to become a “Jugend debattiert” facilitator. GPSSD is proud to be a “Jugend debattiert” school and to be able to offer this fun and rewarding program in San Diego this summer.
Signing up for both workshop weeks is strongly recommended.
Students that do want a full-day program can join our afternoon program for an extra fee of $20/day.
Calendar
IMPORTANT CORONA VIRUS UPDATE:
In-person classes have stopped as of March 13th, 2020.
All classes have been moved to a blended version of video group and video 1:1 meetings complemented by assignments to be completed individually at home.
Get in Touch.
Here for you
germanpacificschool@gmail.com
858-461-9118
German Pacific School
San Diego
4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.,
San Diego, CA 92117
