Sam Walling
Board Chair
Press Release
Twin Cities German Immersion School Board of Directors Votes to Develop Current Campus Decision Supports School's Success at its Como Park Location St Paul, MN
The Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS), a public K-8 charter school, announced today its decision to remain at its Como Park site. The plan involves replacing the 8,000 sq. ft. "Aula" footprint with a 10,000 sq ft annex that would contain a standard gym, cafeteria, and additional classroom space.
The new construction enables the school to gain 18,000 sq ft in usable space while increasing the building footprint by only 2,000 sq ft. TCGIS purchased the former St Andrews Catholic Church and School buildings in 2013. Since then, unexpectedly low attrition has resulted in unanticipated growth, especially at the 5th- 8th grade levels. The school has grown from 46 students in 2005 to over 500 students in K-8 in 2018. Enrollment is projected to top out at 613 students by 2021. No significant growth in student numbers is expected after that.
"Tonight's decision was a vote to support the growing needs of our students and staff and to solidify our existing investment in our current campus on Como Avenue," said Nic Ludwig, Chair of the Facilities Committee. "In 2014, TCGIS began the process of addressing its future space needs. This decision was the culmination of exhaustive analysis on the available options to address our critical space needs," he continued. Information on the entire building project can be found at
www.tcgisbuildingproject.org.
TCGIS, Minnesota's only German immersion school, consistently ranks among the top leaders in statewide tests, and has been identified as a Minnesota Rewards School and a High Quality Charter School by the Minnesota Department of Education. "TCGIS's success has led to an unforeseen lack of space", said Ted Anderson, Executive Director. "The enrollment projections for our current school building have been surpassed. This year we had over 100 families applying for admission to next year's kindergarten class, and the school has had a substantial wait list for several years" he added.
The former St Andrews church building, called "The Aula", is currently utilized as a gymnasium for physical education in the former church nave, and for a cafeteria in the basement. The school's Facility Committee and architect were unable to find a way for the existing space to accommodate the additional 4 classrooms, 2 specialty subject classrooms, gymnasium and cafeteria needed to support the school's enrollment.
"Our obligation as a board is to ensure our students receive a top rate education supported by our mission of 'innovative education of the whole child through German immersion', said Sam Walling, Board Chair. "To that end our focus must be to do what is right for our students and staff. We empathize with the community and their longstanding ties to the former St Andrews church building. However, as a public school we cannot forego our fiscal responsibility and fiduciary duty as stewards of the school", he concluded.
About Twin Cities German Immersion School: The Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS) is a public K-8 public charter school whose mission is "Innovative education of the whole child through German immersion". Established in 2005, TCGIS is Minnesota's only German immersion school. The school consistently ranks among the top leaders in statewide achievement tests and has grown to over 500 students with a significant annual waiting list.
Nic Ludwig, Chair, Facilities Committee
Ted Anderson, Executive Director
