GIPA

Parents first united in 1986 to provide German language and culture programs for their children growing up in Miami. They established the German School of South Florida Inc. as a non-profit parent organization. Today, the parent organization is commonly known as the German International Parent Association (GIPA). A top priority is to ensure a continued high academic standard and quality German instruction. To accomplish this, GIPA works directly with language advisors at MDCPS, school administrators and the German Government. Fundraisers, such as Oktoberfest, bolster its financial ability to provide instructional materials, classroom resources, education seminars for German language teachers, and teacher salary support. In addition, GIPA organizes German cultural events, with an educational aspect for children and students in the German language program, but also as a community gathering to learn and share with others. We seek opportunities to promote and assist the growth of the German language in South Florida by supporting schools who demonstrate the ability and willingness to develop German studies programs that meet the criteria set forth by the German Government and ZfA, as part of their language instruction mission abroad.
GIPA's clear mission has enabled our students to successfully complete AP-level classes as early as Middle School, has allowed our High School students to graduate with a language diploma that fulfills the language requirement for entry into higher education in Germany, and has counted many of its students as award-winners in National competitions of German language students.
It is a mission to keep our students engaged and enthusiastic about a language they don't get to use in their direct surroundings. With a strong volunteer base, close and constant interaction with school administrators and the support of the local German Consulate, we continue our mission and hope to excite the next students to choose German!