Amager Fælled Skole

Can you hear the echoes of children’s laughter? Amager Fælled Skole isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a living, breathing testament to generations of students. This school, nestled in the heart of Amagerbro in Copenhagen, opened its doors in 1991. But its story begins much earlier. Amager Fælled Skole arose from the merger of two older schools: Amagerbro Skole and Sundbyvester Skole. Amagerbro Skole, originally called Sundholm Skole, dates back to 1910. Sundbyvester Skole followed in 1918, eventually accommodating over 1,300 students. Imagine these halls during World War II. Both schools were commandeered by the occupying forces, serving as temporary housing for German refugees. Today, Amager Fælled Skole educates nearly 900 students, from kindergarten to ninth grade. The school is divided into two main buildings: North and South. The North building houses grades 6-9. The South building is home to the younger students, from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school’s administrative offices are located on the first floor of the North building. The canteen, or “madskole,” is on the ground floor of the South building. For the sporty students, Amager Fælled Skole boasts three gymnasiums. Two are in the North building, and one is in the South. Picture the energy in these spaces during a game. Leading this vibrant community is Trine Borch, the current head of the school. Both the original school buildings were designed by architect Niels Christian Christensen. They stand as examples of his enduring vision. A recent renovation breathed new life into Amager Fælled Skole. The project carefully preserved the historical character of the buildings while modernizing the learning environments. A new two-story building, housing an auditorium and music rooms, now graces the South school’s courtyard. This modern addition complements the classic brickwork of the original structures. The renovation also transformed the school grounds into an urban oasis. The once-enclosed courtyard is now open and inviting, accessible to both students and the local community. A “city forest” of 100 newly planted trees provides a green haven for learning and exploration. Amager Fælled Skole has become more than a school. It’s a community hub, a green space, and a testament to the power of education and thoughtful design.