Application Process
Our application process is designed to introduce your family to our programs and vibrant community, while also allowing us to get to know you. Application steps vary by grade level, and all applications, supplemental forms, and required activities are due by January 2026.
We also offer rolling admissions for grades in which we have open seats. If you are applying outside of the main admissions season, we encourage you to reach out to inquire about current availability.
We are here to support you every step of the way—please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Admission Requirements
Age Requirements
Early Childhood (24 months–Kindergarten)
Our Early Childhood Program serves children starting at 24 months through kindergarten. We provide a warm, play-based setting that supports social-emotional growth, creative exploration, and early bilingual development in English and German.
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Preschool: Begins at 24 months; placement based on age and developmental readiness
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Kindergarten: Children must turn 5 by September 30 of the school year
If your child will turn two years old during the coming school year, you may apply now. Upon admission, your child will be eligible to join our program beginning on their second birthday.
Elementary School (Grades 1 - 4)
Our Elementary Program builds foundational academic skills and a lifelong love of learning alongside immersive German instruction. The birthday cutoff for enrollment is September 30, with students required to be:
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Grade 1: Age 6
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Grade 2: Age 7
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Grade 3: Age 8
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Grade 4: Age 9
Middle School (Grades 5 - 8)
Our Middle School begins in fifth grade and continues through grade eight.
In Middle School, students deepen academic content knowledge and German language fluency while developing independence and critical thinking. A literature-rich English Language Arts curriculum is implemented in every grade. The program balances rigorous academics with project-based learning and global perspectives.
High School (Grades 9 - 12)
Our High School prepares students for university and beyond through a rigorous, internationally-minded curriculum including Advanced Placement classes in grades nine and ten, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in grades eleven and twelve.
For all grade levels, the admissions process is the same for local and international applicants. Please contact our Admissions Team for application details, age/grade placement, and availability.
Language Requirements
Early Childhood Program (Preschool & Kindergarten)
Our Early Childhood Program offers a unique bilingual, play-based, and project-oriented approach that immerses children in both German and English from their very first day. Prior knowledge of the German language is not required for admission to our preschool or kindergarten programs. We embrace each child’s natural curiosity and creativity, fostering language development as well as social and intellectual growth through hands-on exploration in a supportive, bilingual environment.
Elementary School (Grades 1–4) and Middle School (Grades 5–8)
For new students entering elementary and middle school, we conduct a German language assessment prior to enrollment to ensure appropriate placement and academic success.
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Elementary School (Grades 1 - 4): Students should have reached approximately the A1 (beginner) German level, meaning they can manage simple and routine tasks such as using dates, numbers, greetings, and directions, and express basic needs in familiar situations.
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Middle School (Grades 5 - 8): Students should have reached the A2 (pre-intermediate) German level, enabling them to describe their background, family, and surroundings in simple terms, engage in basic conversation, and perform everyday tasks.
Contact us to schedule a language assessment for your child. Enrolled students receive individualized language support as needed. We can also recommend outside tutoring and classes to support students who would like additional language practice before enrolling or over the summer.
East Bay International High School (Grades 9–12)
No knowledge of a foreign language is required. The main language of instruction is English, and entering students may elect to take beginner to native-level language courses.
International Student Requirements
At EBGIS | EBIHS, we are proud to welcome international students for both short- and long-term stays. Our global community is enriched by the diverse perspectives and experiences that students from around the world bring to our campus.
For students who require an F-1 visa, we are happy to guide you through the process. Once you have been accepted, completed the enrollment process, and submitted your signed enrollment contract, we can issue the I-20 form you will need for your visa application at a US consulate or embassy.
While studying at EBGIS on an F-1 visa, students must reside with a parent, legal guardian, or close relative. We are happy to help connect families with local host family options when needed, ensuring that every student has a safe and supportive home environment.
If, for any reason, a student visa is not granted, the Facility Fee and Tuition Insurance are refundable. All other fees and tuition payments are non-refundable.
We look forward to supporting your educational journey and your transition to our school and community.
How to Apply
Early Childhood
- Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
- Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application
- Step 3: Family Interview
- Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision
- Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract
Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
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To submit an initial inquiry, click here and fill out the form. This enables us to provide you with more information about the admissions process, including upcoming virtual and online events. You are welcome to attend these events to get to know our program better, and to help us get to know you.
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When we have received your inquiry, we will send you information about how to create an account in the EBGIS | EBIHS Ravenna portal which will enable you to submit an application and track your progress through the application process.
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Need Help?
Please contact admissions@ebgis.org for assistance with any questions.
Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application
- Create a Ravenna Account
Create an account in the EBGIS | EBIHS Ravenna portal following the instructions you received upon inquiring. - Complete Your Application
Follow the steps in Ravenna to provide all required application information and documents. - Obtain an Evaluation From Your Current or Prior School
For students who have previously attended school, application to any Bay Area school typically requires a Confidential Student Evaluation Form to be filled out by your child’s current or former school. Download the form below and ask your child's teacher or school administrator to complete it and submit it directly to to our Admissions Office at admissions@ebgis.org.
ISSFBA-CommonEvaluationForm-PreK-K-2024.pdf
- New Student Application Deadline: Make sure you have completed and submitted your application by January 11, 2026.
Step 3: Family Interview
Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision
Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract
To secure your child’s place at EBGIS, new families should complete the Enrollment Contract by March 26, 2026. Families who submit their contract by this date qualify for the $800 enrollment fee. Contracts submitted after March 26 are be subject to the increased enrollment fee of $1,200 per student.
Elementary School
- Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
- Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application
- Step 3: Family Interview
- Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision
- Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract
Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
-
To submit an initial inquiry, click here and fill out the form. This enables us to provide you with more information about the admissions process, including upcoming virtual and online events. You are welcome to attend these events to get to know our program better, and to help us get to know you.
-
When we have received your inquiry, we will send you information about how to create an account in the EBGIS | EBIHS Ravenna portal which will enable you to submit an application and track your progress through the application process.
-
Need Help?
Please contact admissions@ebgis.org for assistance with any questions.
Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application
- Create a Ravenna Account
Create an account in the EBGIS | EBIHS Ravenna portal following the instructions you received upon inquiring. - Complete Your Application
Follow the steps in Ravenna to provide all required application information and documents. - Obtain an Evaluation From Your Current or Prior School
For students who have previously attended school, application to any Bay Area school typically requires a Confidential Student Evaluation Form to be filled out by your child’s current or former school. Download the form below and ask your child's teacher or school administrator to complete it and submit it directly to to our Admissions Office at admissions@ebgis.org.
ISSFBA-CommonEvaluationForm-1-8Grade-2024-2.pdf
- New Student Application Deadline: Make sure you have submitted your application by January 11, 2026.
Step 3: Family Interview
Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision
Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract
To secure your child’s place at EBGIS, new families should complete the Enrollment Contract by March 26, 2026. Families who submit their contract by this date qualify for the $800 enrollment fee. Contracts submitted after March 26 are be subject to the increased enrollment fee of $1,200 per student.
Middle School
- Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
- Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application
- Step 3: Family Interview
- Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision
- Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract
Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
-
To submit an initial inquiry, click here and fill out the form. This enables us to provide you with more information about the admissions process, including upcoming virtual and online events. You are welcome to attend these events to get to know our program better, and to help us get to know you.
-
When we have received your inquiry, we will send you information about how to create an account in the EBGIS | EBIHS Ravenna portal which will enable you to submit an application and track your progress through the application process.
-
Need Help?
Please contact admissions@ebgis.org for assistance with any questions.
Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application
- Create a Ravenna Account
Create an account in the EBGIS | EBIHS Ravenna portal following the instructions you received upon inquiring. - Complete Your Application
Follow the steps in Ravenna to provide all required application information and documents. - Obtain an Evaluation From Your Current or Prior School
For students who have previously attended school, application to any Bay Area school typically requires a Confidential Student Evaluation Form to be filled out by your child’s current or former school. Download the form below and ask your child's teacher or school administrator to complete it and submit it directly to to our Admissions Office at admissions@ebgis.org.
ISSFBA-CommonEvaluationForm-1-8Grade-2024-2.pdf
- New Student Application Deadline: Make sure you have submitted your application by January 11, 2026.
Step 3: Family Interview
Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision
Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract
To secure your child’s place at EBGIS, new families should complete the Enrollment Contract by March 26, 2026. Families who submit their contract by this date qualify for the $800 enrollment fee. Contracts submitted after March 26 are be subject to the increased enrollment fee of $1,200 per student.
High School
- Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
- Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application
- Step 3: Family Interview
- Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision
- Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract
Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
-
To submit an initial inquiry, click here and fill out the form. This enables us to provide you with more information about the admissions process, including upcoming virtual and online events. You are welcome to attend these events to get to know our program better, and to help us get to know you.
-
When we have received your inquiry, we will send you information about how to create an account in the EBGIS | EBIHS Ravenna portal which will enable you to submit an application and track your progress through the application process.
-
Need Help?
Please contact admissions@ebgis.org for assistance with any questions.
Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application
- Create a Ravenna Account
Create an account in the EBGIS | EBIHS Ravenna portal following the instructions you received upon inquiring. - Complete Your Application
Follow the steps in Ravenna to provide all required application information and documents. - Obtain an Evaluation From Your Current School
Download the form below and ask your a teacher or administrator at your child's current school to complete it and submit it directly to to our Admissions Office at admissions@ebgis.org.
Step 3: Family Interview
Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision
Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract
To secure your child’s place at EBGIS, new families should complete the Enrollment Contract by March 26, 2026. Families who submit their contract by this date qualify for the $800 enrollment fee. Contracts submitted after March 26 are be subject to the increased enrollment fee of $1,200 per student.