German Swiss International School (GSIS)
Founded in 1969 by German and Swiss parents, the German Swiss International School (GSIS) in Hong Kong has developed into a benchmark of bilingual education. Established after two previous efforts in 1967 and 1968, GSIS's origins lie in the collaborative efforts of the German expatriate community and the Swiss community. The desire for a German-medium school gained momentum in 1966, with GSIS officially established in 1969.
Starting at 1 Barker Road, GSIS initially faced challenges. Due to excessive demand, the nursery was moved to the Union Church on Kennedy Road; GSIS had originally rented rather than owned the Barker Road campus. With 73 students, the majority of whom are German and Swiss learners, the school begins its bilingual journey.
In 1972, the Hong Kong government granted free land to GSIS on Guildford Road. Construction of the upper building began in 1973, coinciding with the appointment of Hans Kraus as Rector. The $7 million Guildford facility, which opened in 1973, serves elementary grades and marks a significant expansion. In 1975, the Peak Campus opened, reinforcing GSIS's commitment to diverse streams of education - English and German. The introduction of the English secondary program into the UK education system in 1975 enriched the school's offerings.
Over the years, GSIS continued to grow, with Austria joining the partnership in 1989 and significant campus changes in 2006 and 2007. The school transitioned from the A-level and Abitur systems to the IB and DIAP, underscoring the school's commitment to a modern and globally recognized education system.
With the help of grants and staffing, GSIS, which is run by a board of directors, keeps close ties with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The curriculum ranges from kindergarten to high school, offering two parallel streams - the English International Stream and the German International Stream. Recent additions include bilingual German/Chinese kindergarten classes, demonstrating GSIS's dedication to linguistic diversity.
GSIS's rich history and dedication to bicultural education continue to shape young minds, offering a unique combination of Anglo-German experience that contributes to GSIS's valuable legacy in Hong Kong's education scene.
Hotline: +85228496216
Website: https://mygsis.gsis.edu.hk/
Address: German Swiss International School (The Peak Campus) Upper Building, 11 Guildford Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
Tuition fees: $22,663 - $29,539
