Established in 1689, the Französisches Gymnasium stands as Berlin’s oldest public school. Its story is one of refuge, resilience, and remarkable education. Ordered by Frederick William of Brandenburg, it welcomed Huguenot children. These families had fled France because of religious persecution.
The Französisches Gymnasium began in a rented house on Stralauer Strasse. Charles Ancillon, a French jurist, became its first headmaster. Initially, instruction was solely in French and catered to Huguenot refugees. Soon after, German children from noble families joined. It quickly evolved into an elite school.
Did you know that mastering French enabled graduates to tutor noble families? The Französisches Gymnasium maintained close ties with the Academy of Sciences. Esteemed teachers educated Prussian princes. Yet, in 1766, the school had only 35 students. By 1809, the number rose to 208.
The Französisches Gymnasium faced challenges in the 19th century. It was integrated into the state school system. The school was even mockingly called “Flüchtlingsgymnasium,” meaning refugee gymnasium. However, student numbers grew again between 1871 and 1914. A new building was constructed. The Huguenot church ensured French remained the language of instruction.
Jewish families chose the Französisches Gymnasium for its international atmosphere. They felt more comfortable than at purely German schools. Jewish students comprised a significant portion of the student body. From 1880 to 1890, they made up 32 to 49 percent of the student body. Director Julius Schnatter condemned antisemitism.
During the Nazi regime, Jewish pupils and teachers faced harassment. They were expelled in 1938. Despite nationalist pressure, French remained a teaching medium. The school was evacuated from Berlin in 1943. Its historic building was destroyed in 1945.
After the war, the Französisches Gymnasium relocated to the Wedding district. In 1952, it merged with the French Armed Forces’ college. This merger re-established the Französisches Gymnasium.
Since 1972, the school has been located on Derfflingerstrasse in Tiergarten. Today, the Französisches Gymnasium educates both German and French-speaking pupils. Students come from francophone countries worldwide. Bilingual classes begin in grade 7. Students can study English, Latin, Ancient Greek, and Spanish. Graduates can earn both the Abitur and the Baccalauréat.
Many notable figures attended the Französisches Gymnasium. These include poet Adelbert von Chamisso and author Kurt Tucholsky. Engineer Walter Dornberger and resistance fighter Adam von Trott zu Solz also studied here. Songwriters Reinhard Mey and Ulrich Roski are alumni too. Political scientist Gesine Schwan is another prominent graduate.
The Französisches Gymnasium stands as a symbol of Franco-German connection. It provides bilingual education, fostering understanding between cultures. Its long history reflects Berlin’s own story of change and growth. The Französisches Gymnasium continues to shape future generations.