Children's Classes
Our classes for young children are modeled after kindergarten programs in Germany. Creative play encourages language development and communication skills. School and class festivities introduce the child to the German speaking community.
Spielkreis and Spielgruppe
Ages 2.5 - 3
Morning program – previous German required.Early childhood is the ideal time to begin learning a language. For two- and three-year-olds, language acquisition happens naturally through play, repetition, and joyful interaction.
Children may begin our Spielkreis program at age 2½ and advance to Spielgruppe at age 3. These classes are designed for children who already have some understanding of German, either through exposure at home or in a previous German-language setting. Instruction takes place primarily in German.
We teach through a wide variety of multi-sensory activities, including expressive arts and crafts, singing and music, simple stories, finger plays, rhythmic movement, and seasonal themes rooted in German culture. The focus is on listening, understanding, and speaking German naturally—without pressure. Our goal is to spark a love of the German language while fostering social skills, creativity, and a joyful first learning experience.
Class time: Spielgruppe: 8:45 -10:15 Spielkreis : 10:30 -12:00 NoonKindergarten
Age 4
Morning program – previous German required.Our Kindergarten Program builds on the foundation established in our preschool classes and is designed for children who already understand and speak some German. At this age, children are ready to expand their language skills more intentionally while continuing to learn through play, creativity, and meaningful interaction.
German is the primary language of instruction. Through age-appropriate activities such as songs, stories, games, crafts movement, and early literacy experiences, children naturally develop vocabulary, listening comprehension, and confidence in speaking German. Seasonal themes and cultural traditions remain an important part of the curriculum, helping children connect language with real-life experiences.
The program supports early academic readiness while maintaining a joyful, child-centered learning environment. Our goal is to strengthen children’s German language proficiency and prepare them for success in our elementary-level German programs.
Class Time: 8:45 AM-11:30 AMVorschule
Age 5
Morning Program – Previous German required.At this level, our focus is on communication and comprehension. Children are encouraged to express themselves in German through engaging, age-appropriate activities that make learning joyful and effective.
Our communicative approach incorporates songs, poems, rhymes, and a wide variety of group activities that encourage creativity, social interaction, and independent learning. Through playful and structured experiences, students gradually build confidence in speaking and understanding German.
Pre-literacy skills are carefully introduced and developed throughout the year. Using materials specifically designed for young learners, children strengthen listening comprehension, vocabulary, and early reading readiness. Motivated learners may begin reading simple words and texts toward the end of the school year.
Class Time: 8:45 AM-11:30 AMKinderkreis I/II
Age 4-5
Afternoon Program – No previous German required.At this level, our focus is on listening, communication, and early language comprehension. Children with no prior German experience are introduced to the language through engaging, age-appropriate activities that make learning joyful and accessible.
Our communicative approach incorporates songs, poems, rhymes, and a wide variety of group activities that encourage creativity, social interaction, and independent learning. Through play-based experiences and daily routines, children become familiar with German sounds, words, and simple expressions in a natural and supportive environment. German songs, traditions, and customs play an important role in the program, helping children connect language learning with joyful cultural experiences.
By the end of the program, children will:
• Understand and use simple words and expressions in German
• Participate confidently in songs, games, and classroom routines
• Be well prepared for continued German language learning.
Class Time : 12:00 to 2:15 PM
German Saturday School Houston offers a comprehensive, thoughtfully designed language program for children and teens—from elementary through high school.
What makes our school unique is that we offer two distinct learning tracks to meet students where they are: 1) German Immersion Program, and 2) German as a Foreign Language Program
German Immersion Program
Our immersion program is designed for native and heritage speakers of German, ages 6–18. All classes are taught exclusively in German by native German-speaking teachers. Students progress through grade levels similarly to a regular school setting.
Class time: Saturdays, 8:45–11:30 a.m.
Elementary School
In grades 1-5, students learn to read fluently and express themselves clearly in both spoken and written German. Our curriculum follows the educational standards of the German federal states for grades K–5.
We use Schulexpert – Basis, a certified instructional program for young learners that is recommended by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supports students over several years. German history, culture, and traditions are integral parts of the curriculum.
After each successful school year, students receive a German report card (Zeugnis) that is recognized in Germany. At the end of elementary school, students take the national German exam “Internationale Schulische Vergleichsarbeit” (A1 level).
Middle School
In grades 6–8, students continue to expand grammar and vocabulary while developing independent writing and communication skills. They begin writing short essays on age-appropriate topics, give presentations, and participate in guided discussions.
Students also deepen their knowledge of the history and culture of German-speaking countries. This level prepares them for exams such as the AATG exam and the national German exam “Internationale Schulische Vergleichsarbeit” (A2 level).
High School
Our high school program is designed for students with a strong foundation in German who are interested in studying or working in Germany.
Students further develop advanced grammar, vocabulary, writing, and presentation skills while exploring the history, culture, and contemporary life in German-speaking countries.
This program prepares students for the Advanced Placement (AP) German Exam and the prestigious Sprachdiplom (DSD I and DSD II) exams. These exams are issued by the German Ministry of Education and fulfill language requirements for admission to German universities.
German as Foreign Language
Our afternoon program is designed for non-native learners of German, ages 6–18. Students are grouped by age and proficiency level, from beginners to advanced learners. Regular assessments ensure appropriate placement. Highly motivated and advanced students may be invited to transition into the morning immersion program.
Class time: Saturdays, Noon –2:15 p.m.
German A
Some prior knowledge of German is recommended. This level builds on existing skills and continues to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities.
Students are introduced to German culture and traditions, with a strong emphasis on communication and growing accuracy.
German B
At this level, students begin to develop structured writing skills. They can speak about themselves and their families and ask and answer simple questions. Cultural learning continues alongside language development.
The goal of this level is preparation for the A1 exam, including the ÖSD KID A1.
German C
This course is designed for older elementary and middle school students with prior German knowledge.
Students strengthen grammar, comprehension, and conversational skills related to everyday topics such as family, school, sports, shopping, daily routines, and life in Germany. Multimedia plays an important role in instruction.
Students prepare for the A2 German exam and the ÖSD KID A2.
German D
This beginner-level course is for middle school and high school students with little or no prior German knowledge.
It is especially suitable for students motivated by family heritage or an upcoming move to a German-speaking country. The focus is on building basic communication, listening, and reading skills for.