Hidden in plain sight, the Anton-Réé-Schule whispers tales of a remarkable man. Anton Réé, a champion of children’s education, left an indelible mark on Hamburg. The Anton-Réé-Schule stands as a testament to his legacy. Born in Hamburg in 1815, Réé’s life took an unexpected turn. His father, a royal banker, lost his fortune due to an economic crisis. This forced young Anton to abandon his philosophical pursuits and find a practical profession. He chose to become a teacher, a decision that disappointed his family and friends. At that time, the profession of a school teacher held little prestige.
In 1838, Anton Réé began his teaching career at the “Israelitische Freischule” in Hamburg. He dedicated over 50 years of his life to this school. He eventually became its director in 1848. Beyond the classroom, Réé was a prominent politician. He served in the Hamburg Parliament and the German Reichstag. He tirelessly advocated for his educational beliefs. He fought for a public school system accessible to all children, regardless of background or wealth. Anton Réé is considered the father of compulsory education in Hamburg, introduced in 1871. The Anton-Réé-Schule embodies his vision.
Réé’s teaching methods were unconventional for his time. His classroom was a lively, fear-free environment. He even allowed children to eat their snacks during lessons. He rejected senseless punishments and strongly opposed corporal punishment, advocating for its legal prohibition. His priority was ensuring that even the weakest students could grasp his lessons. The “Israelitische Freischule,” later renamed the “Stiftungsschule von 1815,” was renamed the Anton-Réé-Schule in 1920 to honor its long-time director. However, the Nazis erased his name from the school in 1933. They removed all mention of him from City Hall.
In 1984, this very school, the Anton-Réé-Schule Allermöhe, was established. The Hamburg Senate bestowed the name in a formal ceremony, reviving Réé’s legacy. Carrying his name is both an honor and a responsibility for the Anton-Réé-Schule. It serves as a reminder to uphold the memory of this important educator and politician. The school continues to operate in his spirit, championing education for all. The Anton-Réé-Schule is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents a vision of equality and opportunity. It stands as a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to educating the children of Hamburg.