Ever wondered where countless generations of Southern Schleswig youth have been educated? This is Duborg-Skolen. It stands as a beacon of Danish education in Flensburg. Since its establishment in 1920, Duborg-Skolen has been more than just a school. It is a symbol of cultural identity and academic excellence for the Danish minority in Southern Schleswig.
Duborg-Skolen proudly teaches in both Danish and German at native speaker level. Almost all other subjects are taught in Danish. This ensures students are truly bilingual and bicultural. The curriculum prepares students for further education in both Denmark and Germany.
Originally, a group of parents wanted a Danish private school in Flensburg. It was May 5, 1920. Teaching in Danish had just become legal again. This was thanks to the new Weimar Constitution. The school began on October 15, 1920. It was located in Hjemmet in Mariegade. Now, the city’s Danish theater is there. On April 16, 1923, the school moved to its new building on Duborg Banke. It was then named Duborg-Skolen. Andreas Dall designed the building in the style of Better Building Culture. He also served as the School Association’s first chairman.
Following World War II, parents desired a Danish high school diploma for their children. From 1949, the school offered the studentereksamen after the Danish model. However, the German state did not recognize this diploma. After the Copenhagen-Bonn Declarations in 1955, the school’s studentereksamen gained German recognition. This allowed access to studies in both Denmark and Germany.
In 1971, the ungdomskollegiet was established at Frueskoven. It provided housing for students from outside the area. A three-story extension designed by Friis & Moltke was inaugurated in 1979. At one point, student numbers exceeded 1000. To relieve pressure on the school, A.P. Møller Skolen was built in Schleswig in 2008. A fundamental renovation and expansion of the school took place between 2015 and 2020.
The Duborg-Skolen is located on the site of the former Duborg Castle on Duborg Banke. Its location makes it highly visible in Flensburg’s cityscape. Today, Duborg-Skolen accommodates pupils from 7th to 13th grade. There are approximately 620 students and 65 teachers in 2024.
The school stands proudly on a hillside. It offers magnificent views of the city and fjord. This is the same location where the historic Duborg Castle stood for many centuries. Duborg-Skolen values its traditions. But it also emphasizes tolerance, openness, and development. It aims to equip students with the skills to be citizens of Denmark, Germany, and the world.
Many rectors have shaped Duborg-Skolen. Julius Bogensee was there until 1920. Jens Kristian Pedersen followed from 1920 to 1921. Andreas Hanssen led from 1921 to 1940. Bernhard Hansen took over from 1941 to 1946. Henry Jensen served from 1946 to 1962. Knud Fanø guided the school from 1962 to 1989. Erik Jensen was rector from 1989 to 2003. Ebbe Benedikt Rasmussen held the position from 2003 to 2019. Since 2019, Heino Aggedam has been the headmaster.
Many notable alumni have passed through these halls. They include people like Sven Gaul, Sebastian Hackert, and Michael Schulte. Duborg-Skolen continues to shape future generations. It instills a sense of belonging and prepares them for a global future.