Children's Classes
The German Saturday School Houston offers a comprehensive language program for children and teens—from early childhood through high school. Students learn in age-appropriate, engaging settings that support both language development and creativity.
Two learning tracks:
- German Immersion (native and heritage speakers)
- German as a Foreign Language (beginners to advanced)
Classes for Young Children
Young Children (Ages 2½–5)
Play-based learning in a nurturing environment.</p
German Speakers (Elementary–High School)
Elementary - High School
Immersion classes for native and heritage speakers.
German Learners (Ages 6–High School)
Ages 6 - High School
German as a Foreign Language for beginners and advancing students.
Classes for Young Children
Our classes for young children are modeled after kindergarten programs in Germany.
Spielkreis and Spielgruppe
Ages 2.5 - 3
Morning program – previous German required.
Early childhood is the ideal time to begin language learning. Children may join Spielkreis at age 2½ and move to Spielgruppe at age 3. These classes are for children with prior exposure to German. Instruction takes place primarily in German.
Through songs, music, simple stories, crafts, movement, and seasonal traditions, children develop listening, understanding, and speaking skills naturally and without pressure. The program fosters a love of German while supporting social skills, and joyful early learning.
Class time: Spielgruppe: 8:45 -10:15 AM Spielkreis : 10:30 AM -12:00 PMKindergarten
Age 4
Morning program – previous German required.
Designed for children who already understand and speak some German, this program builds on preschool foundations and further develops language skills in a playful, engaging setting. German is the primary language of instruction.
Through songs, stories, games, crafts, movement, and early literacy activities, children expand vocabulary, strengthen listening comprehension, and gain confidence in speaking. Seasonal themes and cultural traditions connect language learning to meaningful experiences.
The program supports early academic readiness while nurturing joy in learning
Class Time: 8:45 AM-11:30 AMVorschule
Age 5
Morning Program – previous German required.
This program focuses on communication and comprehension, encouraging children to express themselves confidently in German. Through songs, rhymes, poems, and engaging group activities, students develop language skills in a joyful and supportive environment.
Playful yet structured learning builds vocabulary, listening skills, and speaking confidence. Pre- literacy skills are introduced throughout the year, supporting early reading readiness. Motivated learners may begin reading simple words and short texts.
Class Time: 8:45 AM-11:30 AMKinderkreis I/II
Age 4-5
Afternoon Program – No previous German required.This program introduces young children to German through songs, rhymes, games, and engaging group activities. With a strong focus on listening and communication, children learn German sounds, words, and simple expressions in a playful, supportive environment. German songs, traditions, and customs enrich the experience and connect language learning with joyful cultural moments.
By the end of the program, children are prepared for continued German language learning,
Class Time : 12:00 to 2:15 PM
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.
Class time: Saturdays, 8:45–11:30 a.m.
Elementary School
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. German history, culture and traditions are integral parts of the curriculum. Students receive an official German report card that is recognized in Germany. At the end of Grade 5, they take the national exam Internationale Schulische Vergleichsarbeit (A1 level).Middle School
Grades 6–8
Students expand grammar and vocabulary while strengthening independent writing and speaking skills. They write essays, give presentations, and participate in guided discussions. The curriculum deepens the knowledge of the history and culture of German-speaking countries. This level prepares students for the AATG National German Exam and the Internationale Schulische Vergleichsarbeit (A2 level).High School
Grades 9-12
This program is designed for students with a strong foundation in German. Students refine advanced language skills and strengthen analytical writing and presentation skills. Classes include literature, history, culture, and contemporary topics from German-speaking countries. This program prepares for the AP German Exam as well as the German Sprachdiplom (DSD I and DSD II). These internationally recognized diplomas, fulfill language requirements for admission to German universities and open doors to study and career opportunities abroad.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. 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 increasing 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, daily routines, and life in Germany.
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.
Students are encouraged to prepare for language exams A1.