Could the walls of St. Ursula Gymnasium whisper tales of over three centuries of educating young women? Founded in 1696 by sisters of the Society of the Holy Ursula, this isn’t just Freiburg’s largest all-girls gymnasium. It is one of the city’s oldest.
Imagine Freiburg in the late 17th century. Anne de Xainctonge’s vision took root here. Four sisters arrived from Luzern. They sought to nurture young women in Christian values and civic virtues. The city council and the Bishop of Konstanz approved their mission. St. Ursula Gymnasium began its journey.
Initially, the sisters operated near the Altstadt. The locals knew their building as the “Schwarzes Kloster” due to their black habits. Even though the school isn’t there anymore, people still call the building that.
The school faced challenges. During the early 19th century, many monasteries were closed. St. Ursula survived but was converted into a secular institution. The sisters adapted, ensuring continuity in education. Later in the 19th century, the Badische Schulstreit led to the school’s temporary closure and dispossession. Undeterred, St. Ursula continued at Fahnenbergplatz.
In 1889, Weihbischof Justus Knecht took over the Katholische Institut St. Ursula. The school moved to its present location on Eisenbahnstraße in 1893. St. Ursula even opened a cooking school in 1896. This was after a law allowed girls to attend household schools instead of mandatory continuation schools.
The 20th century brought more change. The Nazi era forced St. Ursula to adapt. The Hitler salute replaced the curtsy. The school faced closures and confiscation. Yet, after World War II, the sisters reclaimed their institute. They restarted classes in 1946 under the French military government.
Today, St. Ursula Gymnasium thrives. It offers language, science, and music programs. Over 1000 students attend. The school maintains its commitment to Christian values and social responsibility.
Consider this: St. Ursula charges tuition for the eldest daughter in a family. They reduce fees for the second child. Additional children attend for free. This shows the school’s commitment to accessible education. St. Ursula Gymnasium stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a steadfast dedication to female education in Freiburg.