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Goethe International Charter School

United States, Los Angeles

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 4 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 478
Type Co-educational
Opened 2009
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Taught languages German, Spanish
Typical class size 22
Strengths Languages, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Goethe International Charter School is a public charter in Los Angeles serving students ages 4–14 with a German-English dual-language immersion and International Baccalaureate framework. The school teaches in English and German and is authorized for the IB Primary Years Programme since 2009, with renewals in 2014, 2019, and 2023, while pursuing Middle Years Programme authorization. This combination delivers a multilingual, internationally minded education built around inquiry and real-world connections. The campus emphasizes hands-on learning through its Garden Classes program, a living laboratory where science, health, sustainability and social responsibility intersect, supported by dedicated parent volunteers and aligned with IB standards. Goethe also participates in German-language certification through the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) program, reinforcing language proficiency. The school has earned recognition as a California Distinguished School and California Gold Ribbon School and is accredited by WASC. Dozens of home languages are spoken on campus, reflecting a diverse, globally connected community today.

Entrance on Westlawn Ave, 12500 Braddock Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90066, United States

The Essentials

Goethe International Charter School has 478 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English, German.

Location
12500 Braddock Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90066. Conveniently located near LAX, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Culver City, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Westchester, and Venice.

Stages
Primary Years Programme (TK-5) and Middle Years Programme (6-8).

Type
Public charter school; IB World School with German language immersion.

Additional learning support
Special Education services.

Country affiliation
Germany; German language immersion and Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) program.

School day structure
School starts at 7:50 a.m. Drop-off times vary by grade; instruction begins between 8:10 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. TK/K begin at 8:15 a.m.; 1st–2nd, 3rd–5th, and 6th–8th begin at 8:10 a.m. Lunch for TK/K is 10:45–11:30; 1st–2nd and 3rd–5th have 20‑minute lunches; 6th–8th lunch is 12:10–12:50 with a 15‑minute nutrition break at 10:05–10:20. Regular dismissal is 2:15 p.m. for TK/K, 2:40 p.m. for 1st–2nd, 2:50 p.m. for 3rd–5th, and 3:00 p.m. for 6th–8th. Minimum days have earlier dismissals (TK/K 1:15 p.m.; 1st–8th 1:40 p.m.).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required. Tops must bear the Goethe logo—embroidered polo shirts in light blue or red or Oxford-style shirts; Lands' End and Ink & Stitch are approved vendors. Bottoms are navy uniform pants, skirts, skorts, or shorts; no graphics or non-Goethe logos are permitted; used uniforms are available for families in need.

Food Options
Goethe International Charter School does not have food preparation facilities or staff. Cafeteria meals are provided by LAUSD and are no-charge to families since 2020. Under California's Universal Meals Program, all public school students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch.

Governance and Ownership
GICS is governed by a Board of Trustees. The board includes a President, Treasurer, and Secretary, and includes a parent representative; bios describe members' professional backgrounds and commitment to the IB program and the GICS community.
Fees
Application fees
- There are no application fees to apply to Goethe International Charter School. Applications are processed through the school's application system and the school does not charge an application or entrance fee.

Tuition fees (by year group, per term and per year)
- Goethe International Charter School does not charge tuition for any grade level. All grade levels are provided without tuition; therefore the per-term tuition is USD 0 and the per-year tuition is USD 0 for all year groups served by the school.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- There is no regular tuition billing schedule because the school does not charge tuition.
- Optional paid services and programs (for example, before/after-school care and other voluntary fee-based activities) are billed separately to family accounts according to each program's schedule. A school-year registration fee for the school's before/after program is assessed to family accounts where applicable.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered; boarding fees are not applicable. Goethe operates as a day charter school.

Other costs and fees
- Uniforms: Student uniforms are required beginning on the first day of school. Uniform items must have the embroidered Goethe logo and the school specifies Lands' End and Ink & Stitch as the permitted vendors for uniform purchases. Costs for uniforms are paid directly to those vendors by families.
- Before/after-school program registration: A $25 school-year registration fee is added to family accounts for the school's before/after care program. Additional per-use or program fees for before/after care or extracurricular camps may apply depending on the program.
- Meals and lunch: Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost to students under California's meal programs and the school participates in the National School Lunch Program; families have not been charged for meal services since 2020. Meal program participation and any optional paid meal services are managed through the school's food service arrangements.
- Volunteer and background-check costs: Volunteers who must complete a Live Scan background check are subject to the Live Scan fee; families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch may request assistance for that cost.
- Lost, damaged or replacement items: Parents/guardians are financially responsible for lost or damaged school property (textbooks, devices, library books, or other school property) and the school may require reimbursement for replacement or repairs, up to limits stated in school policy. The school may withhold grades or transcripts until damages are paid (or provide alternative voluntary work arrangements in lieu of payment).
- Fundraising and optional purchases: Participation in voluntary fundraisers, yearbooks, camps, clubs or certain enrichment activities may require separate payments; those are optional and billed separately from school enrollment.

Refund information
- There is no tuition to refund because the school does not charge tuition.
- For optional paid programs or services, refund and cancellation policies are determined by each program (for example, aftercare, camps or vendor-run activities). If the school is found to have improperly imposed a required pupil fee, the school's policies provide for remedies and, where applicable, reasonable efforts to ensure full reimbursement to affected families.

Fee payment options
- Optional program charges and account charges are billed to family accounts; the school posts program charges to those accounts. Specific payment methods (credit card, check, or electronic payment) for family-account charges depend on the school's billing system and the program.
- Uniforms and other vendor-purchased items are paid directly to the vendor (Lands' End or Ink & Stitch) and are subject to the vendors' accepted payment methods.
- Donations and one-off payments processed by the school are handled through the school's donation/payment processor. Donations are processed through the school's online donation system. Payment methods available there normally include common electronic options supported by that processor.

If you require these fee items presented in a different currency or combined differently, please use the listed figures as the factual base: tuition and application fees are USD 0; the identified optional fees (uniform purchases, a $25 before/after registration fee, Live Scan for volunteers, and replacement costs for lost/damaged school property) are charged as described above.
Academics

Goethe International Charter School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP) for students aged 4 to 14.

Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) was adopted in 2009; full PYP World School status was earned in 2014 and renewed in 2019 and 2023. The school is a candidate for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is pursuing IB World School authorization. The IB philosophy guides learning and German language immersion enriches the curriculum, delivering a multilingual, internationally minded education.

Student Teacher Ratio
Primary Years 22:1; Middle Years 25:1.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Goethe International Charter School supports social-emotional learning through daily teacher-led support and a dedicated Social Emotional Learning Team coordinates SEL services, including counseling and behavior interventions. Additional supports are provided through related services such as adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. The SEL program aims to foster student well-being, inclusion, and responsible citizenship within the school's IB framework and multilingual learning culture.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special Education is provided in accordance with IDEA and LAUSD policies. Goethe offers Special Education instruction and related services for eligible students, and a Student Success Team supports students with academic or behavioral concerns with parental involvement. The school offers accommodations through 504 plans and provides clear processes for IEP/504 planning and evaluation, with contact to the Assistant Principal Nazmiye Akbaba for special education matters.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Learners are identified with the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) to determine English proficiency and to guide instruction. Goethe provides English language instruction and support for English Learners based on these assessments. The school also features German language immersion as part of its International Baccalaureate Programme, contributing to a multilingual campus (36+ languages spoken on campus) and enriching the IB experience.

Mental Wellbeing
Goethe provides access to pupil mental health services, including a designated contact (Assistant Principal Scott L. Michaelson) to assist families in accessing services. Mental health resources are described through partnerships with Wellness Centers and Clinics under Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health programs, with multiple local clinic options and satellite school-site clinics. The school's plan emphasizes ongoing social-emotional support, and the community can access local mental health services as needed. A Suicide Prevention Policy is in place to guide intervention and support, with Title IX and related safeguarding guidance also addressed.

Safeguarding
Goethe maintains safeguarding policies including a Harassment, Discrimination, Intimidation and Bullying Policy and Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP). A designated UCP Compliance Officer (Casey Jones, Principal) oversees investigations and actions, with clear timelines and procedures for complaints. The school adheres to Title IX protections and related policies, including training requirements for staff and administrators and appropriate avenues for reporting and resolving concerns. The annual UCP notice is provided in English, with translation as needed for families with other primary languages.
Parent Experience

History
Goethe International Charter School was founded by a dedicated group of parents after the Los Angeles Unified School District approved the charter in 2008, and it opened in September 2009. The school combines a German–English dual-language immersion model with the International Baccalaureate framework, grounding learning in inquiry and international mindedness. It earned authorization to offer the IB Primary Years Programme and later expanded from elementary to middle school. The school's name honors Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, reflecting a commitment to intellectual depth and cultural exchange. It has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and California Gold Ribbon School and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges; dozens of home languages are spoken on campus.

Community
GICS is a dynamic, collaborative, and diverse community that celebrates international cultures and perspectives. Students, families, and educators come together in a learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. Every voice matters, every culture is honored, and every student is encouraged to grow as a thoughtful, globally minded citizen. The IB framework and German language immersion support multilingual, intercultural education across disciplines.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Goethe Parent Association (GPA) is the Parent Association of Goethe International Charter School, established to support the school's mission as defined in its charter. It is a non-governing body that works with administration to build a highly engaged, inclusive community and to mobilize parent volunteers. The GPA coordinates activities, communicates with families, and manages parent-led programs to strengthen school life. It oversees GPA executive team duties including events, fundraising, communications, and cultural programming. GPA-sponsored events include Friendship Dance, Fall Festival (or Pumpkin Patch), Lantern Festival, International Flair, and other administration-approved activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
12500 Braddock Dr, LosAngeles, CA 90066 is Goethe International Charter School's campus address. The Garden Classes program on campus serves as a living laboratory for inquiry-based learning across science, health, sustainability, and social responsibility. The garden program is led by dedicated parent volunteers who collaborate with teachers to align with grade-level curriculum goals and IB standards. Goethe offers an International Baccalaureate World School program with German-English dual-language immersion, rooted in inquiry-based learning in multiple languages. The school adopted the IB Primary Years Programme in 2009, with PYP status renewed in 2014, 2019, and 2023, and is pursuing authorization for the Middle Years Programme.

Academic Facilities
Goethe International Charter School implements the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) implemented since 2009 and renewed in 2014, 2019, and 2023; the school is pursuing authorization for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The IB curriculum emphasizes a rigorous, inquiry-driven approach to learning and is delivered in multiple languages, supported by German-English dual-language immersion. IB World School status and Pillar beliefs underline a commitment to high-quality international education and inquiry-based learning. The school's language immersion and multilingual pedagogy are central to its academic model within the IB framework.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Garden Classes provide a hands-on program that fosters inquiry, global awareness, and real-world learning through gardening and nutrition. The garden serves as a living laboratory connected to science, health, sustainability, and social responsibility, with time spent in the garden described as meaningful 'green time.' The program is led by dedicated parent volunteers who collaborate with teachers to align with curriculum goals and IB standards. In athletics, Goethe participates in FIYA, with teams including volleyball and track, and has achieved recognitions such as Western League Champions and Coast League Championships in recent years.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Goethe International Charter School offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). The MYP provides a rigorous framework for academic scholarship and life skills, connecting study to real-world issues and addressing the whole person—cognitive development, social, emotional, and physical well-being. Lessons are student-centered and inquiry-driven, following the cycle of Inquiry, Action, and Reflection. The curriculum includes eight subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Physical and Health Education, Sciences, Mathematics, Design, and Arts, and is guided by the three fundamental concepts of Holistic Learning, Intercultural Awareness, and Communication.

Arts & Creative
Arts in the Middle Years Programme includes Visual Arts where students learn the elements of art and design, experiment with media, and apply the inquiry-action-reflection cycle to create artworks reflecting personal intent and style. Students also study artworks from around the world and across time, exploring connections between art and culture, history, and identity. The program emphasizes developing communication through discussion of artworks and creative expression across media.

Cultural & Language
Goethe is a multilingual IB World School with German language immersion as a core element of the program. The campus is characterized by a diverse linguistic environment, with 36+ languages spoken on campus. The school's multilingual IB framework supports international-mindedness and cross-cultural understanding.

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby opportunities include the Running Club, which follows a 'Running Around the World' theme and tracks mileage toward milestones on a school map. Student Leadership programs include Playground Ambassadors and other student-led roles that organize activities and foster teamwork. These activities encourage social connection, collaboration, and healthy extracurricular engagement.

Community & Service
The Green Team is a parent-driven group focused on environmental awareness, conservation, and community-building through classroom activities and ambassador programs. Activities include camping trips, beach cleanups, creek cleanups, and field trips to environmental sites. The Green Team has earned Green Ribbon School certification for Goethe International Charter School.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership is fostered through structured opportunities such as Student Council, House Teams, Playground Ambassadors, and Green Team Ambassadors. These roles empower students to plan initiatives, represent peers, and develop leadership and organizational skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Athletics program develops well-rounded IB learners through competitive sport, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and balance between academics and wellness. Middle school students compete in FIYA leagues, with documented achievements such as Western League Championships (girls volleyball, 2024) and Coast League Championships (divisional titles in 2025). The program also includes regular fall and spring sports and supports student well-being through athletic participation.
Languages

Language Provision
Goethe is a multilingual International Baccalaureate World School. The mission describes a multilingual, internationally minded education. 36+ languages are spoken on campus. German language immersion is central to the program.

Immersion Programs
German language immersion is a core component of Goethe International Charter School's program. German language immersion enriches the International Baccalaureate curriculum and supports multilingual learning. The school emphasizes multilingual, internationally minded education through immersion in German.
Admissions

Admissions
Submit the Goethe International Charter School online application via SchoolMint between December 1, 2025 and January 27, 2026 (11:59 PM) to be included in the lottery. All applications go to the post-lottery pool after January 27, 2026 and late applications are added to the waitlist in the order received. Eligibility: Transitional Kindergarten for children born from September 2, 2021 through September 1, 2022; Kindergarten for children born from September 2, 2020 through September 1, 2021; any student residing within the State of California is eligible to attend Goethe International Charter School; there are no entrance tests, fees, or requirements; space in all grades is assigned by a random, public lottery that happens once a year in April. Application Process: Submit your application from December 1, 2025 to January 27, 2026, 11:59 PM, to be included in the lottery. Applications received after the deadline will be added to the waitlist in the order they are received. Applications and waitlists are valid for one school year only. If your child is waitlisted and not offered a spot during the current school year, you must reapply for future lotteries. Lottery Procedure: The lottery is conducted through SchoolMint; each grade level has a separate drawing; after all available spots are filled, remaining names are placed on a waitlist in the order they are drawn. Notifications and Acceptance: Families are notified via email within 24 hours of the lottery's conclusion about their child's lottery outcome. If offered a spot, families must accept the offer within four business days to secure the position; after accepting, families must complete registration documents to finalize placement. Preferences and Special Considerations: The following preferences apply in the following order: 1. Children of staff, founders, and incoming siblings of currently registered students are in the first drawing; 2) Weighted preferences for the second drawing: Tier 4 LAUSD residents eligible for free or reduced-price meals; Tier 3 LAUSD residents; Tier 2 non-LAUSD residents eligible for free/reduced-price meals; Tier 1 non-LAUSD residents. Twins/Triplets are treated as one entry; Other Siblings are treated per policy. Additional Resources: For Free or Reduced-Price Meal eligibility, visit the California Department of Education. Need Assistance? Call the Main Office at (310) 306-3484 or Admissions at (310) 306-3487.

Waitlist
Post-lottery waitlist applies. Applications submitted after January 27, 2026 are added to the waitlist in the order received and waitlists can change daily.
School Events
The school has not added events
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