GERMAN AMERICAN SCHOOL
SANTA MONICA
WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE
Herzlich Willkommen to the Santa Monica School of the German-American School Association of Southern California, Inc., where students of all ages and backgrounds come to learn German and explore the rich cultural traditions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
GASA is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation founded in 1954. GASA Santa Monica is one of the 11 campuses belonging to the German American School Association located throughout the Southland.
At our Santa Monica School campus, we provide engaging classes on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm throughout the school year, coinciding with the public school calendar.
Our program not only teaches German language and culture but also actively prepares students for the German Standardized Tests (A1, A2, B1, and C1), AATG levels 2-4, as well as AP tests.
Our dedicated teachers are passionate about promoting a love for the German language and our curriculum is designed to inspire growth and language proficiency.
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Join us and become a part of a vibrant and enriching German language community in GASA Santa Monica!
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Classes and Courses
Are You Ready?
Dive Right In
Our German American kindergarten not only provides an introduction to the German language and culture, but we also introduce kids to academic skills. Our carefully crafted curriculum helps children to not only learn German but also gain a better understanding of kindergarten-level skills that they will use in their primary school.
We help children develop essential academic skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving. Our experienced and qualified teachers interact with each child to ensure they develop their learning capacity at their own pace and understand the use of these skills beyond the classroom.
We achieve this goal by following our three-step model. Firstly, our teachers help develop children's oral comprehension skills through interactive exercises and activities. Secondly, we help motivate children to speak in German by conducting exciting games, songs, crafts, and fun activities such as puzzles, art, and simple science experiments. Finally, we help them progress in learning to write and read in German, which helps to build their literacy skills.
Our program is designed for TK and Kindergarten age children. Our welcoming and inclusive environment supports children to feel comfortable and confident expressing themselves in German while improving their academic skills and understanding of kindergarten-level concepts.
BEGINNER
preparation A1 German Test
Hands-On Learning
Our A1 German Test prep course is designed for beginner-level students preparing for the A1 German test. We expand vocabulary, enhance verbal skills, and introduce basic German grammar. Improving writing skills is emphasized to perform well in the exam. Learners gain valuable test-taking strategies, insights into the exam format and requirements, and supportive A1 testing.
Best of all, learners will be able to put their new language skills to the test, as we offer our own A1 testing in a supportive environment to gauge progress and identify areas that may need further attention.
MIDDLE LEVEL GERMAN CLASS
preparing A 2 German test
Growing Together
Our A2 German Test preparation course is designed to prepare learners for success in this important exam. With a focus on expanding vocabulary, enhancing verbal skills, and introducing basic German grammar, learners will be well-equipped to express themselves with confidence in both written and spoken German.
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Dive Right In
Our upper level German language course is designed for students who aim to prepare for the DSD1/ B1 test and DSD2/C1 with prior knowledge of German language at a medium level or above, and for those who speak German at home and wish to refine their technical language competencies further.
Get in touch with questions or to learn more.
ADULT LEVEL GERMAN CLASS
ADULT LEVEL GERMAN CLASS
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online class perfect for any adult age
Our adult German language course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn German from the beginning, regardless of age or prior language experience. Whether your interest is personal or professional, this course will teach you the essential language skills needed for speaking and communicating in German.
During this course, you will learn basic grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure accompanied by practical lessons in listening, speaking, reading, and writing which will help you to start thinking in German, and build confidence in real-world situations. You will have the opportunity to practice your German conversation skills with regular speaking exercises.
Our instructors are experienced and qualified to give you the support you need throughout your learning journey.
We believe it's never too late to start learning, and our German course for adults is tailored to accommodate any learning style. By the end of this course, you will have a strong foundation in German language and the knowledge of German cultural contexts that are important when speaking German.
Enrollment 2023/24
Enrollment
period is now open.
Please fill out the form completely (all four pages) and email it back
to elisabeth.beken@gasaschool.org by July 15th, 2023.
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Come Work with Us
Join our team of enthusiastic teachers and substitute teachers and help us bridge the language barrier! We are currently seeking new teachers for German beginner classes, from K-12 level to adult learners. If you have a passion for teaching and are comfortable working with students of all ages and backgrounds, please check out our course descriptions and fill out our job application form to apply. We pride ourselves in maintaining a positive and supportive team atmosphere, and we look forward to welcoming passionate educators who embrace our values of inclusive teaching and learning.
GASA SANTA MONICA times and thoughts
UNLOCK THE WORLD
Learning a new language, even just a few words or phrases, is for me like discovering a new world, a place rich in stories, customs, and ways of life that you never knew. As a writer and filmmaker , I may not be able to travel to far-off lands, but with the power of language, I can transport myself to different cultures and epochs. Each new language I learn, unlocks a new perspective of the world that informs my writing and filmmaking, like sunlight that illuminates hidden gems. I also learned that learning language is more than that. Language learning offers more than just inspiration and culture. It can also lead to a deeper understanding of people and societies. Like casting a spell, language has the power to break down barriers, and bring people closer together. Being multilingual has enabled me to communicate and connect with a vast array of individuals, from all over the world, and from all walks of life. Such connections have been vital in my work and studies. Furthermore, it has been scientifically proven that learning a new language can boost your cognitive abilities, such as memory, problem-solving, and overall intelligence. It helps keep your mind sharp and agile, like a warrior who trains with different weapons. As an educator, this is particularly important, for I've seen firsthand the benefits of language learning on my students, who have demonstrated greater empathy, critical thinking skills, and academic performance. It is a journey that will enrich your life in countless ways. As a writer, filmmaker, and principal of a school, I can attest that it is a skill that will open doors and windows, and unlock potential that you never knew existed. So go forth and explore this great gift that the world has to offer, for it is truly a treasure waiting to be discovered.
In this context I would like to recommend you the wonderful documentary film "The Linguists" (2008) that follows two linguists as they travel around the world to document and study endangered languages. The film offers a fascinating look at the connections between language and culture, and how language can shape the way we see and experience the world. It delves into the histories and traditions of different cultures through language and demonstrates how learning even just a few words or phrases in a new language can help connect individuals and promote cross-cultural understanding.
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Elisabeth Beken
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