Den Classenske Legatskole

Established by royal decree and funded by J.F. Classen’s will, Den Classenske Legatskole first opened its doors on January 6, 1794. Imagine children bundled in thick wool coats, hurrying through the crisp winter air towards two repurposed rooms within the Artillerikasernen in Strandgade. This military barracks, situated in the Christianshavn neighborhood, housed both the fledgling school and a workshop where students toiled. Den Classenske Legatskole was unlike any other school of its time. It mandated seven years of compulsory education for its pupils. Fast forward to 1820, and Den Classenske Legatskole once again led the way in education. It became the first school in Denmark to implement peer-to-peer learning. Older students, already well-versed in the curriculum, guided and instructed their younger counterparts. Learning revolved around specific tables of information for every subject. The teacher orchestrated the flow of knowledge with a whistle, meticulously tracking each student’s progress. School days were long and demanding for all students. Thirty-eight hours a week were dedicated to learning, from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour midday break. Saturdays were also dedicated to learning, though the school day was shorter from 8 am to 11 am. Boys had the additional challenge of five hours of weekly gymnastics. Girls, on the other hand, honed their skills with fifteen hours of needlework in the upper class and eighteen in the lower. The school eventually outgrew its cramped quarters within the barracks. In 1895, Den Classenske Legatskole relocated to Wildersgade 5. This building had previously housed the Vester Borgerdydskolen. At this time, the school served about 200 students, divided into four boys’ classes, three girls’ classes, and a dedicated needlework class. Another significant shift occurred in 1918. The school, including a debt of 102,000 kroner, was offered to the municipality of Copenhagen, transitioning into a public school. Its final move brought it to its present location at Vester Voldgade 98. Den Classenske Legatskole now occupies the former Vester Voldgades Skole, a structure built between 1889 and 1890. So, as you stand here, before the imposing facade of Den Classenske Legatskole, remember the echoes of its rich history. From its humble beginnings in a military barracks to its current stature as a well-established public school, Den Classenske Legatskole has always been a place of learning, growth, and transformation.