Founded in 1872 the Waldschule Degerloch boasts a rich history. It began as Johann Heinrich Mozer’s private institute. This included a kindergarten a primary school and a girls’ institute. After Mozer’s death in 1903 the primary school closed. The kindergarten followed in 1925.
The school received state recognition in 1933 becoming the Private Oberschule Mozer. World War II forced a relocation to Wäschebeuren. Students were taught in the Grüner Baum inn. Remarkably they survived a bombing raid there in 1945.
Thirty-five students returned to Stuttgart in 1945. Classes resumed in private homes then various rented spaces. This included the Mörikegymnasium and several Waldheims. Marga Rapp took over leadership in 1952. A new building was funded by the Verein zur Förderung der Mozerschule. This led to the school moving to its current location in 1953 the Markuswaldheim Degerloch.
The name changed to Waldschule Degerloch in 1954. It became a Progymnasium covering classes 5 to 10. A new building the ‘Altbau’ was opened in 1961. Further expansions followed. Realschule education started in 1985. The first Abitur exams were taken in 2000. A Realschulaufsetzer was approved in 2007. Finally a primary school with a special STEM focus opened in 2018. This school also provides supervised education for children with type 1 diabetes.
The Waldschule Degerloch offers both an eight-year Gymnasium track and a nine-year Realschule plus Realschulaufsetzer track. This leads to the Abitur. The Realschulaufsetzer was introduced in 2007. This helps students who completed Realschule but lacked French to get their Abitur. The combination of Physics or Visual Arts is unique in Baden-Württemberg. After an introductory class with extra math English physics and French students join regular Gymnasium classes.
Montessori methods have been used since 1992. The Waldschule is a full-day school. It is a testament to enduring commitment. It’s a place where learning and life intertwine. The Waldschule Degerloch stands as a beacon of educational excellence. It is a living legacy. It continues to evolve.