GERMAN SCHOOL campus 10th Anniversary – A Decade of Language, Culture & Community
German School Campus is proud to celebrate its 10th Anniversary—a decade of language, culture, and community in Southern California. From a small start in 2015 to becoming a hub for international German education, our journey reflects growth, excellence, and togetherness.
Looking Back to Where It All Began
On September 15, 2015, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in Newport Beach. With Congressman Dana Rohrabacher standing alongside, the German School Campus officially opened its doors. What began that day was more than just the launch of an after-school program—it was the realization of a dream: to bring German language, culture, and community to Southern California.
Yesterday, September 13th, 2025, we celebrated our 10th Anniversary at Old World Village, Huntington Beach. Families, friends, alumni, and guests gathered to honor a decade of language, culture, and community.
Back then, we started small, with just two classes and six eager students. Ten years later, we look back in awe at how far we’ve come. From those humble beginnings, our campus has grown into a vibrant hub where children, teens, and adults not only learn German but also earn international credentials, connect with their heritage, and create lifelong memories.
A School that Builds Bridges
Over the past decade, the GERMAN SCHOOL campus has become a recognized center of academic excellence and cultural exchange:
- Students consistently succeed in the AATG National German Exam.
- They have earned the German Language Diplomas DSD I & II, opening doors to studies in Germany and beyond.
- We proudly became the only ÖSD Examination Center on the U.S. West Coast.
- We received accreditation from WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
- Many graduates now carry the Global Seal of Biliteracy, strengthening their university and career opportunities worldwide.
- Students are honored with membership in the National German Honor Society Delta Epsilon Phi.
These milestones prove that what started as a vision has grown into a trusted pathway for global citizenship.
More than Exams – A Place of Community
The German School Campus is not defined by certificates alone. Our mission has always been to make learning alive, joyful, and connected to culture.
Each year, families gather for beloved German traditions—St. Martin’s Lantern Parade, Christmas celebrations, Carnival, and Easter. Alongside these, new highlights have enriched our calendar: the colorful Pirate Fest, German Unity Day celebrations, festive December Movie Nights, and our joyful participation in the Old World Christmas Market in Huntington Beach.
And beginning in 2026, we are adding study trips to Bavaria, Germany—offering students the opportunity to experience history firsthand, from medieval times to modern language levels.
These moments of travel, music, storytelling, food, and friendship remind us that language truly thrives when it is lived.
A Community of Gratitude
Our 10th Anniversary celebration brought together a community that has grown around the school.
We were honored to welcome:
- Deputy Consul Danijel Skrelja of the German Consulate Los Angeles, who handed out the ZfA DSD I Language Diplomas to Rosalie Ripke and Frederik Mohn
- Long-time and new families, adult learners, alumni, and teachers who form the heart of our school
- Dedicated staff like Ms. Alexandra Wuerfler, the new teaching assistant, Ms. Elika Karbaschi, and classroom assistants who nurture each student’s journey
We also remembered with gratitude Josef Bischof, founder of Old World Village, who built a home for German culture in Orange County, California. His vision continues to give us a place to gather, celebrate, and grow.
And from the bottom of my heart, I thank my husband, Alwin Morgenstern. His tireless work—managing our IT systems, website, and so much more—makes everything possible. This campus is built on teamwork, dedication, and shared love for education.
Looking Ahead
Ten years in, we are proud—but even more hopeful for the future. The German School Campus will continue to be:
- A bridge between cultures, connecting German heritage with the American community
- A place of learning, where students of all ages can achieve their goals
- A center of excellence, where dedication meets heart
So let us raise our glasses: to ten years of language, culture, and community—and to many more ahead!
Enroll Today – Start Your German Language Journey
As we celebrate 10 years of the GERMAN SCHOOL campus, we invite new students of all ages to join our growing community. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to earn advanced diplomas, our programs help you achieve your goals in a supportive and culturally rich environment.
Learn more about the 10-year journey of the German School Campus:”
