Elisabethenschule

In 1952, a courageous headmistress, Katharina Weber, added Anne Frank’s diary to the Elisabethenschule’s library. This act of defiance against the horrors of the past showcases the spirit of this Frankfurt institution. The Elisabethenschule stands as a testament to resilience and the power of education. It was originally founded in 1876 as a higher girls’ school. The school emerged from the girls’ department of a much older Frankfurt school, the Musterschule, established in 1803. Named after Catharina Elisabeth Goethe, mother of the literary giant Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the Elisabethenschule carries a rich legacy. The school started its life in Frankfurt’s bustling city center on Goethestraße. In 1908, it moved to its current Art Nouveau home on Vogtstraße in the Nordend district. This striking building, designed by Rudolf Reinicke, is a sight to behold. During WWII, the Elisabethenschule was transformed into a military hospital, a stark reminder of the turbulent times. The building suffered damage during air raids. Yet, it survived. It stands as a silent witness to history. After the war, the US occupying forces requisitioned the building, housing a new German-American school within its walls. The Elisabethenschule’s students were displaced, finding temporary refuge in other schools. Only in 1954, after extensive renovations, did the Elisabethenschule fully reclaim its home. Today, the Elisabethenschule is a co-educational gymnasium, embracing progress and inclusivity. It continues to nurture young minds within its historic walls, a vibrant hub of learning and growth in the heart of Frankfurt. The Elisabethenschule is more than just a school. It’s a living story, echoing with the footsteps of generations past and the promise of future generations to come.