Bilingual Elementary School in Portland area

German American School of Portland:
The German American School of Portland offers preschool, kindergarten and elementary school programs with a dual language emphasis where both the German and the American English languages and cultures are taught and appreciated. Located in Beaverton, 10 km from Portland in Portland West, Oregon, we have families from all over the greater Portland area attending.

Preschool, Kindergarten & Elementary School with German / English bilingual program:

Preschool:
Learning another language is second nature to a three year old. Preschool and Kindergarten classes are conducted entirely in German, with English being used only for “confusion or comfort” when necessary. Preschoolers may begin the program at age three and do not need any prior foreign language.

All of our preschool and Kindergarten teachers are certified as early childhood educators (in Germany and the US) and have native or near-fluency in German. Aside from being great instructors, they are well-versed in early childhood development. Their caring, nurturing approach brings out the best in young children. In the preschool setting, we introduce our three and four year olds to the German language through a variety of multi-sensory activities.

Expressive art and music, simple stories and rhythmic games based on seasonal and nature themes provide a gentle structure to the preschooler¹s day. Preschoolers develop fine and gross-motor skills in a rich environment. Children also enjoy healthy social interaction: sharing, making friends, having empathy for others and learning to be courteous and respectful.

Half-day or full-day program:
Children may attend the half-day or full-day program, four or five days a week. We recommend the five day program to give children the greatest immersion potential. Preschool and Kindergartners who stay for the entire day have a rest period or nap after lunch. The day officially ends at 2:50 p.m., Fridays at 2:00 p.m.

Kindergarten:
In the Kindergarten setting, children gain pre-literacy skills by learning to recognize and print the upper and lower case letters of the alphabet. The foundation for essential mathematical skills is developed through counting and sorting games and calendar recognition. Children explore the world around them through field trips and begin to express themselves artistically and musically. Seasonal themes, songs, and stories all reinforce the child’s progress toward formal education in the German and English languages.

Elementary School Grades 1-5:
The Elementary School program takes place in a dual language environment. Children are immersed in a curriculum where both the German and the American language and culture are taught and appreciated. We take an individualized teaching approach with all classes.

Teachers devise individualized lesson plans that cater to each child at his or her level of performance. This approach to learning enables students to progress according to their creative and natural abilities. We teach basic abilities, knowledge, and skill according to the child’s individual experience and learning potential, which fosters the joy of learning.

Each child’s personality, interests, practical and artistic skills and social behavior are all taken into consideration to ensure personal attention so that each child can grow in a dual language community.