01
Boli — Language
Punjabi and Gurmukhi as living languages. Reading, writing, conversation, and the literature that has carried Sikh thought for five centuries.
Sterling, Virginia · Est. for the next generation
Rooted in heritage, growing in faith.
At Guru Angad Institute of Sikh Studies, children from toddlers through level nine learn the Punjabi language and the living tradition of Sikhi — guided by teachers who treat every class as Seva.
Students leading kirtan together — strings and tabla, side by side.
What we teach
Four streams, one path.
02
Virsa — Heritage
Sikh history, Gurbani, and the values that shape a Sikh life: equality, courage, honest work, and compassion in everyday action.
03
Gurmat Sangeet — Music
Sacred Sikh music. Students choose a path — vocal and stringed instruments (dilruba, rabab, sarangi), or tabla — and learn the raags and rhythms of kirtan.
04
Divan — Community
Weekly congregational gathering. Students and teachers participate together — practicing kirtan, listening to katha, and sharing langar.
Class structure
From first words to fluent voices.
Children progress through age-appropriate levels, with quarterly assessments and dedicated Boli and Virsa teachers at every stage.
- Toddler / Pre-KFirst sounds, stories, songs
- KindergartenGurmukhi letters & introductions to Sikhi
- Level 1 – 3Reading, writing, foundational history
- Level 4 – 6Fluency building, Gurus' lives, kirtan
- Level 7 – 9Literature, Gurbani study, contemporary Sikh thought
- Senior VolunteersOlder students who teach and lead
Why families choose GAISS
Every child is known by name.
Our classes are small enough that teachers know each student — their pace, their strengths, what makes them light up. Learning here isn't a lecture; it's a conversation.
From a four-year-old's first Gurmukhi letters to a teenager leading kirtan in Divan, every step is guided with patience and care.
Come visit a class.
The best way to know GAISS is to walk through the door. Reach out and we'll set up a time.
Get in touch