Established in 1907 the Cecilien-Gymnasium in Dusseldorf boasts a rich history. Initially founded as the Higher Girls’ School in Oberkassel it opened its doors with just 61 pupils and four teachers. It was located on Roonstrasse now Sonderburgstrasse. Auguste Otterbein the school’s first headmistress was a remarkable woman. She later married Nikolaus Knopp a former mayor of Heerdt and Dusseldorf council member.
The Cecilien-Gymnasium quickly outgrew its initial space. Due to the incorporation of Oberkassel Niederkassel and Loerick into Dusseldorf enrollment surged. A new building on Wettiner Strasse and Arnulfstrasse was constructed opening in 1910. In 1911 the school was renamed in honour of Crown Princess Cecilie and expanded into a ten-year Lyzeum. Professor Freiburg took over leadership. Auguste Otterbein remained a teacher until 1927.
Aenne Franken became headmistress in 1927. A member of the Centre Party she was active in the Catholic Women’s League. This league championed women’s equality through education. Sadly under the Nazi regime Franken was deemed unsuitable. She was demoted and transferred. Hermann Bruns took over in 1935. The school was rapidly reshaped to align with Nazi ideology. Teachers underwent ideological screening and the library was purged. Jewish students were forced to leave after Kristallnacht in 1938.
The Cecilien-Gymnasium faced further challenges during World War II. The school building was heavily damaged by bombs on January 1st 1945. Parts of a nearby elementary school housed the school temporarily. Classes were even held in shifts at the Comenius-Gymnasium. After the war Wilhelmina Schonheinz led the school. She provided support and guidance during the difficult post-war period. A new building on Schorlemerstrasse finally opened in 1958 ending the shared space situation.
The Cecilien-Gymnasium continued to evolve. In 1972-73 it became co-educational. The upper secondary level was reformed with a Montessori branch added in 1974 and a bilingual branch in 1989. The school has forged partnerships with the Japanese International School and the International School of Dusseldorf. In 2008 it became Dusseldorf’s first European school. In 2009 it received the seal of approval as a ‘career and training friendly school’. It has even added a new sports hall in 2021. The Cecilien-Gymnasium stands as a testament to resilience adaptation and a commitment to education.