Ever wondered where Essen’s young women received their education for centuries? The answer lies before us at the B.M.V.-Schule. It is more than just a school. It is a landmark with a rich history.
The B.M.V.-Schule is a state-recognized Catholic Gymnasium. Augustiner Chorfrauen B.M.V. are in charge. B.M.V. stands for Beatae Mariae Virginis. That means “the Blessed Virgin Mary”.
Let’s journey back to 1652. Three sisters from Münster came to Essen. They came at the request of Princess Abbess Anna Salome von Salm-Reifferscheidt. She wanted to improve education for girls. So they founded a monastery and a girls’ school in Essen’s city center. This was the beginning of the B.M.V.-Schule.
Did you know that the B.M.V.-Schule was Essen’s only higher school for girls until 1830? It played a vital role in shaping the lives of countless young women.
In 1931, the school moved to its current location in Essen-Holsterhausen. The student population grew steadily. The school needed more space.
The B.M.V.-Schule faced challenges during World War II. The Nazi regime shut down the school in 1940. Buildings were destroyed. Yet, the nuns persevered. They resumed classes in 1945. They had to use a shift system. Only two classrooms were available.
The school has a unique approach to student representation. Unlike other schools in Essen, students elect teams to represent them. These teams present themselves to the student body. Then students vote in a secret ballot. The elected team nominates a student speaker.
The B.M.V.-Schule maintains partnerships with schools around the world. These include Moreton Hall in England and Notre Dame des Oiseaux in Paris. These exchanges broaden the horizons of the students.
The B.M.V.-Schule has produced many successful women. Sylvia Löhrmann became a politician. Juliane Werding became a pop singer. These alumni prove the school’s lasting impact.
The school celebrated a special anniversary in 2015. It marked the 450th birthday of Pierre Fourier. He founded the Augustiner Chorfrauen order. Bishop Dr. Franz-Josef Overbeck and Mayor Thomas Kufen attended the celebration.
Originally a girls’ gymnasium, the B.M.V.-Schule introduced coeducation in 2013. This change reflected declining student numbers. It opened its doors to boys as well.
The B.M.V.-Schule continues to uphold its traditions. It provides a quality education rooted in Christian values. It prepares students for the challenges of the future. It has about 1426 students and 108 teachers.
As we stand here, we recognize the B.M.V.-Schule’s enduring legacy. It has shaped generations of students. It has contributed to Essen’s educational landscape for centuries. The B.M.V.-Schule remains a symbol of faith, education, and community.