The German Saturday School of Portland has been operated by the German American Society of Portland, Oregon since 1964. They meet Saturday mornings late September through early May. In addition to regular classes, our school celebrates many cultural events during the year.

Anyone who wishes to either begin or continue with German language lessons. Students are grouped by age and ability level in classes from preschool to adult.

The goal of the classes is to provide an enriching learning environment for students wishing to learn German language and culture. It takes a long time to learn a foreign language, but the more students hear German, the more they will learn. Instructors and volunteers help keep the immersion model working without intimidating the students. We need to have happy students coming back each week to be able to teach them!

The classes range from 7-12 students. Due to the nature of the GSSOP being a Saturday enrichment program, an average attendance for any class is generally two smaller than registered. If a class, especially for younger children, should be larger than 12 students, a teaching assistant will be assigned to the teacher.

The teachers are native or near-native language instructors from the greater Portland area. Most teach in various private and public programs and all share the same love for teaching German language and culture to others. Check the Staff page to learn more about each teacher.

Yes, parents can stay at the German Haus during classes. There is a parent lounge available for those wishing to stay. The German Society asks parents who remain on the grounds to be respectful and stay only in areas designated for the German Saturday School of Portland.

Yes!!! There are many opportunities to help the school! As a matter of fact, the school cannot function without the help of friends and families. Much help is needed especially during the various cultural events the school plans each year. Please contact your student’s teacher or the school director to learn more.

We would love to have all students attend all classes! This would mean they can have maximum exposure to all our program has to offer! In reality, as a weekend enrichment program, we expect some absences and the teachers are very understanding. We ask that you contact your student’s teacher to let them know of an absence and they will do their best to get missed work to them so they won’t fall behind.

Homework varies according to the teacher and parent’s wishes. If a parent would like more work during the week, this can be arranged through the teacher. The same is possible if the family wishes no extra homework.

Tuition for the year is very affordable due to the generosity of the German American Society. For current tuition prices, check the Enrollment page. Financial assistance is available and families should contact the school director if seeking assistance.