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Milwaukee German Immersion School

United States, Milwaukee

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 4 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 549
Type Co-educational
Opened 1977
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages German, English
Typical class size 22
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Elementary
Introduction

Milwaukee German Immersion School is a public elementary program located at 3778 N. 82nd Street in Milwaukee. It offers an American curriculum with German-first immersion, Wisconsin's first language immersion program since 1977. German is used to teach almost all subjects, including math, science, and social studies, supporting bilingualism for all learners. By the end of fifth grade, students read, write, and speak German and English fluently. The school serves K4–5, with a daily schedule from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and KinderCamp before and after school. Its facilities include a Library Media Center and a range of extracurriculars such as Art Club, Chess, Choir and Dance Club, and the Green Team. MGIS has a long history in Milwaukee, earned a National Blue Ribbon Award in 1994, and joined PASCH in 2016. Family engagement is supported through a PTA and School Engagement Council, fostering partnerships with staff and the community today.

3778 N. 82nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222

The Essentials

Milwaukee German Immersion School has 549 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in German, English.

Location
MGIS is located at 3778 N. 82nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222. It is part of Milwaukee Public Schools. The campus serves students in grades K4–5.

Stages
K4–5th Grade

Type
Public elementary school (immersion)

Country affiliation
United States

School day structure
School Hours: 9:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
opted out of the district uniform policy

Food Options
Breakfast and lunch are provided to all students at no charge each day.

Governance and Ownership
MGIS is a public elementary school within Milwaukee Public Schools. The German Immersion Foundation (GIF), a nonprofit founded by MGIS parents in 2001, supports MGIS programs; MGIS families participate in the School Engagement Council (SEC) and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
Fees
Application fees

- There is no application fee to enroll as a resident student at Milwaukee German Immersion School (grades K4–5).

Tuition fees by year group

- K4 through Grade 5 (all year groups served by MGIS): No tuition is charged for enrolled resident students; public elementary instruction is provided without a tuition charge. Nonresident students who attend through Wisconsin's public open-enrollment process are not charged tuition by parents but may be subject to the same incidental fees that resident pupils pay.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- District instruction and regular school attendance: No regular tuition billing applies for K4–5 students; there is no annual or per-term tuition billing for resident pupils.

- Before- and after-school child-care (KinderCamp) and other optional programs: These programs are fee-based and billed separately from school attendance. Rates, registration fees, billing schedules and payment deadlines are set by Milwaukee Recreation or the lead partner agency operating the specific site; families are billed according to the program operator's schedule (for example, registration and program fees or seasonal session fees). Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy is accepted for approved families where applicable. Contact the KinderCamp program or site coordinator for the exact rate, billing cycle, and payment deadlines for the MGIS site.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- There are no boarding or residential program fees for Milwaukee German Immersion School; MGIS is a day elementary school (K4–5) and does not provide boarding.

Other costs and fees

- School supplies: Families are expected to provide standard K–8 school supplies according to the district supply list; this is an out-of-pocket cost that varies by family and retailer. The district uses a common K–8 supply list for required items.

- Optional/extra-curricular activity fees and field-trip charges: The school or partner organizations may charge fees for optional activities, field trips, clubs, or special events. These are billed separately and vary by activity and year.

- Before/after care and summer camps (KinderCamp): Program fees apply for before- and/or after-school child-care and for summer camps; some sites or lead agencies may charge registration fees or per-session fees. Approved families may use Wisconsin Shares to subsidize qualifying child-care costs.

- Fundraising, membership, and voluntary contributions: The German Immersion Foundation and PTA support the program through donations, membership and fundraising; these are voluntary and separate from any compulsory school fee. Membership levels and donation opportunities exist for families who choose to participate.

Refund information

- General school tuition: Not applicable for resident K4–5 school enrollment.

- Optional programs (KinderCamp / partner-operated programs): Refund, cancellation and credit policies are determined by the program operator (Milwaukee Recreation or the lead agency). Refund rules (for example, whether fees are refundable, refundable only with notice, or non-refundable) and any penalties for late cancellation are set by that operator and will be stated in the program registration terms.

Fee payment options

- Regular school attendance: There is no recurring tuition payment for resident students. Incidental school fees (for optional activities) are typically payable through the district- or school-designated payment methods.

- KinderCamp and partner-operated programs: Payment methods and options vary by operator and site. Programs commonly offer online registration and electronic payment methods and may offer payment plans or multiple payment methods; Wisconsin Shares subsidy is accepted where families qualify. Exact accepted payment types (for example, credit/debit card, ACH or check) are set by the program operator.

Summary of practical points for parents

- Resident K4–5 enrollment at Milwaukee German Immersion School carries no application fee or tuition charge.
- Optional care (KinderCamp), enrichment programs, clubs or field trips do have fees; those fees are separate from school tuition, set by the program operator, and may be eligible for Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy.
Academics

Milwaukee German Immersion School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 11.

Curriculum
MGIS uses German-first immersion and is Wisconsin's first language immersion program since 1977. German is used to teach almost all subjects, including math, science, and social studies. The early immersion approach supports bilingualism for all learners. Students read, write, and speak German and English fluently by the end of fifth grade.

Exam Results
The school earns four stars on the state report card.

Higher Education Progression
MGIS educates all students for success in higher education, careers, and responsible citizenship.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school focuses on students' personal and social well-being alongside academic success and provides resources to support emotional expression, such as the Meet Little Monster Coloring and Activity Book.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
MGIS notes that MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, physical, emotional, learning, hearing, vision, and speech disabilities; if a child has special education needs, an evaluation can be requested through the child's teacher or principal.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches almost all subjects in German, including math, science, and social studies, with English-language instruction starting in the second grade.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the focus on personal and social well-being and through student support resources.

Safeguarding
Safety is a top priority; MGIS maintains visitor procedures that require advance scheduling, using the main entrance, presenting identification, signing in/out, wearing a visitor pass, and being escorted to the requested location.
Parent Experience

History
MGIS has proudly served the Milwaukee community for over 30 years and is one of the largest language immersion schools in the United States. Its origins trace to a 1976 federal court ruling mandating integration in Milwaukee Public Schools, after which Lloyd Barbee and MPS Foreign Language Curriculum Specialist Anthony Gradisnik proposed a German Immersion Program. Inspired by Canada's immersion model and Milwaukee's German heritage, Gradisnik led the effort with leaders including Judge Fred Kessler, Leon Todd, and UW–Milwaukee German Professor Gerhard Rauscher, with Helena Anderson Curtain directing the German curriculum. The program began in 1977 at a small campus on Milwaukee's northwest side, later relocating to the 82nd Street campus and expanding to a K4–5 configuration. In 1992 the school changed its name to Milwaukee German Immersion School and earned a National Blue Ribbon Award in 1994; MGIS joined PASCH in 2016.

Community
The most important educators are parents and caregivers, and they are always welcome at MGIS. MGIS implements Milwaukee Public Schools' Family & Community Engagement framework so families and staff collaborate to support student achievement. Family events include grill fest, Laternennacht, Multicultural Night, and the PTA Fun Run. The school maintains open lines of communication through the School Engagement Council and the Parent Teacher Association.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The MGIS PTA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is one of Wisconsin's largest PTA chapters. PTA funds support school programs, including field trips, Reading is Fundamental books, and technology upgrades. Membership is open to individuals and businesses, with dues of $6 for individuals and $25 for businesses, registered through the MGIS PTA Member Hub. The PTA hosts popular family events such as Coffee with the Principal, Grill Fest, Laternennacht, Multicultural Night, PTA Fun Run, Rollschuhabend, STEAM Night, and community service activities. The PTA Board includes James Ganley as president and other officers such as the secretary, treasurer, and vice presidents. MGIS PTA fosters involvement and fundraising to support programs and staff.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Milwaukee German Immersion School serves K4–5th grade. MGIS students are taught almost all subjects in German, including math, science, and social studies. The school offers before- and after-school programming called KinderCamp. A Library Media Center supports academics, and students can participate in extracurricular activities such as art, chess, choir, dance, and a Green Team. The campus features a playground, operates from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is located at 3778 N. 82nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222.

Academic Facilities
Library Media Center supports academics. German First means MGIS students are taught almost all subjects in German, including math, science, and social studies. The early immersion approach supports bilingualism for all learners. MGIS is Wisconsin's first language immersion program, and by the end of fifth grade students read, write, and speak German and English fluently.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities include Art Club, Chess, Choir, Dance Club, and Green Team.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Grades K4–5. German isn't taught—it's experienced. The early immersion approach supports bilingualism for all learners. MGIS students are taught almost all subjects in German, including math, science, and social studies, and exceed expectations in all subjects.

Arts & Creative
Arts and performing arts offerings include Art Club and Choir. Dance Club is offered as well. Chess Club MGIS is part of the activities. These clubs provide opportunities for creative expression and collaboration.

Cultural & Language
German is the primary language of instruction at MGIS. MGIS is Wisconsin's first language immersion program. The program supports bilingualism for all learners through early immersion. In fifth grade, students read, write, and speak both German and English fluently.

Social & Hobbies
KinderCamp provides before- and after-school programming with academic support, enrichment, and recreational opportunities. Clubs include Art Club, Chess Club, Choir, Dance Club, and Green Team. These activities extend learning beyond the school day and foster student engagement and collaboration.

Community & Service
Family engagement is vital to the MGIS community, with families actively shaping the school and supporting every student's success. The school supports families through a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and a School Engagement Council (SEC). These groups foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships between families, students, and staff.

Leadership & Professional
MGIS has a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that engages families in school life. The School Engagement Council (SEC) provides family and community input into school decisions. These groups create leadership opportunities for families and support professional partnerships with staff.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
KinderCamp provides before- and after-school programming with academic support, enrichment, and recreational opportunities. School hours are 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Clubs like Green Team promote wellness and environmental stewardship. The schedule supports ongoing student engagement beyond the classroom.
Languages

Language Provision
German-language instruction is central to MGIS; The program uses immersion in German for core subjects; German is the language of instruction for almost all subjects; The school serves English-speaking students beginning in K4.

Immersion Programs
German-language immersion; MGIS is a K4–5 elementary school; Students are taught almost all subjects in German, including math, science, and social studies; It is described as a total language immersion program and a citywide specialty school drawing students from across Milwaukee.
Admissions

Admissions
Our inclusive, international, and diverse learning community welcomes new students in younger grades. Families of K4 to first-grade students can follow the MPS Online Enrollment process to request a seat for their child. Students enrolling in grades two through five require prior German-language experience. If MGIS has more applicants than open seats, a computer lottery selects students; those not assigned to MGIS during the lottery will be placed on a waiting list for the upcoming year. The enrollment timeline designates February as the enrollment period for MPS kindergarten programs, with updates posted on the school and district websites. If a family misses the enrollment deadline, MGIS accepts applications through August and does not offer mid-year admissions. Families living outside Milwaukee may apply but must complete both the MPS Online Enrollment process and the Department of Public Instruction open enrollment process. Tours are offered as Night Tours once or twice a year for prospective parents and students; check the visit page for details.

Waitlist
Students not assigned to MGIS during the computer lottery are placed on a waiting list for the upcoming year.
School Events
The school has not added events
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