About Us

History of DEUTSCHE SCHULE CHARLOTTE

(German Language School Charlotte)

DEUTSCHE SCHULE CHARLOTTE was founded in September 1974 at the initiative of Mr. Kay Schnaidt, Executive Vice President and General Manager of American Barmag Corp., Charlotte, and Dr. Agnes Hostettler, then professor of German at Queens College in Charlotte. Dr. Gordon Freeman, then Director of Continuing Education at Queens College, and Mrs. Friedel Farkouh, certified Montessori teacher from Germany, were also instrumental in the formation of DEUTSCHE SCHULE CHARLOTTE.

The initial concept was to teach German to children of German-speaking families who had settled temporarily or permanently in the Charlotte area. Keeping up their native language would facilitate re-enrollment for students returning to Germany. All German, Swiss and Austrian companies around Charlotte (49 at the time) were asked to inform their employees about the new German school.

As a result, 30 students were enrolled in three levels: Kindergarten and 1st, 2nd through 4th and 5th through 7th grade at Queens College on Saturday mornings. The first textbooks and educational games were donated by teachers, parents and friends, and much of the early teaching material was compiled by teachers and students themselves. The library was started with books donated by many families. In addition, German, Austrian, and Swiss companies were asked to contribute funds for the expansion of the library, which in the first 10 years grew to well over 1 000 volumes.

In 1978, two German-American classes were added for children with one German-speaking parent or some other exposure to the German language and its culture. One of those classes was set up for Kindergarten and first grade students, the other from 2nd grade up. In 1980, the program was extended by one more class for older beginning students.

DEUTSCHE SCHULE CHARLOTTE was incorporated in the summer of 1980.

The school has grown over the years, and we enroll over 200 students in an academic year, ranging in age from 2 years to grade 12. In addition, the DSC offers adult beginner courses for non-native speakers.

From its beginning, the philosophy of DEUTSCHE SCHULE CHARLOTTE has been to provide a friendly and genuine German-speaking environment and culture for ALL German learners that promotes student participation and a sense of accomplishment at any level.