Ever wondered where German heritage meets Parisian culture? That place is the Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris. It is also known as iDSP or École Allemande Internationale de Paris. This school is a unique institution. It brings German education to the heart of France.
Let’s step back in time to October 23, 1958. The first stone was laid for the Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris. Just a few weeks later, on November 3, the school opened its doors. It started small in three YMCA-owned rooms. These rooms were in the 16th arrondissement near Trocadéro. Initially, the school only offered Gymnasium classes.
In December 1959, the Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris moved. It relocated to rented rooms in a villa in Neuilly-sur-Seine. The primary school opened on March 1, 1960. At first, primary classes were held in a separate location. This location was also in the 16th arrondissement.
By 1961, all levels of the Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris united. They moved to their current location in Saint-Cloud. The West German government played a crucial role. It acquired the property. This ensured a permanent home for the school.
The Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris has grown significantly since its early days. In September 1962, a kindergarten opened. It welcomed 50 children into two new wooden pavilions. By the 1965 to 1966 school year, the Gymnasium was complete with nine classes. The school expanded with three more pavilions.
In 1966, the Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris had 460 students. Thirty local and German teachers taught there. Due to increasing student numbers, a new building was constructed. It included a sports hall and a swimming pool.
September 1970 marked another milestone. Six hundred students moved into the new school building. This building was originally designed for only 450 students. In 1977, over 900 students attended the Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris. During this time, the reformed upper school was introduced. Also, a reference library was established.
The Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris also focused on bilingualism. Since 1994, a bilingual branch exists. Here, geography and history are taught in French. The school received permission from both German and French authorities. This allowed it to award both the German Abitur and the French Baccalauréat.
The Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris has seen fluctuations in student numbers. In 1998, 380 children attended the school and kindergarten. By 2015, that number was around 320. These changes reflect demographic shifts and increased competition.
Today, the Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris continues its mission. It provides a German education within a French context. It welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. It offers a connection to the German school system. It promotes engagement with French language and culture. The Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris stands as a testament to international cooperation. It bridges cultures through education.