Did you know that the Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium in Konstanz started as a Jesuit Lyceum back in 1604? Imagine students from centuries ago walking these same halls. The Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium has a rich history that intertwines with the city itself.
The story of Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium begins with its founding by the Jesuits. Papal approval came swiftly. Clemens VIII recognized it that very year. Initially, the school served as a preparatory institution for university studies. In 1607, just three years after its founding, the Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium already had 450 students.
Over the years, the Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium faced several changes. In 1773, the Jesuit order was dissolved. This led to the school becoming the Collegium Josephinum. Despite these changes, the institution persevered. It transformed into a state-run Austrian school in 1774 and officially became a gymnasium in 1784.
French troops occupied the city in 1797. This led to the expansion of the gymnasium. Six new subjects including Poetics, Rhetoric, Syntax, and Grammar were added to the curriculum. Even during wartime, theological degrees were still awarded. Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium became a popular neutral ground for study.
The school continued to grow. By 1823, the Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium had 309 students. In 1834, the Higher Citizen School was established. Teachers from both schools taught together. Later, in 1848, the Buergerschule became independent. It is now known as the Alexander-von-Humboldt-Gymnasium.
Not all events were peaceful. In 1849, teachers and older students joined the Baden Revolution. Led by Friedrich Hecker, they left the school to fight. Due to these events, the school cancelled examinations.
The Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium also has connections to religious institutions. From 1864, students from the Konradihaus, a seminary for training Catholic priests, attended the school. These students often made up a significant portion of the student body.
The 20th century brought more changes. In 1901, the first female student passed the entrance exam. By 1905, there were six girls enrolled. In the early 1900s, around 370 students attended the Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium.
The gymnasium moved to its current location on Neuhauser Strasse in 1910 and 1911. During World War I, many students and teachers served in the military. After the Nazi takeover in 1933, Hermann Venedey protested against the Nazi flag. From 1940, the school building was used as a military hospital.
In 1948, the school was named after Heinrich Seuse. This emphasized the importance of character education. By 1951, 400 students attended the Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium.
The Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium boasts a library dating back to 1604. It houses books from four centuries including manuscripts. Scientists can access the collection through the University Library of Constance. Teachers and students of the Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium also have access.
Today, the Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium continues to evolve. It offers a modern curriculum. It maintains its commitment to academic excellence. The school celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2004 and its schoolhouse’s centennial in 2011. The Heinrich-Suso-Gymnasium remains a vital part of Konstanz. It continues to shape young minds.