About Us
Our School
The German Language School of the North Bay was founded in 1967 in Novato, California, by families seeking to preserve the German cultural heritage and language within the rich multicultural landscape of Sonoma and Marin. Today, we carry on that mission as a non-profit Saturday school and community committed to furthering the language, culture, and customs of German-speaking countries to our local community and beyond—just as we have for almost 60 years.
We are members of, and connected with, other supporting clubs, schools, and organizations associated with German culture, language and events in San Francisco and the North Bay. Take a look at our Resources section for more information about our German community connections.
As a nonprofit, our support is through registration, fundraisers, tax-deductible donations, and grants. Our school membership consists of teachers, administrators, professionals, and paraprofessionals passionate about the advancement of German. We are run by an all-volunteer board that wishes to carry on the strong traditions of our school and share that culture with others. Our membership is made up of the parents of enrolled students as well as all the adult students.
How we teach German
We use modern teaching materials and techniques proven to be effective in introducing conversational and grammatical components in a way that captures and keeps the student’s interest.
German is spoken in the classroom as much as possible, and authentic learning resources are provided to promote continued learning outside of the classroom. Regular classroom instruction is supplemented by other learning activities such as German movies, lectures, music, and more. Students are also introduced to the German cultural heritage as well as to train their ears for various German accents and patterns of speech.
Additionally, we maintain a continuously updated library of German books and other media for children and adults which are available for students to check out.
Our Curriculum
We offer an affordable and convenient opportunity to receive creative instruction methods that will help you and your family launch or advance your German language and cultural skills.
We provide classes optimized to establish and build upon an enthusiasm for the German language and the diverse cultures of German-speaking countries; if you are in need of skills and drills outside of the college classroom, we offer dynamic learning resources to help in the enhancement of your current language skills.
Over the course of a semester you will obtain the tools and have opportunities to speak, read, and write German with confidence. You will not only receive quality academic instruction, but the opportunity to use it in memorable and fun communication activities that are applicable to the real world.
Our Teachers
To ensure high quality instruction, teachers are selected both for their knowledge of German and for their teaching ability. Most of our instructors are from German speaking countries and possess teaching credentials. As dedicated professionals, they make sure that the learning experience is fun and well-rounded.
Our Teachers
Our Board of Directors
Our school is administered by an all-volunteer Board of Directors that is dedicated to running the school. They are elected annually and all members (parents of enrolled children and adult students) of the German Language School of the North Bay are eligible to vote for and serve on the Board.
Each Board member is responsible for managing an administrative area of the school. Additionally, they attend the General Membership Meetings, are present at as many school functions as possible, and assist with tasks during school hours.
Our Marin County Campus
We offer a full range of classes for both children and adults in Novato. Children classes are available for Pre-K and Kindergarten through elementary, middle, and high school. Adult classes of all levels are offered as well.
We lease classroom space from Marin Christian Academy at New Life Christian Center, located off the freeway in central Novato at 1370 South Novato Boulevard. It is on the corner of Rowland Blvd and S. Novato Blvd. behind the Shell station. From Highway 101, take the Rowland Blvd exit west. Turn left onto South Novato Blvd and then turn left into the first driveway.
Our Sonoma County Campus
We lease classroom space from Santa Rosa Christian Church, located in central Santa Rosa at 1315 Pacific Avenue. As our newer campus, we only have adult classes at this campus, but hope to expand our selection soon.
From Highway 101 headed South, take the Steele Lane exit east. Turn right onto North Street. Turn left onto Pacific Avenue. From Highway 101 headed North, take the College Avenue exit east. Turn left onto North Street. Turn right onto Pacific Avenue.
Our campus is just on the left-hand side. Take the driveway to the back of the building. The school entrance is located in the back of the building adjacent to the parking lot.
