Have you ever walked past a building and wondered how it came to be? The A.B. von Stettensches Institut stands proud on Am Katzenstadel street. It’s a testament to the dedication of a single woman, Anna Barbara von Stetten. In the early 19th century, she saw a need for education for girls in Augsburg. Using her inheritance, she set up this school so that girls could have a space to learn. This was no ordinary school, however. Anna Barbara was a Lutheran, and she wanted to ensure that her school focused on the moral and religious development of its pupils. She envisioned a place where young women could become well-rounded individuals, prepared for their roles as wives and mothers.
The first students walked through these doors in 1806. The institution was located on Annaplatz, the current Martin-Luther-Platz. It started modestly, with just two classrooms and 21 students. Over time, the school grew, and by 1855, they had 150 students! The A.B. von Stettensches Institut was a coveted spot for the daughters of royal officials.
The building you see today is a testament to the institute’s continued success. It opened in 1969, representing a new chapter in the school’s history. It’s worth noting that the A.B. von Stettensches Institut is still a girls-only school. It’s a tradition that has been upheld since its inception. Today, the school offers both a Gymnasium and a Realschule, with a range of academic options. This landmark has stood strong for over two centuries, continuing Anna Barbara von Stetten’s legacy.