Goethe International Charter School

We looked at all the charter and magnet schools in the region and chose Goethe so our daughter could learn a second language, even though we don't speak German. We couldn't be more thrilled with the school. The kids get along so well, the families are involved but not in an annoying way, and everyone - from the administration, parents, teachers, and school lunch aids - are all committed to the kids on an individualized level. We just had parent/teacher conferences and I was blown away by the quality of materials they had for the kids, and the pedagogy the teachers were using in teaching the kids. They ask for donations and we had to contribute a lot of supplies at the start of the year, but it's worth it. The kids here are getting a comparable education to the private schools, I'm sure of it.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child's 2nd yr and she is extremely happy. The new Exec Director and Pincipal this year are wonderful with lots of experience in education. In the few short months they have been in place, there has been a significant improvement in the school's operations. I feel so much better about this yr vs last and can't wait to see the wonderful things our new leaders will continue to improve. The teachers are top notch and are just plain, AMAZING! We feel blessed to have the opportunity to attend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We had Back to School Night today. The school has an awesome new Executive Director and an excellent new Principal who work very well together. What I like best about the school is the international inquiry based approach (IB) which is really unique and hard to find in L.A. It is quite challenging with the German immersion programme though but it is beneficial for both of my kids. They love their friends and their teachers. My husband and I have found many friends here which come from all over the world.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been going here for 2 years now, and my daughter is about to start kindergarten. Has there been some drama between the board, parents and teachers, yes. However I've stayed out of all the politics and gossip, and honestly, it is a brand new school that is still trying to find its stable footing among all the charter -lausd politics. What really matters to me is my kids... do they love their school? Yes. Are the teachers wonderful and love the kids? Yes, (and though there are many new teachers this year that I'm getting to know, I know that the atmosphere that is bred here is nothing less than that of teachers that truly care and love their students). Are they learning and excelling in school? Yes. So if you'll have a little faith and withstand the choppy waters, you might just have your child in one of the best public schools in the city. I still believe in its potential!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent place of learning. Our 2nd year, we are very happy here, and so is our child.
—Submitted by a parent

I extra moved from a great school because of the German teaching and the IB which I found important since my son is fluent in German but needed help in Grammar. The teachers try to give their best to the students which can be challenging at times. We found many friends and other German parents so I would recommend the school. Unfortunately this school had 3 principal changes in 3 years and that definitely was and is a big problem. Aftercare seems to be ok for most kids, and is rather cheap ($7.50 /h) and since we got some fantastic girls doing the aftercare group now it improved a lot. All in all my son found great friends and we are sorry we have to leave for middle school!
—Submitted by a parent

At Goethe it is hard to voice concerns just parents discussing with each other. Our child resists German week and Sundays before are a challenge. We find the teachers and principal not very responsive or helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

Before sending my daughter here from a private school I was a bit apprehensive. This school quickly changed my perception of public schools! It's amazing! Our family was welcomed immediately & the variety of fundraising events are very convenient for us. My daughter is a second grader here and loves her teachers! The diversity & new language she's being exposed to is the icing on the cake. I'm really hoping this school becomes a K-8!
—Submitted by a parent

I really cannot say enough great things about this school. After 2 disappointing tries at other "so called" good lausd schools, I didn't expect to find this hidden gem! Small classes, amazing teachers & a close knit environment. My daughter, who previously spoke NO other languages at home loves the immersion program! For the first time ever she's excited to come to school. For a parent, that is a thrilling sight to see.
—Submitted by a parent

beyond rude. stick kids in classrooms and show cartoons. terrible administration, huge turn over of children.
—Submitted by a parent

Not just excellent test scores, a great learning environment. There is a lot of school community support.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school is amazing! I am entering my 3rd year with children here and I am blessed we have this school. All we need now is full and total community and LAUSD support to make this a K-12 school and rejuvenate our neighborhood as a place we are proud to live in.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has a fantastic parent body and truly dedicated teachers . People should not complain about being asked to help. It is a brand new school and fundraising is a must. Fundraising and helping out teachers is needed and people who cannot/do not want to do either should look for another school. The involvement of parents is what makes this school so special. There is always room for improvement, but I believe Goethe is truly a gem within LAUSD.
—Submitted by a parent

In one word: great school. We had already tried two local public schools, got frustrated, and only here we found a right place for our child. The only problem is that they do not allow our school to add a middle school. If the problem stays, we will be forced to transfer our child to the middle school of another district after graduation from our elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

Not best for my son. He doesn't enjoy German class. I feel like parents have been asked for participation/ fundraising too much. I hope committee understand some of parents work full time.... We are looking for another school for my son.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school with a very dedicated parent body, but unfortunately my child is not happy with her teacher at all. She dreads going to school and what is supposed to be fun in that age became torture for her. I wish they would pick the teachers a bit more sensible, especially for an IB school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter began in its first year in kindergarten. She is now in 1st grade. My son will begin next year. Goethe is the rare jewel I searched long and hard to find. I'm not waiting for Superman; he's right there in the classroom! Actually, my daughter's teachers are Wonder Women! Kudos to all the parents who labor in our efforts!
—Submitted by a parent

Goethe International Charter School is a fantastic school on so many levels. The International Baccalaureate model of teaching should really be the model for every school - it is an inquiry, project based way of learning that makes learning that much more fun and tangible. The teaching comes from the children and is brilliantly guided by the teachers and staff to, of course, meet all of the California Standards. The German immersion model has my child singing, speaking a little and understanding German already, even though we do not speak any other languages at home. What a gift to give to your children! And, you cannot beat the families at the school. There is so much parent involvement and so many different ways in which to be involved. We love the fact that our children are learning on a global level in so many ways. This is a school that teaches children to own their knowledge rather than just renting it!
—Submitted by a parent

German, English and Spanish are languages studied BEFORE my child is 10! I want to prepare my daughter to be a part of the world, not just a small piece of it. Goethe not only practices the California State Standards, they also teach to the International Baccalaureate model which include more global concepts. Their teaching philosophy is great!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Goethe and and my class.They have a perfect combination of serious teaching and fun.When i first started Goethe(i was the new student),the class made me feel like i was at my old school.The family's at Goethe are really open-hearted.Sometimes on vacations i even MISS not going to school!
—Submitted by a student