Kinderhaus is San Francisco’s only preschool offering a full German immersion program—creating a truly unique early learning experience rooted in language, culture, and connection.
Children are immersed in German throughout their day, learning naturally through play, routines, and relationships. Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our program is child-led, project-based, and focused on the process of learning rather than outcomes. Daily outdoor play, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a strong cooperative community ensure each child is known, supported, and celebrated.
Kinderhaus blends the best of German and American early childhood traditions—prioritizing independence, creativity, and social-emotional development in a warm, inclusive environment.
Introduce the director and the school’s teachers
Our educators are the heart of Kinderhaus. They are experienced, highly trained early childhood professionals who see themselves not as instructors, but as guides and partners in each child’s learning journey.
Through careful observation, listening, and reflection, our teachers spark curiosity, support exploration, and nurture each child’s unique strengths. Low ratios allow for deep relationships and personalized care, creating a safe and joyful environment where children thrive.
Our teachers
Ivana Bradaric Grubbs
Ivana is a lifelong educator with over 30 years of teaching experience across a wide range of schools, organizations, and educational settings, primarily in German language instruction. She joined Kinderhaus in 2017 as a classroom teacher and obtained her Supervisor Permit in 2018, stepping into the Director role the same year.
They bring years of experience in early childhood education and a deep commitment to language immersion, play-based learning, and community building. As Director, they ensure Kinderhaus remains a place where children, families, and educators feel supported, connected, and inspired.
Neele Thönnesen
Neele grew up in a small town on the Dutch border in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
In 2018, she successfully completed her training as a state-recognized educator at the School of Applied Sciences for Social Pedagogy and has been working at her training institution ever since. In 2020, she took on the position of group leader and deputy leader.
In August 2024, Neele moved to California to broaden her professional and personal horizons and to further develop herself through new educational experiences. She is looking forward to helping your children grow, discover the world and learn, as well as having a great working relationship with parents.
Kinderhaus by the numbers
20+
years of serving families in San Francisco
4:1
average student-to-teacher ratio
100%
German language immersion
Daily
outdoor learning, rain or shine
6+
community events annually