Mission
The mission of the Ohio German Language School is to provide a fun and enjoyable learning environment
and the best possible German language instruction to students of all ages and ability levels.
The mission of the Ohio German Language School is to provide a fun and enjoyable learning environment
and the best possible German language instruction to students of all ages and ability levels.
Our History
Early in 2008, Austrian, Swiss, and German families in the Columbus, Ohio area came together with two common goals:
* To provide instruction in the German language - reading, writing, grammar, and speaking -
for children who, although their parents speak German, are growing up in America and speaking mostly English.
* To instill a knowledge of and appreciation for the culture and traditions they remembered from their homelands.
Toward that end, a local chapter of D.A.N.K. (Deutsch Amerikanischer National Kongress: German American National Congress) was established, which provided organizational assistance for their dream: a German language 'immersion' school. It quickly became apparent that there was interest beyond the German-speaking community, and our first classes were held in the fall of 2008.
In 2011, we became affiliated with the American Center for German Culture, a non-profit (501(c)(3) tax-exempt) organization.
Who We Are
The Ohio German Language School offers classes every Saturday morning during the school year at
the Calumet School* in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio.
OGLS is not only for people whose native language is German or for people of German-speaking descent,
but for any child or adult who simply wants to expand their horizons by learning another language.
Our teachers are well-qualified and engaging, and students have the opportunity to test their knowledge in exams
(American Association of Teachers of German High School Tests and/or European German Language Diplomas).
These tests are not mandatory, though older students who achieve outstanding results can apply for study trips to Germany.
We hope to contribute to an appreciation of the cultures and traditions of Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland.
Of course, it's not all work. Every year students participate in traditional cultural events such as
Sankt Martinstag Laternenumzug (Saint Martins Day Lantern Parade), a visit from Sankt Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas), and
sharing favorite ethnic dishes at potluck-style gatherings with students, teachers and families.
Donations, which help keep tuitions affordable, are welcome!
*The school building is not wheelchair accessible. We are working so that OGLS will be accessible to all.