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Strengths Languages, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction
Goethe International Charter School is a public charter in Los Angeles serving students ages 4–14 with a German-English dual-language immersion and International Baccalaureate framework. The school teaches in English and German and is authorized for the IB Primary Years Programme since 2009, with renewals in 2014, 2019, and 2023, while pursuing Middle Years Programme authorization. This combination delivers a multilingual, internationally minded education built around inquiry and real-world connections. The campus emphasizes hands-on learning through its Garden Classes program, a living laboratory where science, health, sustainability and social responsibility intersect, supported by dedicated parent volunteers and aligned with IB standards. Goethe also participates in German-language certification through the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) program, reinforcing language proficiency. The school has earned recognition as a California Distinguished School and California Gold Ribbon School and is accredited by WASC. Dozens of home languages are spoken on campus, reflecting a diverse, globally connected community today.
Entrance on Westlawn Ave, 12500 Braddock Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90066, United States
The Essentials
Goethe International Charter School has 478 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English, German.
Location
12500 Braddock Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90066. Conveniently located near LAX, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Culver City, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Westchester, and Venice.
Stages
Primary Years Programme (TK-5) and Middle Years Programme (6-8).
Type
Public charter school; IB World School with German language immersion.
Additional learning support
Special Education services.
Country affiliation
Germany; German language immersion and Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) program.
School day structure
School starts at 7:50 a.m. Drop-off times vary by grade; instruction begins between 8:10 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. TK/K begin at 8:15 a.m.; 1st–2nd, 3rd–5th, and 6th–8th begin at 8:10 a.m. Lunch for TK/K is 10:45–11:30; 1st–2nd and 3rd–5th have 20‑minute lunches; 6th–8th lunch is 12:10–12:50 with a 15‑minute nutrition break at 10:05–10:20. Regular dismissal is 2:15 p.m. for TK/K, 2:40 p.m. for 1st–2nd, 2:50 p.m. for 3rd–5th, and 3:00 p.m. for 6th–8th. Minimum days have earlier dismissals (TK/K 1:15 p.m.; 1st–8th 1:40 p.m.).
Fees
Application fees - There are no application fees to apply to Goethe International Charter School. Applications are processed through the school's application system and the school does not charge an application or entrance fee.
Tuition fees (by year group, per term and per year) - Goethe International Charter School does not charge tuition for any grade level. All grade levels are provided without tuition; therefore the per-term tuition is USD 0 and the per-year tuition is USD 0 for all year groups served by the school.
Billing schedule and payment terms - There is no regular tuition billing schedule because the school does not charge tuition. - Optional paid services and programs (for example, before/after-school care and other voluntary fee-based activities) are billed separately to family accounts according to each program's schedule. A school-year registration fee for the school's before/after program is assessed to family accounts where applicable.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; boarding fees are not applicable. Goethe operates as a day charter school.
Other costs and fees - Uniforms: Student uniforms are required beginning on the first day of school. Uniform items must have the embroidered Goethe logo and the school specifies Lands' End and Ink & Stitch as the permitted vendors for uniform purchases. Costs for uniforms are paid directly to those vendors by families. - Before/after-school program registration: A $25 school-year registration fee is added to family accounts for the school's before/after care program. Additional per-use or program fees for before/after care or extracurricular camps may apply depending on the program. - Meals and lunch: Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost to students under California's meal programs and the school participates in the National School Lunch Program; families have not been charged for meal services since 2020. Meal program participation and any optional paid meal services are managed through the school's food service arrangements. - Volunteer and background-check costs: Volunteers who must complete a Live Scan background check are subject to the Live Scan fee; families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch may request assistance for that cost. - Lost, damaged or replacement items: Parents/guardians are financially responsible for lost or damaged school property (textbooks, devices, library books, or other school property) and the school may require reimbursement for replacement or repairs, up to limits stated in school policy. The school may withhold grades or transcripts until damages are paid (or provide alternative voluntary work arrangements in lieu of payment). - Fundraising and optional purchases: Participation in voluntary fundraisers, yearbooks, camps, clubs or certain enrichment activities may require separate payments; those are optional and billed separately from school enrollment.
Refund information - There is no tuition to refund because the school does not charge tuition. - For optional paid programs or services, refund and cancellation policies are determined by each program (for example, aftercare, camps or vendor-run activities). If the school is found to have improperly imposed a required pupil fee, the school's policies provide for remedies and, where applicable, reasonable efforts to ensure full reimbursement to affected families.
Fee payment options - Optional program charges and account charges are billed to family accounts; the school posts program charges to those accounts. Specific payment methods (credit card, check, or electronic payment) for family-account charges depend on the school's billing system and the program. - Uniforms and other vendor-purchased items are paid directly to the vendor (Lands' End or Ink & Stitch) and are subject to the vendors' accepted payment methods. - Donations and one-off payments processed by the school are handled through the school's donation/payment processor. Donations are processed through the school's online donation system. Payment methods available there normally include common electronic options supported by that processor.
If you require these fee items presented in a different currency or combined differently, please use the listed figures as the factual base: tuition and application fees are USD 0; the identified optional fees (uniform purchases, a $25 before/after registration fee, Live Scan for volunteers, and replacement costs for lost/damaged school property) are charged as described above.
Academics
Goethe International Charter School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP) for students aged 4 to 14.
Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) was adopted in 2009; full PYP World School status was earned in 2014 and renewed in 2019 and 2023. The school is a candidate for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is pursuing IB World School authorization. The IB philosophy guides learning and German language immersion enriches the curriculum, delivering a multilingual, internationally minded education.
Student Teacher Ratio
Primary Years 22:1; Middle Years 25:1.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Goethe International Charter School supports social-emotional learning through daily teacher-led support and a dedicated Social Emotional Learning Team coordinates SEL services, including counseling and behavior interventions. Additional supports are provided through related services such as adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. The SEL program aims to foster student well-being, inclusion, and responsible citizenship within the school's IB framework and multilingual learning culture.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special Education is provided in accordance with IDEA and LAUSD policies. Goethe offers Special Education instruction and related services for eligible students, and a Student Success Team supports students with academic or behavioral concerns with parental involvement. The school offers accommodations through 504 plans and provides clear processes for IEP/504 planning and evaluation, with contact to the Assistant Principal Nazmiye Akbaba for special education matters.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Learners are identified with the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) to determine English proficiency and to guide instruction. Goethe provides English language instruction and support for English Learners based on these assessments. The school also features German language immersion as part of its International Baccalaureate Programme, contributing to a multilingual campus (36+ languages spoken on campus) and enriching the IB experience.
Mental Wellbeing
Goethe provides access to pupil mental health services, including a designated contact (Assistant Principal Scott L. Michaelson) to assist families in accessing services. Mental health resources are described through partnerships with Wellness Centers and Clinics under Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health programs, with multiple local clinic options and satellite school-site clinics. The school's plan emphasizes ongoing social-emotional support, and the community can access local mental health services as needed. A Suicide Prevention Policy is in place to guide intervention and support, with Title IX and related safeguarding guidance also addressed.
Safeguarding
Goethe maintains safeguarding policies including a Harassment, Discrimination, Intimidation and Bullying Policy and Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP). A designated UCP Compliance Officer (Casey Jones, Principal) oversees investigations and actions, with clear timelines and procedures for complaints. The school adheres to Title IX protections and related policies, including training requirements for staff and administrators and appropriate avenues for reporting and resolving concerns. The annual UCP notice is provided in English, with translation as needed for families with other primary languages.
Admissions
Admissions
Submit the Goethe International Charter School online application via SchoolMint between December 1, 2025 and January 27, 2026 (11:59 PM) to be included in the lottery. All applications go to the post-lottery pool after January 27, 2026 and late applications are added to the waitlist in the order received. Eligibility: Transitional Kindergarten for children born from September 2, 2021 through September 1, 2022; Kindergarten for children born from September 2, 2020 through September 1, 2021; any student residing within the State of California is eligible to attend Goethe International Charter School; there are no entrance tests, fees, or requirements; space in all grades is assigned by a random, public lottery that happens once a year in April. Application Process: Submit your application from December 1, 2025 to January 27, 2026, 11:59 PM, to be included in the lottery. Applications received after the deadline will be added to the waitlist in the order they are received. Applications and waitlists are valid for one school year only. If your child is waitlisted and not offered a spot during the current school year, you must reapply for future lotteries. Lottery Procedure: The lottery is conducted through SchoolMint; each grade level has a separate drawing; after all available spots are filled, remaining names are placed on a waitlist in the order they are drawn. Notifications and Acceptance: Families are notified via email within 24 hours of the lottery's conclusion about their child's lottery outcome. If offered a spot, families must accept the offer within four business days to secure the position; after accepting, families must complete registration documents to finalize placement. Preferences and Special Considerations: The following preferences apply in the following order: 1. Children of staff, founders, and incoming siblings of currently registered students are in the first drawing; 2) Weighted preferences for the second drawing: Tier 4 LAUSD residents eligible for free or reduced-price meals; Tier 3 LAUSD residents; Tier 2 non-LAUSD residents eligible for free/reduced-price meals; Tier 1 non-LAUSD residents. Twins/Triplets are treated as one entry; Other Siblings are treated per policy. Additional Resources: For Free or Reduced-Price Meal eligibility, visit the California Department of Education. Need Assistance? Call the Main Office at (310) 306-3484 or Admissions at (310) 306-3487.
Waitlist
Post-lottery waitlist applies. Applications submitted after January 27, 2026 are added to the waitlist in the order received and waitlists can change daily.
FAQs
What curriculum does Goethe International Charter School follow?
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) was adopted in 2009; full PYP World School status was earned in 2014 and renewed in 2019 and 2023. The school is a candidate for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is pursuing IB World School author.
What age range does Goethe International Charter School serve?
The school serves students aged 4 to 14. Primary Years Programme (TK-5) and Middle Years Programme (6-8).
Where is Goethe International Charter School located?
12500 Braddock Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90066. Conveniently located near LAX, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Culver City, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Westchester, and Venice.
Does Goethe International Charter School provide SEN support?
Special Education is provided in accordance with IDEA and LAUSD policies. Goethe offers Special Education instruction and related services for eligible students, and a Student Success Team supports students with academic or behavioral concerns with parental involvement. The school offers accommodati
What wellbeing support does Goethe International Charter School offer?
Goethe International Charter School supports social-emotional learning through daily teacher-led support and a dedicated Social Emotional Learning Team coordinates SEL services, including counseling and behavior interventions. Additional supports are provided through related services such as adaptiv
How do I apply to Goethe International Charter School?
Submit the Goethe International Charter School online application via SchoolMint between December 1, 2025 and January 27, 2026 (11:59 PM) to be included in the lottery. All applications go to the post-lottery pool after January 27, 2026 and late applications are added to the waitlist in the order re
What type of school is Goethe International Charter School?
Goethe International Charter School is a Co-educational school with 478 students. Public charter school; IB World School with German language immersion.
What languages are taught at Goethe International Charter School?
Goethe is a multilingual International Baccalaureate World School. The mission describes a multilingual, internationally minded education. 36+ languages are spoken on campus. German language immersion is central to the program.
What is the history of Goethe International Charter School?
Goethe International Charter School was founded by a dedicated group of parents after the Los Angeles Unified School District approved the charter in 2008, and it opened in September 2009. The school combines a German–English dual-language immersion model with the International Baccalaureate framewo
What extracurricular activities are available?
Arts in the Middle Years Programme includes Visual Arts where students learn the elements of art and design, experiment with media, and apply the inquiry-action-reflection cycle to create artworks reflecting personal intent and style. Students also study artworks from around the world and across tim
What are the school hours at Goethe International Charter School?
School starts at 7:50 a.m. Drop-off times vary by grade; instruction begins between 8:10 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. TK/K begin at 8:15 a.m.; 1st–2nd, 3rd–5th, and 6th–8th begin at 8:10 a.m. Lunch for TK/K is
