Parents send their children to the John F. Kennedy Elementary School because of the appeal of a bilingual, bicultural education in a multicultural school community. German and American students are taught together in the same classroom with the goal of developing respect, tolerance, and understanding for each other and for the partner culture.
The curriculum combines features of both the American and German educational systems. The elementary school offers unique opportunities for a child’s early exposure and contact to the partner culture and language. Instruction is in German and English
You can find more information about the JFKS Elementary School Language Program here.
The homeroom teacher is responsible for teaching Math, Social Studies and Art. In grades 3 through 6, children have different teachers for Music, Science, and Physical Education, all of which are taught in well-equipped special facilities. Swimming is an integral part of the program in grade 3. Formal computer instruction begins in grade 3, although students in the lower elementary school use computers for selected activities. Field trips provide students with first-hand experiences in getting to know Berlin.
The elementary school library and media center support the extensive language arts program through its bilingual collection of books and other materials. Library skills are taught as an integrated part of the language program and during special library hours in grades 2-5. Computer work stations are available for students completing research projects for their language arts classes.
Classroom celebrations such as Halloween, St. Martin’s Day (Lantern Festival), Thanksgiving, St. Nikolaus Day, and Fasching (Carnival) acquaint the students with the customs and traditions of the partner nations. Other celebrations throughout the school year help students become aware of different cultures and belief systems.
