German Language Classes for Children at the Kinderschule
at the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center

WHY LEARN GERMAN?

• Learning German at an early age fosters intellectual growth and reasoning skills, creates an awareness of other culture and languages and improves understanding of one's native language.
• German is the most widely spoken language of the EU - with 90 million people speaking German as their first language.
• Germany is one of four primary trading partners of the United States, which has the largest concentration of German speakers outside of Europe.
• Knowledge of German language and culture is personally rewarding and improves travel and employment opportunities
• Preserving German culture and language enriches families and communities.

KINDERSCHULE

The DANK Schule is ideal for children who simply want to learn a foreign language, children of German-speaking parents and native-born German children spending time here in the U.S.

Established in 1962, DANK Schule has a long history of providing quality German language education. The Federal Republic of Germany financially supports DANK Schule as an official school of German language instruction. The sooner a child starts learning a foreign language, the better. Knowledge, ability, and creativity are cultivated through the study of German, one of the world's most important and influential languages. Give your children the opportunity of a lifetime-register today!

CURRICULUM

The curriculum is designed to prepare for the Diploma of Proficiency in German (Deutsches Sprachdiplom) and includes listening comprehension, speaking fluency, writing and grammar. Testing for United States National standardized exams and the Deutsches Sprachdiplom is available. Our balanced curriculum helps students achieve advanced placement in junior and senior high school German language courses. Students are first grouped by age, then by ability level, ensuring proper attention and challenging, yet appropriate instruction.

Krabbelgruppe introduces German to toddlers 2-3 years old through play and song.

FACULTY & STAFF

Our committed faculty members are diverse in their educational background and life experiences, well-qualified and highly motivated. Many hold Masters in German and all receive continuing education through the American Association of Teachers of German and ZfA Schulmanagement weltweit.

We encourage you and / or your child to visit us and sit in during a class. This lets you see first hand how the class is taught, and allows you to determine whether the Schule will meet your needs. We want you to be comfortable, and to feel confident about your decision to join our school.

The Schule Office and Classrooms are on the 3rd floor of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center. The building is elevator equipped. There is a comfortable waiting lounge for your use while your child is in class. Or if you prefer, you may drop your child off at the classroom, and come back at 12:00 noon to pick your child up. Lincoln Square has many great options for shopping and dining.

CALENDAR

Classes are held Saturdays from September - May. 9:00 am to Noon for Ages Preschool through 8th Grade

Toddlers 2-3 years old may attend Krabbelgruppe accompanied by a parent

Krabbelgruppe has 2 sections

• Section 1 begins at 9:00 am
• Section 2 begins at 10:45 am

No class

• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• New Year's holidays
• Easter

2011-2012 Calendar

TUITION

Payment by check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

2011 Enrollment fees and Tuition for one full school year are as follows:

> Download application

The Tuition fee also includes insurance coverage for your child while on school premises. You can register your child at any time during the school year.

MATERIALS

Your child will need books and regular school supplies for their classes. All text books and German style notebooks (called Hefte) are available for sale at the DANK Schule Book Store. We suggest you buy a backpack for DANK Schule items. This helps your child keep all DANK Schule material together.

CULTURAL EVENTS

The DANK Schule provides opportunities for students to participate in a number of German cultural events including a Christmas program, children's Karneval and the Von Steuben Day Parade.

LOCATION, PARKING ETC

• DANK is conveniently located in Lincoln Square, half block from the Western Brown Line station.
• Metered parking is available in 3 hour increments on Western Ave.
• If you need to secure a bicycle, please alert the staff.
• Strollers should be secured away from fire exits
• Yes we have wi-fi!