Our School

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​TCGIS is a language-immersion school, which means German is the primary language of instruction in grades K-8. With exceptions for English class beginning in 3rd grade, and Math beginning in 5th grade, students meet their learning targets using German, learning language through the content. Of course, we provide additional support for students who don’t speak German yet, as well as English-language support for students who speak a language other than English at home.
TCGIS is: 
  • the largest German immersion school in North America and the only German immersion school in Minnesota. Enrollment is 586 students in grades Kindergarten - 8th grade.
  • ​a public charter school (which means no tuition or fees).
  • located in St. Paul and open to all families in Minnesota; students from 5 metro area counties are enrolled. Busing is available.
  • ​providing an innovative education, delivered in German, that meets all Minnesota State standards. 
  • achieving  consistently high student test scores. 

The TCGIS community is curious about the world. Many community members have lived, worked, or studied in other countries. Our families value the opportunities TCGIS offers their children to not only learn about other cultures but to also use their German language skills to connect with people from all over the world and to be curious about their own place in the world. ​

Our Mission

Innovative Education of the Whole Child through German Immersion

Innovative Education

Using best practices and research based instructional strategies
of the

Whole Child


As a social being, not just academically, prepared for world citizenship
through

German Immersion

Teaching German language & culture through immersion teaching strategies and an immersive environment

Our Vision

Andere hören, andere sehen, weltoffen denken und handeln. 
Educating multilingual world citizens who listen to others, see others, and think and act with an open mind.

Our Values

The TCGIS learning environment values: Curiosity, Kindness, Challenge and Support, Community, and Intercultural Engagement.

TCGIS Academics at a Glance

District Facts & Figures

Executive Director: Elizabeth Zehnpfennig
​
Board: Our 9-member School Board includes parents, teachers and community members.

Founded: 2005 with Kindergarten and Grade 1; fully expanded to K-8 in 2012-2013, full growth to 3 sections in K-8 in 2022-23

Annual Budget: $8,900,000

School Hours: 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM (Mon-Fri) 
​
Number of Students: 616 students

Number of Instructors: 45 teachers, 13 educational support personnel ; app. 80% of teaching and/or full-time staff are fluent in German

Lunches: Nutritional hot lunches provided by Done Right Foods. See the Food Service page for more information.

PTO: TCGIS has a strong and active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). In addition to fundraising, the PTO supports individual classrooms and school-wide initiatives, and continually provides opportunities for parents to engage with the school community.

​Transportation: TCGIS offers bus service. Hub pick up spots are available throughout the Twin Cities.

Before & After-School Care: Kinderclub offers Morning Care (6:30-8AM) & After Care (3:15-6PM).

Authorizer:  St. Thomas University the authorizer organization of TCGIS.  Charter schools must have an authorizer.  Charter school authorizers do not manage or operate the schools, but are responsible for monitoring the Board’s oversight of the school.   View the Charter Contract

Annual Report: 2023-2024

Minnesota Department of Education: Minnesota Report Card