German Kindergarten
A warm, nurturing, and language-rich learning environment where every child develops confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
The German Kindergarten offers an educational programme in line with German traditions of education for children aged 3 to 6 years old. Children learn in a caring and stimulating environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. We welcome children of all nationalities and value the opportunity for every child to interact with classmates from different cultural backgrounds while learning through play and everyday experiences.
LEARNING AT EVERY STAGE
The German Kindergarten follows the traditions of German early childhood education and is divided into two age groups that support children's development at every stage.
Kindergarten
Ages 3–5 years
Children begin their early learning journey through play, exploration, creativity, and meaningful everyday experiences. They develop language, social, emotional, physical, and creative skills in a caring and stimulating environment.
Vorschule (Pre-Primary)
Ages 5–6 years
Children continue to build confidence, independence, and school readiness while strengthening their German language skills and preparing for a successful transition into primary school.
WHY CHOOSE OUR GERMAN KINDERGARTEN?
German Educational Tradition
Learning through German early childhood education.
The German Kindergarten follows the traditions of German early childhood education, where children learn through meaningful play, exploration, creativity, and everyday experiences.
AT A GLANCE
Age Group
Kindergarten (3 to 5 years)
Vorschule (5 to 6 years)
School Hours
Monday–Friday,
7:30 AM–2:00 PM
Afternoon Activities
Optional, 3x/week
2:15–3:35 PM
Language of Instruction
German
Curriculum
German kindergarten traditions within IB framework
Settling in
(Eingewöhnung)
A Gentle Transition into Preschool
A special feature of German preschools is the Eingewöhnung process, a gradual and child-centred transition into preschool. At GESM, we follow the Berlin Model (Berliner Eingewöhnungsmodell), recognising that young children adjust best to a new environment when they are introduced with the support of a trusted caregiver.
For children attending preschool for the first time, parents accompany their child during the initial days. As the child becomes increasingly comfortable with teachers, classmates, and daily routines, the parent gradually steps back until the child is ready to participate independently.
Our teachers work closely with families throughout this transition to ensure every child feels safe, secure, and confident as they begin their learning journey.
Curriculum
Overview
The German Kindergarten follows the educational framework of early childhood education in the German federal state of Thuringia. Learning is holistic and interdisciplinary, supporting children's cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative development through meaningful, age-appropriate experiences.
Throughout the year, children explore themes drawn from their everyday lives and the world around them. While the learning topics are aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), children engage with them through the pedagogical traditions of German early childhood education.
Our educators guide and support each child's individual learning journey, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and the foundational skills needed for a successful transition into primary school.
FAQs
