Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium

In 1907, the Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium first opened its doors as a Realgymnasium. It was originally designed for boys. This is reflected in the stark, angular architecture of the main staircase. The school, also known as the Kissingengymnasium, has seen many transformations over the years. During World War II, the Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium served as a military hospital. Large white circles, visible on the facade as late as 2016, served as reminders of this era. Following the war, the school was renamed the Wilhelm-Pieck-Schule, after the first president of East Germany. It later became the Wilhelm-Pieck-Oberschule, with a curriculum emphasizing Russian language instruction starting in the third grade. After German reunification, the school remained nameless for a period. Then, during a project week, the students voted to rename it after Rosa Luxemburg. This decision sparked a deeper engagement with Luxemburg’s life and work. It also led to the establishment of the annual “Rosa-Fahrt.” This trip takes ninth and tenth-grade students on a journey to explore places significant to Rosa Luxemburg’s life. Interestingly, the school’s logo and motto have remained unchanged since its founding in 1907. Graduating students even receive medals bearing this original design. From 1996 to 2011, the Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium participated in a Berlin school pilot program. This program, known as “Schnellläuferklassen” or “Expressabitur,” allowed talented students to complete their gymnasium education in a shorter time. However, due to the heavy workload and concerns about students graduating at very young ages, the school revised the program. The Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium still admits gifted students starting in fifth grade. But the option to skip eighth grade was removed. The additional time gained was used for a broad range of enrichment courses to further nurture students’ talents. The Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium also has a unique hourly schedule, with class lengths varying between 30 and 90 minutes, usually around 60. The Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium isn’t just one building. It’s a complex of structures, each with its own story. The main building, facing Kissingenstraße, was the first to be constructed, later joined by the south wing. The rector’s villa, initially a residence for the school’s headmaster, is another key part of the complex. After World War II, it served as an after-school care center. Today, it houses social science courses for upper-level students. The school also has a modern addition built in the early 21st century, a large gymnasium, and a cafeteria. Interestingly, the cafeteria is housed in what was once the school’s original gymnasium. The main building houses various facilities. These facilities include administrative offices, a teachers’ lounge, computer labs, a science wing renovated in the 1990s, music rooms, and a grand auditorium. This auditorium, now equipped with state-of-the-art technology, has hosted countless school events. The Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium’s diverse educational offerings and unique programs have made it a highly sought-after institution for students in Berlin and the surrounding areas.