Consider the echoes of laughter and learning that permeate the very walls of Brunnen-Realschule. This is more than just a school. It’s a place with a rich history deeply intertwined with the story of Bad Cannstatt.
The Brunnen-Realschule, located on Wilhelmstraße, has a story that began in 1875. Back then, it wasn’t Brunnen-Realschule. It was the Cannstatter Mädchenmittelschule. The school aimed to provide girls from middle-class families with an education. This education prepared them for their future roles. Many Cannstatt families found the higher girls’ schools too expensive. So, they decided to found their own school.
In its first year, the school had four classes and 159 students. They were taught by three female teachers and one male teacher. By 1876, another class and teacher were added. Classes started at 8 a.m. and finished at 11 a.m.. After lunch, students returned for two more hours of afternoon classes. Lessons were even held on Saturdays. Only Sunday was a day off. Students learned reading, writing, arithmetic and religion. French was introduced in the third grade, followed by English. From the third grade onward, practical subjects and drawing were also on the curriculum. All classes included four hours of needlework each week.
Initially, the school was located in a private house on Hofener Straße 5. Fabrikant Pappenheimer made it available. Two years later, the school moved to Brunnenstraße. The building also housed the Frauenarbeitsschule. Young women learned to sew there to earn a living. In 1895, a further education school for girls was established there. It was a precursor to vocational schools. The Brunnenrealschule was strongly linked to vocational training for girls from the start.
By 1890, 358 students attended the school. Additional rooms were acquired nearby. Vocational training was intensified. Typewriting and bookkeeping were also taught. The eighth and ninth grades were introduced.
After World War I, the secondary school was restructured. The four-year elementary school was organizationally separated. The secondary school itself became a five-year school. From 1926, particularly gifted girls could take the intermediate school certificate. But this was only after special advanced classes. In 1941, this qualification was introduced for all girls after the sixth grade.
During World War II, the school buildings were almost completely destroyed. The students were relocated to the countryside. Lessons were only offered in a shortened form.
After the war, the girls’ secondary school was merged with the Cannstatt secondary school for boys. This was due to lack of space. Classes were held in various buildings throughout Bad Cannstatt. In 1947, the 818 students were able to return to the boys’ secondary school. It is now the Jahn-Realschule. Due to the shortage of space and teachers, lessons had to be taught in shifts.
In 1953, the boys and girls were separated again. Joint lessons were seen as an emergency solution due to the war. The boys remained in their school. The girls had to be taught in premises all over Cannstatt again. Their school had been destroyed.
Four years later, the newly built girls’ secondary school was finally opened. It was at today’s location. It was the largest girls’ secondary school in Stuttgart.
In 1966, the school was named Cannstatter Mädchen-Realschule. With the introduction of co-education in 1974, the school was renamed Brunnen-Realschule. This was because of its former location on Brunnenstraße.
Today, the Brunnen-Realschule aims to equip students. It wants to equip them to be responsible and capable individuals. German is considered the main language of instruction. The school provides full-day care. It also cooperates with companies and social institutions. The Brunnen-Realschule works with Chancenwerk. This is a non-profit organization that promotes learning.
So, as you stand here, remember the long journey of the Brunnen-Realschule. From its humble beginnings to its current role in shaping young minds. The Brunnen-Realschule continues to be an important part of the Bad Cannstatt community.