Our Mission
To provide German language instruction and cultural enrichment to children, teens, and adults in a relaxed atmosphere.
Tri-State German School History
Founding and Early Years
From 1958 to 1961, an evening school sponsored by the Donauschwaben Society served German immigrant children, with about 60 children enrolled each year. After its closure, efforts were undertaken with help from the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany and University of Cincinnati Professor Dr. Gottfried Merkel.
On November 7, 1968, nine Cincinnatians signed the Articles of Incorporation founding the Tri-State German-American School Society of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Original Nine Founders & Trustees
- W.A. Kraeling, M.D. — President
- Mrs. Maria Westendorf — Vice President
- Kurt Seybold — Treasurer
- Mrs. Helga Bucher — Recording Secretary
- Erwin Bauder — Corresponding Secretary
- Anton Ertel — Principal
- Henry Langer
- Peter Lind
- Walter Gumpert
The school was founded with the mantra of providing quality instruction at a low cost. Several organizations, local and international alike, have lent substantial financial and other support over the years to help the school sustain its low tuition model.
The first location in 1968 was Concordia Lutheran School, with classes held Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Official enrollment in the first year was 160 children and 80 family memberships.
1970s – 1990s
In 1975, the school moved to Doherty School in Walnut Hills (Seven Hills Schools), gaining better facilities, grounds, free parking, storage space, and a caretaker. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of adult learners was nearing that of children. The structure of beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels was established, with growth to 76 children and 85 adults. New advanced-level classes were added for native and near-fluent speakers.
In the 1990s, the school moved to St. Ursula Academy in Walnut Hills, OH. Students and staff participated in external activities including downtown Oktoberfests, Christkindlmarkts, German Days, Buergerliga, and the WCET Action Auction.
2000s Forward
Near the millennium, the school moved to Notre Dame Academy (NDA) in Park Hills, KY, with adequate classrooms for children, teenage, and adult instruction. Students and families came from the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana area.
In 2018, the school celebrated its 50th year anniversary with a large presentation at NDA. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic triggered the development of remote learning capability for the first time.
In Fall 2022, the school returned to in-person classes at the Fairview Clifton German Language School. This central location with its cultural connection opens new collaboration opportunities. Classes are held Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for all age and experience levels, with evening and online classes available for added flexibility.
Students select a comfortable class level and instructor from a mix of native speaking instructors and highly qualified educators. Volunteer and participatory activities continue, including Bockfest, Oktoberfests, and Christkindlmarkts.
In 2025/2026, the name was modified from “Tri-State German-American School Society” to “Tri-State German School.”