Welcome
German International School Accra
Since 1966, the German International School has offered an educational program in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
Since 1966, the German International School has offered an educational program in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Over its dynamic history, the institution has also been known as the R.M.S. (Ramseyer Memorial School), the Swiss School, or the German Swiss International School. GISA is the only recognized “excellent” German international school in West Africa, with its nearest counterparts located in Addis Ababa (4,310 km), Cairo (4,273 km), Nairobi (4,180 km), Tenerife (3,040 km), and Windhoek (3,648 km). Situated in the heart of Accra’s vibrant metropolis, it is located directly on Ring Road Central, next to the Nima Police Station. More than 100 children from over 20 nations are taught and cared for by eight educators (six from Germany, two from Ghana) and 12 teachers (seven from Germany, two from Ghana, and one each from Belgium, Kenya, and Switzerland) as of the 2024/25 school year. The educational team is supported by interns, student teachers, social work students from Germany, early childhood practicum interns, or volunteers through the Kulturweit program (a UNESCO Commission volunteer service).
GISA is a full-day school (school hours from 8:00 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. daily, Fridays until 12:30 p.m.), offering an attractive program of extracurricular activities (with early care from 7:00 a.m. and afternoon care until 4:00 p.m., Fridays until 2:30 p.m.). Through a catering service (currently North Ridge Café), students can order a warm lunch, or alternatively, meals brought from home can be heated by staff. During school breaks, “camps” provide high-quality care for children (aged 3–12 years). The educational program begins with a nursery (starting at age one), with a weekly toddler group for early preparation. This is followed by kindergarten with a preschool, a primary school (grades 1–4), and an expanding secondary level (up to grade 7 in the 2024/25 school year; by 2028, the first middle school diplomas will be available, initially in cooperation with the German Embassy School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). Looking further ahead, the school plans to introduce a high school level with the GIB (bilingual international baccalaureate).
The educational foundation is based on the Thuringian Education Plan, with additional consideration of standards from the British Cambridge Curriculum. GISA’s vision is “Building Bridges,” seeing itself as a link between Ghana, Germany, and the world. This is reflected in its guiding principles, numerous partnerships and collaborations, a support network, bilingual profile, frequent cultural events, and the school’s role as a meeting place. With expertise from highly qualified teachers in German as a foreign or second language, entry is possible at any time for students without prior knowledge of German. A strong emphasis is placed on balancing high academic standards with ample opportunities for creativity, physical activity, music, and hands-on learning. The individuality of children and adolescents is supported through differentiated educational offerings. Small learning groups in mixed-grade classes ensure optimal learning conditions, with regular off-campus learning experiences and visits from external experts.
GISA’s campus is a vibrant living environment for children and adolescents, lush and colorful, providing a central meeting point. Classrooms and the nursery are cheerful and individually designed. Facilities, both analog and digital, meet German standards. Numerous specialized rooms are available, including spaces for art, music, physical activity, a school kitchen, a cafeteria, a science lab, rooms for preschool and English, a computer room, and a library. The playground, basketball court, and soccer field encourage activity and serve multifunctional purposes for festivals, performances, and sports events.
GISA is governed by a board elected regularly from among the parent body, with the German Embassy in Accra also represented on the board. The school is additionally supervised by Germany’s Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA), the Conference of Ministers of Education (KMK), and the Federal Foreign Office, which guarantees an excellent educational standard. Through a partnership agreement and annual funding contracts, the Federal Republic of Germany supports the school financially and with personnel. As a non-profit organization, the school fees cover only operational costs and are not aimed at profit maximization. GISA is also mindful of its social responsibility, offering scholarships, supporting local NGOs, and advocating for sustainability. School committees such as the teachers’ conference, parent representatives, and the student council are included in decision-making processes, participate in board meetings, and actively shape school life.
Website of the German International School Accra: https://gis-accra.org/en/
Source: GISA Accra