Who are your staff?
The Steering Team is the school-internal board, supervising all school staff, functions and events.
Our teachers have strong German skills but can also relate language and culture to students at their level. Our staff come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all embrace a combination of hands-on, relevant learning with academic excellence. We build many elements into our classrooms: play and play-acting, all five senses, texts that engage students, etc. Our staff is background-checked and receives ongoing training.
Visit our staff page for more details.
Are there cultural events open to families who do not have students registered at the school?
Zeitgeist Northwest will offer family-friendly events. Depending on interest (and willing organizers), some of the possibilities are: bike rides or hikes with a German guide & conversation, chess club, movies, etc.
Cultural events like St. Martin’s Day Lantern Parade or Kinderfasching may be hosted with other groups, and we may extend invitations to our special Thementage (theme days) to our friends. Families may also choose to arrange social events privately, not as an official school function.
Are mid-week classes available?
We have classes available at our Hillsdale location at the Portland Kinderschule. Each targets a specific group of students. We also offer mid-week online classes. We may consider other weekday alternatives if a large enough group of students can be assembled. Please Contact us for details.
What is the tuition rate?
2023/24
| Start Dates |
1st student |
2nd student |
3rd + students |
|
Sept 2023 |
865 |
805 |
745
|
| Nov 2023 | 715
|
655 |
600 |
| Jan 2024
|
575
|
515 |
450 |
Is the school recognized by the German government?
We are working with the Zentralstelle für Auslandsschulwesen, the German government language outreach program, as well as the Goethe-Institut and other German language schools. They look for evidence of a solid program, just like you.
Zeitgeist Northwest, and Sophie Scholl Schule as its educational arm, are also recognized by the state of Oregon and hold 501(c)3 status from the IRS.
Is standardized testing offered?
Yes, we can offer both AATG testing and the DSD tests. You can help by letting us know that you want to take the test.
Please see the Curriculum page for more information.
Are scholarships/financial aid offered?
Our main goal is to keep tuition low in order to make the program affordable for a large number of families. Additionally, we will consider requests for assistance on a case-by-case basis.
Do you have a lending library?
We have a large supply of relevant, entertaining, and educational books for students.
What are the school work hour commitments?
This is a way to keep costs low, while enriching the school community by what each of us brings. We always need volunteers to help out. Please ask the school director or your teacher for opportunities. Volunteer hours earn you a tuition discount. We encourage everyone to volunteer 5 hours per year per student.
How can parents help the school?
There is always:
– organizational work.
– safety watch (entrances or playground)
– fundraising
– donating materials (Check first for need)
– classroom help (especially for several weeks in a row), and
– special instruction: maybe a cooking unit, a science experiment, an arts demonstration or a career presentation.
When can we register?
Registration for the upcoming school years opens in the spring. Please refer to the registration page.
During the school year, please contact us to see whether there are openings or a wait list available. Tuition will be pro-rated for November and January registrations.
Tell me about summer camp.
Camp Abenteuer is an overnight immersion experience for students of all skill levels, beginner to advanced, ages 8-15. Camp is held at the beautiful Menucha Resort, located off the Historic Columbia River Highway in Corbett, overlooking the Columbia Gorge.
Students immerse in German language all day long. During language classes, they are divided by age and skill level, and their days are filled with fun German activities.
For more information, please visit our camp website: www.germansummercamp.org
Has there been any thought given to other locations?
As Zeitgeist Northwest and Sophie Scholl Schule grow, we are open to working with interested parties to expand our outreach.
We currently run programs at the German International School on Murray Boulevard in Beaverton on Saturdays. We also offer mid-week programs at Portland Kinderschule, located in Portland – Hillsdale.
We may offer new programs at different locations based on interest, parent support and demand.
Zeitgeist Northwest also runs our sister school Deutsche Schule Corvallis.