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Milwaukee German Immersion School is a public elementary program located at 3778 N. 82nd Street in Milwaukee. It offers an American curriculum with German-first immersion, Wisconsin's first language immersion program since 1977. German is used to teach almost all subjects, including math, science, and social studies, supporting bilingualism for all learners. By the end of fifth grade, students read, write, and speak German and English fluently. The school serves K4–5, with a daily schedule from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and KinderCamp before and after school. Its facilities include a Library Media Center and a range of extracurriculars such as Art Club, Chess, Choir and Dance Club, and the Green Team. MGIS has a long history in Milwaukee, earned a National Blue Ribbon Award in 1994, and joined PASCH in 2016. Family engagement is supported through a PTA and School Engagement Council, fostering partnerships with staff and the community today.
Milwaukee German Immersion School has 549 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in German, English.
Location
MGIS is located at 3778 N. 82nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222. It is part of Milwaukee Public Schools. The campus serves students in grades K4–5.
Stages
K4–5th Grade
Type
Public elementary school (immersion)
Country affiliation
United States
School day structure
School Hours: 9:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fees
Application fees
- There is no application fee to enroll as a resident student at Milwaukee German Immersion School (grades K4–5).
Tuition fees by year group
- K4 through Grade 5 (all year groups served by MGIS): No tuition is charged for enrolled resident students; public elementary instruction is provided without a tuition charge. Nonresident students who attend through Wisconsin's public open-enrollment process are not charged tuition by parents but may be subject to the same incidental fees that resident pupils pay.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- District instruction and regular school attendance: No regular tuition billing applies for K4–5 students; there is no annual or per-term tuition billing for resident pupils.
- Before- and after-school child-care (KinderCamp) and other optional programs: These programs are fee-based and billed separately from school attendance. Rates, registration fees, billing schedules and payment deadlines are set by Milwaukee Recreation or the lead partner agency operating the specific site; families are billed according to the program operator's schedule (for example, registration and program fees or seasonal session fees). Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy is accepted for approved families where applicable. Contact the KinderCamp program or site coordinator for the exact rate, billing cycle, and payment deadlines for the MGIS site.
Boarding fees (if applicable)
- There are no boarding or residential program fees for Milwaukee German Immersion School; MGIS is a day elementary school (K4–5) and does not provide boarding.
Other costs and fees
- School supplies: Families are expected to provide standard K–8 school supplies according to the district supply list; this is an out-of-pocket cost that varies by family and retailer. The district uses a common K–8 supply list for required items.
- Optional/extra-curricular activity fees and field-trip charges: The school or partner organizations may charge fees for optional activities, field trips, clubs, or special events. These are billed separately and vary by activity and year.
- Before/after care and summer camps (KinderCamp): Program fees apply for before- and/or after-school child-care and for summer camps; some sites or lead agencies may charge registration fees or per-session fees. Approved families may use Wisconsin Shares to subsidize qualifying child-care costs.
- Fundraising, membership, and voluntary contributions: The German Immersion Foundation and PTA support the program through donations, membership and fundraising; these are voluntary and separate from any compulsory school fee. Membership levels and donation opportunities exist for families who choose to participate.
Refund information
- General school tuition: Not applicable for resident K4–5 school enrollment.
- Optional programs (KinderCamp / partner-operated programs): Refund, cancellation and credit policies are determined by the program operator (Milwaukee Recreation or the lead agency). Refund rules (for example, whether fees are refundable, refundable only with notice, or non-refundable) and any penalties for late cancellation are set by that operator and will be stated in the program registration terms.
Fee payment options
- Regular school attendance: There is no recurring tuition payment for resident students. Incidental school fees (for optional activities) are typically payable through the district- or school-designated payment methods.
- KinderCamp and partner-operated programs: Payment methods and options vary by operator and site. Programs commonly offer online registration and electronic payment methods and may offer payment plans or multiple payment methods; Wisconsin Shares subsidy is accepted where families qualify. Exact accepted payment types (for example, credit/debit card, ACH or check) are set by the program operator.
Summary of practical points for parents
- Resident K4–5 enrollment at Milwaukee German Immersion School carries no application fee or tuition charge. - Optional care (KinderCamp), enrichment programs, clubs or field trips do have fees; those fees are separate from school tuition, set by the program operator, and may be eligible for Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy.
Academics
Milwaukee German Immersion School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 11.
Curriculum
MGIS uses German-first immersion and is Wisconsin's first language immersion program since 1977. German is used to teach almost all subjects, including math, science, and social studies. The early immersion approach supports bilingualism for all learners. Students read, write, and speak German and English fluently by the end of fifth grade.
Exam Results
The school earns four stars on the state report card.
Higher Education Progression
MGIS educates all students for success in higher education, careers, and responsible citizenship.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school focuses on students' personal and social well-being alongside academic success and provides resources to support emotional expression, such as the Meet Little Monster Coloring and Activity Book.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
MGIS notes that MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, physical, emotional, learning, hearing, vision, and speech disabilities; if a child has special education needs, an evaluation can be requested through the child's teacher or principal.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches almost all subjects in German, including math, science, and social studies, with English-language instruction starting in the second grade.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the focus on personal and social well-being and through student support resources.
Safeguarding
Safety is a top priority; MGIS maintains visitor procedures that require advance scheduling, using the main entrance, presenting identification, signing in/out, wearing a visitor pass, and being escorted to the requested location.
Admissions
Admissions
Our inclusive, international, and diverse learning community welcomes new students in younger grades. Families of K4 to first-grade students can follow the MPS Online Enrollment process to request a seat for their child. Students enrolling in grades two through five require prior German-language experience. If MGIS has more applicants than open seats, a computer lottery selects students; those not assigned to MGIS during the lottery will be placed on a waiting list for the upcoming year. The enrollment timeline designates February as the enrollment period for MPS kindergarten programs, with updates posted on the school and district websites. If a family misses the enrollment deadline, MGIS accepts applications through August and does not offer mid-year admissions. Families living outside Milwaukee may apply but must complete both the MPS Online Enrollment process and the Department of Public Instruction open enrollment process. Tours are offered as Night Tours once or twice a year for prospective parents and students; check the visit page for details.
Waitlist
Students not assigned to MGIS during the computer lottery are placed on a waiting list for the upcoming year.
FAQs
What grades does Milwaukee German Immersion School serve, and where is it located?
MGIS serves students in K4–5th grade. It is located at 3778 N. 82nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222, and it is part of Milwaukee Public Schools.
How does MGIS structure its curriculum and immersion approach?
MGIS uses German-first immersion; German is used to teach almost all subjects, including math, science, and social studies. The program aims for bilingualism, with students reading, writing, and speaking German and English fluently by the end of fifth grade.
When was MGIS founded and who leads the school?
MGIS opened in 1977. The head of school is Dr. Thor Templin.
Is there an application fee for resident students enrolling at MGIS?
There is no application fee for resident K4–5 enrollment. Nonresident applicants are not charged tuition, but may incur incidental fees.
Do resident students pay tuition, and are nonresident/open-enrollment students charged?
Resident students attend MGIS at no tuition; public elementary instruction is provided without a tuition charge. Nonresident students attending through Wisconsin's open enrollment are not charged tuition by parents but may be subject to incidental fees.
How does MGIS handle admissions if there are more applicants than seats, and is there a waitlist?
If there are more applicants than open seats, MGIS uses a computer lottery to assign seats. Those not assigned at lottery time are placed on a waiting list for the upcoming year.
What is the language outcome by the end of fifth grade?
By the end of fifth grade, MGIS students read, write, and speak both German and English fluently. This bilingual outcome is a core goal of the German-first immersion approach.
How does MGIS perform academically according to the state report card?
MGIS earns four stars on the Wisconsin state report card. This reflects strong performance in the assessed categories.
Does MGIS offer gifted and talented programs?
Gifted and talented offerings are not listed in the provided information. MGIS emphasizes preparing all students for higher education, careers, and responsible citizenship.
What academic facilities support MGIS students?
MGIS features a Library Media Center that supports classroom learning. The campus also includes a playground and hosts several after-school clubs.
Which extracurricular facilities are available on campus?
MGIS offers Art Club, Chess Club, Choir, Dance Club, and the Green Team. There is also a playground on campus.
Does MGIS provide before/after-school care?
Yes; MGIS runs KinderCamp for before- and after-school care. Rates and billing are set by the operator, and Wisconsin Shares subsidies are accepted where eligible.
What clubs and activities can MGIS students join?
MGIS offers Art Club, Chess Club, Choir, Dance Club, and Green Team for after-school enrichment. Participation may vary by year and is subject to availability.
What opportunities exist for family leadership and involvement?
MGIS has a PTA and a School Engagement Council that involve families in decisions and events. These bodies provide leadership opportunities and support school partnerships.
Are there community service or cultural activities beyond the classroom?
Yes. Families engage with MGIS through events such as Grill Fest, Laternennacht, Multicultural Night, and the PTA Fun Run. The PTA and SEC support community engagement activities.
How does MGIS support student wellbeing and social-emotional learning?
MGIS prioritizes personal and social well-being alongside academics. It provides resources like the Meet Little Monster Coloring and Activity Book to support emotional expression.
How is English language support integrated for non-German-speaking students?
English-language instruction begins in second grade, alongside German instruction. This supports bilingual development through the elementary years.
What safeguarding procedures are in place for visitors?
MGIS maintains strict visitor procedures to ensure safety. Visitors must schedule in advance, present identification, sign in/out, wear a visitor pass, and be escorted to their destination.
Does MGIS have a uniform policy?
MGIS does not participate in the district uniform policy; it is not required.
What meals are provided to MGIS students?
Breakfast and lunch are provided to all students at no charge each day. This helps families with daily meal planning.
