TCGIS has released its 2025-2026 school calendar, confirming school year start dates, break periods, and major events.

The school’s enrollment has steadily grown; for 2025-2026 TCGIS operates with three sections per grade in the full K-8 span.

Q1: What is the student-teacher ratio and staffing at TCGIS?

A: TCGIS employs about 45 teachers and 13 educational support personnel. Around 80% of full-time staff are fluent in German. The relatively low student-teacher ratio supports individualized attention in immersion settings.

Q2: How is the immersion program structured?

A: German is the primary language of instruction starting in Kindergarten, with English integrated gradually in higher grades. The immersion includes not just language, but cultural instruction, specialist subjects taught in German, and German-speaking staff.

Q3: What are the school’s facilities and support services?

A: Facilities include hot lunch provided (through Done Right Foods), busing with hub pickup spots across the metro, and before-/after-school care via Kinderclub. TCGIS also offers educational support personnel for students who need additional help.

Q4: How does TCGIS perform in academic and rating metrics?

A: GreatSchools rates it 8/10, noting performance above average compared to similar public and charter K-8 schools in Minnesota. State assessment outcomes are strong, especially given the linguistic immersion demands.

Q5: Who leads the school and what is its governance?

A: Elizabeth Zehnpfennig is the Executive Director. TCGIS is governed by a 9-member school board including parents, teachers, and community members. It is authorized by the University of St. Thomas Charter Authorizing Program.