What if these walls could talk? The Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule in Frankfurt is more than just a school. It is a place steeped in history. It has seen many changes over the years.
The Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule first opened its doors on April 19, 1909. Back then, it was known as the Königliches Sachsenhäuser Gymnasium in Entstehung. The school followed the Frankfurt model of a Reformgymnasium. However, the school building on Hedderichstraße wasn’t ready yet. So, classes were held in nearby schools and other city buildings.
Finally, on October 16, 1911, the new school building was inaugurated. Oberpräsident Hengstenberg officially opened the building. This marked the end of the temporary arrangements.
In 1917, the school was renamed Kaiser Wilhelms-Gymnasium. This name lasted until after World War II. In 1945, the Kaiser Wilhelms-Gymnasium was renamed Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule. It was named after Heinrich Friedrich Karl vom Stein.
The Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule experienced growing student numbers in the 1960s and 1970s. This required major renovations to the original 1911 building. Part of the school was torn down. A new building complex was added.
Interestingly, the original 1911 building no longer exists. Due to increasing student numbers between 1960 and 1975, the original building was modified and expanded. From the summer of 2007, a new school building was constructed on the same site. It was completed in the spring of 2009. The school community moved back in for the 2009/10 school year.
Since the school year 2001/2002, the Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule has had a bilingual program. This program focuses on German and Italian. Its main goals are to promote multilingualism and intercultural learning. Italian is the second language of instruction in one class, starting in fifth grade.
In math and language and literature, two teachers teach together. One is Italian. One is German. Each teacher uses only their own language. Students support each other. They must respond bilingually. The school also offers subject lessons in Italian.
In 2010, the Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule became the first school in Hesse. It was able to offer the Italian Abitur. Bilingual class students have two extra hours of instruction per week.
English is offered as a first foreign language from class 5. In class 6, students can choose between Latin, Italian, and French.
The Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule was modernized from 2007 to 2009. This was done through a public-private partnership project. The dilapidated and cramped school was completely demolished. A new building replaced it. The construction company Hochtief bore the renovation costs. It now leases the new building to the city of Frankfurt.
During the demolition and construction, the entire school community was relocated until mid-2009. A temporary school complex made of containers was set up near the Mühlberg. All school operations took place there. Except for sports lessons. Sports lessons were spread across nearby sports halls in Frankfurt am Main.
School operations resumed in the new school building at the beginning of the 2009/2010 school year. Hochtief officially handed over the new building to the city of Frankfurt. This happened one week later on August 31.
The school has a focus on MINT subjects. MINT stands for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology. The school offers many advanced courses in MINT. Computer science is also offered as an exam subject in the Abitur.
The Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule is also an accredited testing center. It is certified for the International Computer Driving Licence ICDL.
Since January 2023, the school has a brand new IT setup. It was installed according to the concept of the IT teacher. All rooms have Wi-Fi and modern technology. The FVSS sets standards with its e-learning offerings. Students receive support after lessons. They practice independent learning.
The Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule also participates in competitions. It excels nationwide in artificial intelligence. In 2022, the team buffalo won the national Artificial Intelligence Competition. They won with their project Aussprachetrainer. Aussprachetrainer means pronunciation trainer.
Many famous people attended the Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule. These include Theodor W. Adorno, a philosopher. Also Constanze Angermann, a journalist. Michael Groß, a successful swimmer.
The Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule has evolved. It continues to adapt to the needs of its students. It prepares them for the future.