Laborschule Dresden

Have you ever wondered what a school without rigid grade levels might look like? Here at the Laborschule Dresden, that very idea takes center stage. This free school, under the wing of Omse e.V., sits right here in Dresden-Gorbitz. The Laborschule Dresden offers a refreshing alternative to traditional education, blending primary school and Gymnasium into one progressive learning environment. Opened in 2004, the Laborschule Dresden sprang from Omse e.V.’s work with children in their daycare centers. Parents and educators crafted a concept, a framework for both teaching and financial sustainability. The former 137th Mittelschule, complete with grounds and two gymnasiums, provided the perfect setting. The first ten students began their unique learning journey on August 23, 2004. The school embraces the reformist Jena Plan by Peter Petersen. Students learn in mixed-age groups, fostering collaboration and diverse problem-solving approaches. These groups are divided into four stages, spanning grades 1 through 12. Project-based learning is a cornerstone at Laborschule Dresden, complementing the core subjects. The school’s name, derived from “laborare” (Latin for “to work”), underscores its hands-on approach. Students are encouraged to discover their own solutions, exercise democratic participation, and embrace sustainable thinking. Parental involvement, through committees and projects, is vital to the school community. While the Jena Plan is a guiding principle, the Laborschule Dresden remains adaptable to societal and regional changes. The school saw renovations starting in 2012 with upgrades to the windows, facade, restrooms, and hallways. In 2017, an elevator made the school accessible to all. The Laborschule Dresden, along with other local institutions, established the “Sonne und Wind” Foundation, aiming to equip the area’s roofs with solar panels. Today, over 320 students learn here, guided by more than 40 educators. It’s a hub for educational interns, and its funding comes from government subsidies, donations, and tuition. The school operates under a headmaster, supported by stage coordinators and a daycare management team. The Laborschule Dresden truly embodies a dynamic approach to education.