Whispers of curiosity often echo through these halls. Today we stand before the Waldschule in Flensburg. It is more than just a school. The Waldschule is a place rich in history and brimming with stories.
The Waldschule’s story began in the early 1900s. Construction started in 1903. Otto Fielitz, the city’s building advisor, designed it. The cross-building with the main entrance was completed by 1904. It was initially intended for the St. Marien Boys’ School IV. From 1905 to 1908, the expansion wing on Norderallee followed. This was for an eight-class girls’ school.
The brick building shows Gothic and Art Nouveau elements. It bears similarities to the Hans-Christiansen-Haus. That building was also originally a school designed by Otto Fielitz. The Waldschule also resembles the Marineschule Mürwik from 1910. Adalbert Kelm designed that school. However, the Waldschule is less castle-like. A Flensburg coat of arms was placed on the gable of the Waldschule’s gymnasium. Below it is the symbol of the German Gymnastics Federation.
The name “Waldschule” likely comes from the Waldstrasse. That street leads to the nearby forest area. Another theory suggests it’s named after Deacon Jasper Wald. He worked in St. Johannis from 1837 to 1842. He advocated for nursery schools. He died in 1877.
In the 1910s, the Waldschule’s drawing room housed a natural science collection. This collection marked the beginning of Flensburg’s Natural Science Museum. In 1951, new pavilion classrooms were added. In 1962 and 1965, extensions were added to the old gymnasium. These provided changing rooms and space for gymnastics lessons.
Lutz Wilde, a monument conservator, commented on the modern extensions. He felt they disfigured the gymnasium. Despite these changes, the Waldschule has earned national recognition. In 2010, it received the Jakob Muht Prize from the Bertelsmann Foundation. In 2012, it won “Children to Olympia” from the Cultural Foundation of the Länder. In 2014, it received the German Employer Award for Education. In 2015, it won the German School Prize from the Robert Bosch Foundation. It had been nominated for this prize in 2013.
The Waldschule is a cooperative school of the University of Flensburg. The school is known for its stimulating learning environment. Students learn inclusively in diverse groups. They receive regular feedback on their performance. This is documented in learning path books and learning diaries. A unique feature is the school’s program for conflict culture and participation. Children independently conduct mediation. The school offers a wide cultural program. It has good connections with the University of Flensburg.
Volker Masuhr, the school principal, has a unique perspective. He believes in marketing and sales for a primary school. When he took office in 2006, the Waldschule had 220 students. Many came from Nordstadt. It was considered a “problem school”. Today, 330 students attend the Waldschule. They come from all over Flensburg. Test scores are at least average. A growing number of students go to grammar school after fourth grade. Fewer go to secondary school.
The Waldschule embraces diversity. Its motto is: “It is normal to be different.” The school emphasizes independence, responsibility, and participation. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved. The Waldschule team welcomes everyone with competence and enthusiasm. From a “problem school” to a prize-winning institution, the Waldschule’s transformation is truly remarkable.