Let me tell you about Carl-Kraemer-Grundschule. It stands as a testament to art, community, and resilience. This school has a unique story. It started long before it officially became the Carl-Kraemer-Grundschule.
The building itself dates back to 1913 and 1914. It was designed by Ludwig Hoffmann. Originally, it housed two separate schools. There was one for girls and another for boys. During World War II in 1943, the schools were relocated. The building became a temporary hospital. It wasn’t until 1948 that education returned to these halls.
In 1951, a significant change occurred. The school divided into a primary and secondary school. The 26th elementary school was founded. Three years later, it was named Carl-Kraemer-Grundschule. The upper grades formed the 8th secondary school. Later, it became Peter-Henlein-Oberschule. It remained at the same location until its closure in 1992.
Fun fact. The famous actor Harald Juhnke attended this school. It was during its time as a Gemeindeschule or Volksschule.
Architecturally, Carl-Kraemer-Grundschule has similarities with Rudolf-Wissell-Grundschule. Ludwig Hoffmann designed that school too. The Carl-Kraemer-Grundschule features a teacher’s residence facing the street. Behind it lies a three-winged, four-story classroom section. This design creates an inner courtyard surrounded by apartment buildings. The gymnasium sits between the passages of the central wing. The courtyard facades are simple. The teacher’s residence facade is more elaborate. Reliefs between the second and third floors depict playing children. They also show Berliner bears with schoolbags. This building ensemble is a protected landmark.
Carl Kraemer was a significant figure. He was a German animal rights activist. He helped to bring about the first German animal protection law in 1933. The school carries his name. It is a reminder of tolerance and animal welfare.
The Carl-Kraemer-Grundschule is located in the Soldiner Kiez. This area is near the green space along the Panke River. The Soldiner Kiez has social challenges including high unemployment. Over 90% of the students have a non-German native language. The school addresses this. It provides targeted language and reading support. This goes beyond the general curriculum. The school participates in programs. These programs include “Youth Social Work at Berlin Schools.” It implements violence prevention programs. It works with the Quartiersmanagement.
The Carl-Kraemer-Grundschule emphasizes art. It collaborates with artists and museum experts. One project was exhibited at the Museum for Pre- and Early History. The school combines grade-level classes. It also has cross-grade “learning studios”. These studios allow children from different grades to learn together. The Carl-Kraemer-Grundschule provides expert courses for gifted children. It also supports children with special needs.
The school faced a temporary closure in 2018. This was due to mold and ceiling damage. Classes were moved to other buildings.
Today, Carl-Kraemer-Grundschule thrives. It is a full-day school. It provides diverse learning and leisure activities. It focuses on each child’s unique needs. It embraces cultural diversity. It sees “being different” as an enrichment for all. Since September 2024, the school has been an official “Musical Elementary School”. Music plays a special role in everyday school life.