The German School of Connecticut or GSC is a private, non-profit Saturday school founded in 1978 with a student body of over 350. The school offers a dual-track curriculum for non-native beginners, and native or near-fluent speakers. A professional teaching staff, most of whom are native German speakers, provide three contact hours on each of thirty Saturdays during the traditional September - May school year. Classes are held on two campuses: Stamford and West Hartford, for ages ranging from preschool to high school as well as adults. Students learn, improve or maintain German language skills while celebrating German, Austrian and Swiss cultures. In 1982, it was the first German language school in the United States to be selected by the German Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs and Central Agency for Schools Abroad to administer the official Sprachdiplom I examination, and the following year added the Sprachdiplom II. These annual exams test the equivalence of ten and twelve years of German language study, equalling proficiency on the B1/A2 and C1/B2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, respectively. Toddlers and elementary school children enjoy hands-on modern teaching, along with singing, playing and being with their friends. Middle and high school students enjoy special projects and cultural events and adult students enjoy the camaraderie and friendship among like-motivated class participants. The school also embodies an international parent community: those from German-speaking countries are joined by US and other international parents. Most participate in the many traditional holiday celebrations, and many take advantage of the transnational networking opportunities. The school receives support from the German government, as well as local businesses and donors. In 2009, the school became one of the 66 US partner schools with the German government in the PASCH program. It is a member of the World Association of German Schools Abroad Weltverband Deutsche Auslandsschulen and also a founding member of the German Language School Conference.
As of July 1, 2008, Connecticut students studying World languages in community schools such as the German School of Connecticut are eligible to receive high school foreign language credit for their studies. This is a real benefit to the students, who put in many hours of study to master speaking, writing, listening and reading skills, as well as cultural information.
Target market
Many students and graduates of German School of Connecticut realize the advantage of studying one of Europe's leading languages. Some plan to study in a German speaking country of Europe, others on splitting their future studies between universities in the US and a German-speaking country. Some study to gain a professional advantage. Certain high school students have the opportunity to take a special German language exam, the "Sprachdiplom", which fulfills the language requirements for direct entry at a German university. High school students can also prepare for the American Association of the Teacher of German exam, or the Advanced Placement German Language exam, earning one or more US college credits.
