German Language School of the North Bay

German Language School of the North Bay offers Saturday classes with poems, games, songs, rhymes, storybooks, art projects, crafts, beginner reading and writing, conversation, grammar, listening, speaking, and project-based learning in German. Traditional Saturday classes run from September through May and are divided into fall and spring semesters, and Special Interest classes are offered during the school year and over the summer.

Programs

• Pre-K & Kindergarten — Children 4-5 years old; limited number of 3 year olds · Saturday mornings at the Novato campus · Playful, hands-on introduction to German using poems, games, songs, rhymes, storybooks, and art projects. All language levels welcome.
• Elementary I — Lower elementary school students, grades 1-2 · Saturday mornings at the Novato campus · Learning by doing with games, crafts, songs, rhymes, and beginner reading and writing in German. All language levels welcome.
• Elementary II — Elementary school students, app. grades 3-4 · Saturday mornings at the Novato campus · For students with intermediate or higher German skills. Builds conversational, reading, writing, and grammar skills.
• Elementary III — Upper elementary and lower middle school students, grades 4-6 · Saturday mornings at the Novato campus · Strengthens listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Includes project-based learning and prepares students for the Internationale Vergleichsarbeit A1 exam.
• Middle School Exam Prep — Middle school students · Saturday mornings at the Novato campus · Taught entirely in German. Prepares students for the Internationale Vergleichsarbeit A2 exam and AATG National German Exam Competition (Level 1 and 2).
• High School I Exam Prep — High school students · Saturday mornings · For advanced German students.
• Traditional Saturday classes — Pre-K through high school; adults also offered · Saturday mornings from 9:30am until noon, September through May · Classes are offered at both campuses; the school year is divided into fall and spring semesters.
• Special Interest classes — Children and adults · Throughout the school year and over the summer; both online and in person; varying days and times · Themed classes such as grammar and conversation. Availability depends on student interest and staffing.
• Adult classes — Adults of all levels · Saturday mornings in Novato; adults only classes at Santa Rosa campus · Available for bilingual speakers and beginners of all levels of German learners.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• General schedule: Traditional Saturday classes meet on Saturday mornings from September through May. The school year is divided into fall and spring semesters. Special Interest classes are offered periodically throughout the school year and over the summer.

About the provider

The school was founded in 1967 in Novato, California. It is administered by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, and teachers are selected for their knowledge of German and teaching ability. Most instructors are from German-speaking countries and possess teaching credentials. The school’s mission is to further the language, culture, and customs of German-speaking countries to the local community and beyond. It also offers events and activities such as Laternenfest, Weihnachtsfeier, Fasching, Osterfest, Abschlussfeier, Schultüten traditions, Kaffeeklatsch, and Dialect Day.

The school is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open. Tuition for Traditional Saturday Classes is $585 per student per semester, with a $50 registration fee per student per semester. Materials fee may apply and is no more than $25 for certain classes. No additional sibling discount is offered. Students can visit for one morning before signing up. The school admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.

Last updated October 6, 2026.