In January 2026, the Ministry of Education of the State Capital of Mainz announced the need to establish an all-day school (GTSA) at the Eisgrubschule and at the Im Feldgarten Elementary School in Mainz-Ebersheim, and requested—in accordance with the School Act—the approval of the school authority. 

The Mainz City Council has granted the approval required by school law to support the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Education in establishing optional all-day schools (GTSA) at two additional elementary schools in Mainz: the Eisgrubschule in Mainz’s Old Town by the 2027–2028 school year and the Im Feldgarten Elementary School in Mainz-Ebersheim by the 2028–2029 school year at the latest. In doing so, the state capital of Mainz is consistently continuing its commitment to providing free all-day spots at elementary schools.

“By converting additional elementary schools into all-day schools with optional programs, we are responding specifically to the significantly increased need among many families for reliable and free childcare and educational services,” explains Jana Schmöller, Head of the Department of Children and Youth for the State Capital of Mainz. “For parents in particular, it is crucial to be able to balance family and work effectively. At the same time, all-day schools open up additional educational and developmental opportunities for children beyond the classroom. This expansion is therefore an important step toward greater educational equity in our city.”

“By establishing additional all-day schools as part of our program offerings, we are specifically strengthening the school infrastructure in Mainz,” emphasizes Ata Delbasteh, Head of the Education Department for the state capital of Mainz. “All-day schools provide reliable care hours and lunch,” the Head of the Education Department emphasizes. “That is why we are making targeted investments in the expansion and modernization of cafeterias, as is currently the case at Eisgrubschule. Our goal is to provide all children with a balanced yet affordable lunch in a pleasant environment. In doing so, we are laying an important foundation for a successful full-day school experience.”

Rising Demand for Free All-Day School Programs

The Eisgrub School and the Im Feldgarten Elementary School are the only elementary schools in their respective neighborhoods. Currently, both are organized as half-day schools, and parent-teacher associations provide fee-based afternoon care. Due to rising demand for school-based and free all-day programs, the City of Mainz—in addition to the needs assessment by the Ministry—sees an urgent educational need. A representative parent survey confirms the clear need: 92.90% of parents whose children attend or will attend Eisgrub School state that they need an afternoon program. 43.60% of respondents express a need for a program available Monday through Thursday until 4:00 p.m.

Lunch, Costs, and Funding for the GTSA Expansion

The administration ensures lunch service at the school locations. The school cafeteria at Eisgrubschule is currently being expanded within the existing building. Lunch service at the “Im Feldgarten” elementary school in Mainz-Ebersheim will initially take place in a modular temporary cafeteria, which is currently under construction. In the long term, a permanent structural solution is being sought at the school site.

The establishment of the GTSA entails follow-up costs for the City of Mainz related to lunch catering and personnel costs for the school office. For the Eisgrub School, 24,200 euros (total for fiscal years 2027 and 2028) are projected. For the Im Feldgarten Elementary School, costs of 35,000 euros (total for fiscal years 2027 and 2028) are anticipated for meals and additional hours for the administrative staff. 

The expansion of the Eisgrub School cafeteria is being subsidized with 509,320 euros from federal funds (GaFöG basic investment program). The state of Rhineland-Palatinate is providing a lump-sum subsidy of 50,000 euros for material costs for the establishment of each all-day school.

Expansion of all-day elementary schools in Mainz in collaboration with the state

Both decisions are part of citywide efforts to expand the all-day program at Mainz elementary schools in line with demand. The All-Day School Support Act (GaFöG) provides for a phased legal entitlement to all-day support for children of elementary school age starting in the 2026/2027 school year. All-day schools offered on a voluntary basis are the most cost-effective model for families and the one preferred by the state and the city.