German Swiss International School (GSIS) is a leading dual-language international school that has offered through-train education from Kindergarten to Secondary since 1969. Delivering a unique multicultural experience, GSIS is renowned for its academic excellence in two parallel streams, the English International Stream preparing students for IGCSE and IB, and the German International Stream leading to the globally accepted German International Abitur (DIA). We chatted with two families for insights into why they’ve chosen GSIS in Hong Kong.
The Monti family
The Montis have attended German Swiss International School since Kindergarten, in the German International Stream. Francesco (16) is in K11 and Leone (14) is in K08.
Why did you choose GSIS in Hong Kong?
We chose the school because of its strong academic reputation and the opportunity it provides our children to learn German, which aligns perfectly with our work and career commitments. The choice seemed like an ideal fit for our family’s values and aspirations, and, initially, our plans of relocating to Germany after some years in Hong Kong.
How do you think the experience of the German school system compares with other schools?
Compared with Hong Kong’s highly exam-driven local system and international streams such as the IB and American curricula that we explored before making our choice, the German school system places less emphasis on high-stakes testing and university-only pathways. Instead, it promotes balanced academic pressure and student independence (something that we value a lot), as well as well-established vocational and dual-education tracks.
What do your children enjoy most about the school?
Both Francesco and Leone have thoroughly enjoyed the diverse extracurricular activities and the supportive environment at GSIS Hong Kong. The school’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and global awareness among students is something we appreciate. Our children have especially enjoyed the various cultural events and international projects, trips and exchanges in other countries. These have enriched their educational experience and broadened their horizons.
The Cheung family
Jonathon and Cherry Cheung have two children, Jayden (14) and Coleman (13), both in the German International Stream at GSIS.
Why did you choose GSIS in Hong Kong?
As parents, we believe a deep proficiency in multiple languages greatly benefits our children’s future development. Our two kids seem to have an ease with different foreign languages, and when we discovered that the Fast Track programme required no prior German, it perfectly aligned with our belief. We’re sure that attending GSIS Hong Kong will really strengthen the kids’ bilingual skills for the future.
How has the experience of the German school system been different from your family’s earlier experiences?
Our children attended a very free and unrestricted primary environment elsewhere, which we believe greatly benefited their early development. In secondary school at GSIS, the German system emphasises discipline, focus in class, active participation, and self-regulation – qualities we see as essential at this stage. GSIS provides excellent support in these areas, which has been our biggest and most appreciated gain from choosing this school.
What do your children enjoy most about the school?
They appreciate the good balance between academic demands and physical activities. As active teenagers, they love the many opportunities to try different sports. The most special example of this was the inter-school sports competition in Japan that involved eight German international schools in East Asia. This was a memorable experience for our child who attended, and not something that is easily arranged by every school.
Tell us something about the school that you particularly admire.
After four years in the German International Stream, we clearly see our child’s strong progress in German language mastery and usage. The Fast Track programme is excellent, with great teacher support – especially the principal’s dedication. Dr Leitner specially arranged a half-year exchange program with the German School of Geneva, broadening the children’s international perspectives in meaningful ways. This is what we admire most about GSIS.
Kindergarten and Vorschule / Lower Primary: 162 Pok Fu Lam Road, Pok Fu Lam
Upper Primary and Secondary: 11 Guildford Road, The Peak
2849 6217 | info@gsis.edu.hk | gsis.edu.hk
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