German School of the East Bay

1. When will the school start?
Please see our calendar here for all the dates. Students are asked to show up before 10am to allow for a timely start of the lessons.

2. Where is the school located?
Our classrooms are in the yellow brick building at 1699 Excelsior Street, Oakland, on the grounds of the Altenheim (EGC) Please click herefor a map and directions.
Note (09/01/2010): We were informed by the Excelsior German Center (EGC - our landlord) that our building was evaluated for earthquake safety. Consequently the building will undergo some more minor retrofitting projects throughout the school year. It was explained to us though, that this will in no way interfere with the safety or operation of our school. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

3. When are the classes taught?
Classes are only on Saturdays from 9:30AM to 12:00PM (morning session) and from 1:00PM. to 3:30PM (afternoon session). For class days, please check our calendar.

4. What are your teachers' qualifications?
All of our teachers are native speakers or have demonstrated native speaker's proficiency and have been carefully selected for their respective age group and class level. Many have state or German teacher's certificates and are also teaching at local high schools and colleges.

5. How much is the tuition?
You will find tuition information summarized here , $30 materials fee is included. We charge a $50 volunteer deposit per semester which will be waived if you help out at school or at various social events for 3 hours per semester. Volunteer sign up is available at registration.

6. How to enroll?
We prepared set of online enrollment forms you can find here. Please fill out the forms as directed and send us $25 reservation fee latest one week before start of new school year. If you (your child) attended school in during last semester and you would like to continue, you will receive information about what class assignment before start of new semester. If you are new student, and have questions about teaching or enrollment, please send an email to registration@gseb-school.org.

7. What skill level is taught?
Children: from Kindergarten age through high school with progressive skill levels, for native speakers as well as foreign language learners. Adults: beginners through advanced conversation/literature, high school students may participate in adult classes

8. How long is your school year?
We have 2 semesters per year with 14 lecture days and one additional event per semester. In the fall semester the extra day is our Adventsfeier which is held the first Sunday in December. In the spring semester the extra day is the last school day with general meeting for parents and adult students (children resume lecture) and either open house or a year end celebration afterwards. Please see calendar.

9.  I am not sure if your school is right for me/my children. Can I visit to try it out?
We offer one (1) free sample class, in case you are not sure about your placement. Sample classes are usually taken at the beginning of each semester, sample classes taken in the middle of a semester require special permission by the school board's president or the head teacher.