Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule

“A school named after a true hero, can you imagine?” whispered a student to her friend, gazing at the Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule. This isn’t just any school. The Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule, also known as IGS Mühlenberg, stands as a beacon of education and resilience here in Hannover-Mühlenberg. It first opened its doors in 1974 as IGS Mühlenberg. The original building, designed by the architectural team of Bassenge, Puhan-Schulz, and Schreck, was completed in 1976. Years later, between 2013 and 2016, the Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule underwent a massive transformation. The old building was demolished and replaced with a new, state-of-the-art facility. This project, costing 63 million euros, was one of Hannover’s largest and most complex construction projects at the time. Now, the Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule stands as the largest school in Hannover. It boasts a barrier-free design and approximately 30,000 square meters of floor space. It educates around 1350 students with the help of over 150 teachers. The school’s diverse student body reflects the multicultural fabric of Mühlenberg, with many students coming from Arabic-speaking countries and Eastern Europe. In 2016, IGS Mühlenberg was renamed Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule, IGS Hannover-Mühlenberg, to honor Leonore Goldschmidt. She was a remarkable educator who defied Nazi oppression. The name change aligns with many streets and institutions in Mühlenberg that commemorate those who resisted the Nazi regime. The Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule champions a modern, future-oriented approach to education. It emphasizes digital media, interdisciplinary learning, and teamwork to prepare students for the professional world and foster social growth. The school also champions inclusivity, promoting equality among students from different backgrounds and supporting the integration of children with disabilities. As a certified “Environmental School in Europe” and a Fairtrade School, the Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability. Here, students can achieve various degrees, from the extended Sekundarabschluss I to the Hauptschulabschlus. Around 40% of the students continue to the Oberstufe, which comprises about 500 students. From English and Spanish to Chinese and Turkish, the Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule offers a wide array of languages. The school also provides a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including IT, robotics, social engagement programs, and various sports clubs. The Leonore-Goldschmidt-Schule is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to the power of education, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Leonore Goldschmidt.