Gymnasium bei St. Stephan

Established in 1828, Gymnasium bei St. Stephan has witnessed Augsburg’s ebb and flow for nearly two centuries. This isn’t just any school. Gymnasium bei St. Stephan stands as a testament to a rich lineage, directly succeeding the Jesuit college of St. Salvator, which thrived from 1582 to 1807. King Ludwig I, instrumental in its founding, initially entrusted the school to the Benedictine Abbey of St. Stephan in 1835. This created a unique partnership between the Bavarian state and the abbey, a shared responsibility that occasionally caused confusion about the school’s legal status. It was, in essence, a school “sui generis,” of its own kind. Gymnasium bei St. Stephan held the distinction of being Bavaria’s last all-boys school until the late 1990s, a tradition finally broken after a gradual integration of girls beginning in the 1970s. Today, the city of Augsburg holds the responsibility of maintaining Gymnasium bei St. Stephan, a duty in line with Bavarian school financing laws. Yet, the Benedictine presence persists. Benedictine monks continue to teach and contribute to the school’s administration, maintaining a thread of its unique history. The legacy of St. Salvator also continues to resonate within Gymnasium bei St. Stephan. The school holds the honor of using the “Kleiner Goldener Saal,” the only surviving portion of the old Jesuit college. Here, the hallowed halls come alive with annual concerts, a tribute to St. Cecilia, patron saint of music. Students showcase their talents, performing solos and participating in ensembles, filling the space with melodies. The Kleiner Goldener Saal also serves as the setting for the annual graduation ceremony, a fitting culmination of years spent within these historic walls. Gymnasium bei St. Stephan offers diverse paths for students. There’s the humanistic branch, delving into Latin, English, and Ancient Greek. The musical branch emphasizes music from the 5th grade, alongside Latin and English. Finally, a more recent addition is the science and technology branch, balancing the sciences with Latin and English. Since 2009, the school has catered to highly gifted students with specialized classes, enriching their learning experience. This dedication led to its recognition as a “Competence Center for Gifted Education” in 2016. The school has nurtured many notable individuals, from Franz Xaver Seelos, a missionary beatified in 2000, to contemporary figures like musician Andreas Bourani. Their accomplishments add another layer to the rich tapestry of Gymnasium bei St. Stephan, a school where history, education, and talent intertwine.