Where are classes actually held?

Following the two-year Covid19/remote learning period and beginning in the fall of 2022 when in-person classes resume, the Tri-State German-American School has relocated to a new home at the Fairview Clifton German School, 3689 Clifton Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45220. TSGAS rents space and conducts classes at Fairview Clifton where ample classrooms are utilized for adult, teen, and children's classes. Adequate parking, break room area, and auxiliary space also exists for operation of the school. See our LOCATION section under the SCHOOL INFO menu selection for directions and full details regarding this wonderful facility.

On which days and times are classes held? ... and can you define the TSGAS school year?

The majority of our classes will still be held in-person during the traditional Saturday morning timeframe of 10am - 12:30pm with a half hour break ('die Pause') in between sessions for refreshments and conversation with classmates and instructors. However, beginning with the current 2022/2023 school year, we are very excited to offer several online/remote classes during the weekday evenings, as well as an online/remote Saturday morning class concurrent with the in-person classes. We are capitalizing on our resounding success with alternate teaching methods during the Covid19 restrictions, which has allowed us to offer this additional flexibility to our students. Please refer to our Classes pages from the School Info menu selection for a full class listing along with the exact days and times of the sessions, instructors, and other details.

A school year typically runs during the traditional September - April timeframe and is divided into 2 parts ... with the 1st half ending when the late December holiday timeframe is reached, and the 2nd half resuming in early January. The actual start and end dates will be posted each year on this site and in the school publications. There are currently no classes during the summertime.

Are classes taught live and in-person by actual teachers?

Regardless of being taught in-classroom or online/remotely, all TSGAS classes are conducted live by dedicated and supportive instructors with a solid background in teaching the German language. We have a mix of native speakers and other highly qualified educators who are passionate about providing students with a high-quality language learning experience.

To restate from the prior question above ... most classes will continue to be taught in-classroom/in-person; however, we have begun providing additional flexibility to our students by offering several limited online/remote class sessions.

Besides myself, I have one small child, and one teenager in our household that I would like to attend. How does the membership fee apply in that case?

Membership is only a single $20 fee per household (per year) regardless of how many family members attend. See our TUITION section under the SCHOOL INFO menu selection to view the tables detailing our current, affordable tuition schedule.

Are there intense exams and/or end of year testing that I need to be concerned with?

While there are multiple levels of instruction to accommodate our student population's varied language adeptness, TSGAS operates as a casual, low-pressure learning environment. Of course, there are expectations of homework completion and healthy interaction within the classroom setting; however, there are no rigorous exams nor cyclical testing to worry about. You may attend the class in which you feel most comfortable and progress at your own pace when you are ready to move to a higher level or another area of focus.

Do you focus solely on teaching students to speak German, or do you take a different approach?

The Tri-State German-American School provides a flexible, but comprehensive language learning approach. There are several beginner-level courses which cover vocabulary, grammar, and structure from a traditional textbook-driven style to build basic written, spoken. and comprehension skills. These classes are often taken in sequence to complete all facets of the basics. Once you reach the intermediate level, some classes focus more on grammar, while others on speaking and comprehension. At the advanced-level, courses even exist to keep native and other near-fluent students engaged with advanced material and current-event based classwork.

I've studied a little German in the past during high school; but after 10 years, I have no idea what at which level I should enroll. Will this be a problem?

Not at all. School administrators are always glad to evaluate your skill level and assist with placing you in the proper class. Use our CONTACT form from the ABOUT menu item, if you wish to seek assistance in this manner. If your initial class turns out to be too challenging, you are absolutely fine to move into a lower level. If it's the opposite, and you are not challenged enough, likewise feel free to step up into the next class in terms of difficulty. This flexibility is one of the greatest assets of the casual learning environment which is offered by TSGAS.

I would really enjoy the opportunity to learn German for future travel or other personal reasons, but I've been retired for a few years and obviously out of school for many more. Although I consider myself a life-long learner, I am concerned that I may be a bit out of place returning to school. Do you have any advice in that regard?

TSGAS is proud to offer language learning opportunities to students of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages! You should expect to be absolutely comfortable in the diverse and supportive setting which TSGAS offers. Classes exist for adults, teens, and children and are segregated primarily by skill level. You will find students learning German for a variety of reasons ... a job-focused motive, upcoming travel plans, for better communication with bi-lingual family members, or just as an opportunity to garner another life-enhancing skill set. Regardless of your demographic or motivation for learning German, you will fit in absolutely fine at TSGAS!

If I have an unfortunate or unexpected situation where I find that I will not be able to continue attendance with the school, would I be able to obtain a tuition refund?

Upon written request during the first four weeks of the school year, one half of the tuition will be refunded.

I see by your photos and other material where it seems the students are enjoying activities outside of the school and learning sessions. This sounds awesome ... what are some of the things that TSGAS partakes in?

There are many fun and enjoyable events and opportunities around Greater Cincinnati in which our students enjoy involvement and camraderie. From volunteering at the Germania Society's Oktoberfest or Chriskindlmarkt to marching in the annual downtown Bock Parade, you will often find the TSGAS students & staff at the forefront of many Cincinnati area German-themed events.

I've always wanted to learn German and the Tri-State German-American School sounds great and perfect for my situation! How do I enroll? ... and what type of payments do you accept for tuition and membership?

Enrollment is easy! Just complete our Enrollment Form that is available under the SCHOOL INFO / ENROLLMENT selections from the main menu and input your information. We currently accept either payments via PayPal or by physical check or money order. Remittance details and other information is on the forms. You may also contact us for more information via the CONTACT form found under the ABOUT selection on the main menu.