named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
AfterCare and AGs (Activity Groups)
Provides afterschool programming including Yoga, Computer, Green School, and Ballet for students in various grades.
German International Abitur
Offers students the opportunity to earn the globally recognized German International Abitur alongside a U.S. high school diploma.
Nature-Based Program
Brings young students outdoors for most of the school day on a 20-acre campus to explore, learn, and play.
STEM Program
Emphasizes mathematics, natural sciences, and technology across all grade levels to prepare students for future-relevant fields.
Student Exchange Program
Facilitates cultural exchange with partner schools, such as the recent student visit from DS Bilbao in Spain.
activities · 10 groups
What they do
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Back-to-School Supply Distribution 1 activity
- Academic supply coordination and support for familiesProvides official school supply lists for all grade levels and offers an optional School Supply Package Service for families in Grades 5–7 to streamline preparation for the academic year.
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Play-Based Early Childhood Education 1 activity
- After-school, enrichment, and experiential learning programsOffers after-school programs, AfterCare, and activity groups such as Yoga, Computer, Green School, and Ballet for students in grades 1–6. Includes class trips, community service initiatives, and hands-on learning experiences to support student development beyond the classroom.
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Campus Construction and Renovation Projects 1 activity
- Campus infrastructure and facility improvementsUndertakes ongoing campus improvement projects including renovations to Middle School classrooms and hallways, and upgrades to HVAC systems, air conditioning, ceilings, and lighting in Pre-K classrooms.
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College Access and Success Support 1 activity
- College advising and higher education placement supportProvides college advising services that guide students in applying to universities in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, and other European countries, supporting their transition to higher education institutions globally.
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Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 1 activity
- Nature-based early childhood education programOperates a nature-based educational model for young children, conducting most of the school day outdoors on a 20-acre campus. This program emphasizes experiential learning in natural settings for Pre-K students.
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College Preparatory Secondary Education 1 activity
- Pre-K through Grade 12 bilingual and bicultural education programProvides a college preparatory education for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12, offering dual academic credentialing with both a U.S. High School Diploma (or New York State Diploma) and the German International Abitur. The curriculum integrates English and German language instruction starting in Pre-K, with additional languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Russian) introduced in later grades.
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Hands-On STEM Education Programs 1 activity
- STEM and digital education programProvides comprehensive STEM education emphasizing mathematics, IT, natural sciences, and technology across all grade levels. Recognized as a MINT School and honored as a "Digitale Schule" in 2024 for commitment to modern, future-oriented education through digital technologies.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- School-wide community events and cultural celebrationsHosts annual community events and cultural celebrations such as art fairs, flea markets, sports days, holiday festivities, Pride Month observances, and historical commemorations including the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
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Cultural Exchange and Mutual Understanding Programs 1 activity
- Student exchange and international cultural programsConducts student exchange programs with international partner schools, including reciprocal visits such as sending and hosting students from DS Bilbao for cultural and educational experiences involving museum visits and collaborative learning.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Language instruction for students and adultsOffers immersive language instruction in German, Spanish, Italian, and Russian for students from Pre-K through Grade 12 and for adult learners at beginner and advanced levels. Includes age-appropriate teaching of language, literature, and culture, with opportunities to practice speaking with native speakers.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$13.06M
Contributions & grants$601K5%
Program service revenue$11.70M90%
Investment income$569K4%
Other revenue$188K
expenses
Total expenses$12.21M
Program expenses80%
Admin / overhead20%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$7.78M
Grants paid out$428K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$51.84M
Cash$14.09M
Investments$1.65M
Liabilities$17.16M
Net assets$34.68M
Liquid reserves15.5 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +2.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 5
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICHAELA BRAUN RUEDA | BUSINESS MANAGER | 40 | $233K |
| DR SABINE MAIBERGER | HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL | 40 | $172K |
| ALEXANDER SUERO | NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR | 40 | $150K |
| DR JACQLYNE THORNTON | TEACHER | 40 | $138K |
| JOHN DIBETTA JR | TEACHER | 40 | $129K |
board members · 16
- BRUNI TOPETE RAEDER — BOARD MEMBER
- CAROLINE BLASER — BOARD MEMBER
- CHRISTOPHER BROWN — BOARD MEMBER
- DIRK ZEMKE — BOARD MEMBER
- DR KATJA SIMONS — PRESIDENT
- DR NILS HENNIG — BOARD MEMBER
- DR RONALD FRANK — CHAIR
- DR SABINE CHLOSTA — BOARD MEMBER
- INDIRA THOMAS-LIEKEFETT — BOARD MEMBER (THRU 9/2024)
- JENNIFER HOFFMANN — BOARD MEMBER
- JENS KORTE — BOARD MEMBER
- KENIA BUSTAMANTE — BOARD MEMBER
- LUISE MAHLER — SECRETARY
- MATTHIAS REISTER — BOARD MEMBER
- ROLLAND MOK — BOARD MEMBER
- ROMAN WANDL — TREASURER
relationships · 16
Who they work with
- American Association of Teachers of German Network — Member of the American Association of Teachers of German and recognized as a Center of Excellence by the organization.
- BioThera-Roland Mertelsmann Stiftung Partner — Collaborates with GISNY on pilot initiatives to foster STEM talent and strengthen international ties between the U.S. and Germany.
- Central Agency for German Schools Abroad Government — Endorses and supports GISNY as part of the network of Excellent German Schools Abroad.
- DS Bilbao Partner — Exchange partner school hosting GISNY students and receiving Bilbao students for cultural and educational visits.
- GISNY Network — Refers to itself as a network of families and alumni forming a diverse, multilingual community
- German Federal Foreign Office Government — Listed as an official PASCH school through the Partner School Initiative of the German Federal Foreign Office.
- German Language School Conference GLSC Network — Member of the German Language School Conference (GLSC).
- Germany's Central Agency for German Schools Abroad Government — Accredits the school as part of the German school system abroad.
- Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) Partner — Organizes the Ben Ferencz Creative Expression Competition in which GISNY students participated and won second place.
- Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center Partner — Collaborates with GISNY on cultural events and intercultural understanding initiatives.
- MINTzukunftschaffen Network — Recognizes GISNY as a MINT School for excellence in STEM-related fields.
- Marina Lula Partner — Head of Admissions & Alumni, currently on leave
- New York Government — Issues New York High School Diplomas to graduating students.
- New York State Association of Independent Schools Network — Accredits GISNY, affirming its adherence to high academic and operational standards.
- New York State Association of Independent Schools Network — Accredits the school as an independent school in New York State.
- Siniša Bajs Partner — Teacher at GISNY who collaborates across German and American teaching traditions.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Bilingual Education for Cognitive and Cultural Developmentmethodology: bilingual_educationBy implementing bilingual education from Pre-K onward with integrated language learning across the curriculum, we develop enhanced executive functioning, empathy, and reading skills, because early and continuous exposure to multiple languages strengthens cognitive flexibility and promotes cross-cultural understanding.
- Critical Thinking and Global Citizenship Integrationmethodology: critical_thinking_and_global_citizenshipBy combining rigorous academics with a multilingual, cross-cultural environment and emphasis on critical thinking, we cultivate socially and environmentally aware global citizens, because analyzing complex global issues in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts fosters responsible, independent thought.
- Holistic Development Through Integrated Academics and Communitymethodology: holistic_developmentBy integrating rigorous academics with arts, athletics, cultural engagement, and emotional intelligence development in a small, diverse setting, we produce well-rounded global citizens, because nurturing mind and heart together fosters resilience, belonging, and personal responsibility.
- Spiral Curriculum to Deepen Lifelong Learningmethodology: spiral_curriculumBy using a spiral curriculum from Pre-K through grade 12, we enable students to continuously build upon and deepen their skills over time, because repeated engagement with core concepts at increasing levels of complexity fosters durable understanding and intellectual growth.