Listen closely as we uncover the tale of Rue de l’École. This street whispers stories of education and transformation in Marseille.
Rue de l’École means School Street. The history of schools in Marseille evolved significantly. This evolution depended on laws enacted since the Revolution. These laws determined the primacy of the Catholic Church. The Church had influence over education. Before 1888 Marseille had various types of schools. There were public secular schools and public religious schools. Also, there were private secular schools and private religious schools.
Let’s step back to the early 19th century. The first school for boys in Endoume was established in 1820. It was run by the Brothers of Christian Schools. This school was located at Place de la Croix now Place St Eugène. Religious staff managed it until the Jules Ferry laws. These laws mandated secular staff in secular schools. A secular director J B Lapierre was appointed in 1888.
Consider the girls’ education. Laws in 1850 required towns with over 800 residents to maintain a primary school for girls. However this education was often neglected. In 1853 a private Catholic school for girls in Endoume had 48 students. It was run by nuns.
Imagine the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Numerous small private schools opened across the hill. They had varying lifespans some lasting only a year. Others endured up to 50 years. These schools reflect the changing educational landscape of Marseille.
Picture the schools at Vallon de l’Oriol. The first school was opened in 1866. A teacher trained at a teacher training college opened it. It was at the corner of Impasse de l’Avenir. It remained the only school serving the Vallon and Plateau areas.
Note the girls’ and infant classes. A public school was created in 1865. Sisters of St Charles ran it. It was located at the bottom of Rue de l’École. Secular teachers replaced them in 1887. The sisters then opened a private school nearby. A school on the Plateau was opened by Mlle Escoffier in 1906. The infant class there welcomed both girls and boys.
Consider one small private school listed in 1903. It was Villa La Chaumière. Mme Alessandrini directed it. She had also directed the private secular school at 47 rue de la Colline in 1888.
Today Rue de l’École stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the historical changes in Marseille’s education. It tells a story of religious influence secularization and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge. As you walk this street reflect on the generations who sought education here shaping not only their futures but also the future of Marseille.