Feldbergschule

“A school named after a mountain?” you might ask, standing here before the Feldbergschule. Indeed, the Feldbergschule in Oberursel (Taunus) draws its name from the nearby Großer Feldberg, the highest peak in the Taunus Mountains. This connection hints at the school’s aspirations, aiming high in the field of education much like the mountain it’s named after. The Feldbergschule has a rich history. It was founded in 1850. This wasn’t in this modern building though. The inaugural ceremony took place in a local tavern, the “Zum römischen Kaiser,” known today as the Oberurseler Brauhaus. Initially, the school served as a Gewerbeschule, a vocational school focusing on trade skills. It began modestly, with fifty students and one teacher, holding classes in the local elementary school at Hollerberg. The Feldbergschule’s growth mirrored the region’s industrial development. As industries like the Seck Motorenfabrik, later Rolls Royce, and Boston Blacking flourished in Oberursel, the need for skilled labor grew. The school expanded its curriculum, adding classes tailored to specific trades like ironworking, construction, and decorative arts. A business class was introduced in 1913, demonstrating the school’s adaptability. Over the years, the Feldbergschule continued to evolve. In 1920, it became a municipal school and appointed Otto Ludwig as its first full-time headmaster. Ludwig, a mechanical engineer, implemented significant changes, shifting classes to earlier mornings or late afternoons, improving student attendance. He also championed specialized instruction, broadening the curriculum to include clothing, shoemaking, and food industry trades. The school moved to its current location on Oberhöchstadter Straße in 1955, marking a new chapter in its history. Under the leadership of Friedrich Jahn (1965-1988), the school experienced significant growth. The introduction of a Wirtschaftsgymnasium (business high school) in 1970 expanded the school’s offerings, allowing students to pursue higher education. Further additions included vocational programs, specialized business and technical schools, and even a foreign language secretariat. The Feldbergschule also embraced modern technology, introducing computers in 1973, long before they became commonplace. Today, the Feldbergschule is a diverse institution offering a variety of educational paths. From vocational training to university preparation, it continues to adapt to the changing needs of the community. The school even participates in a pilot project for “independent vocational schools,” managing its own budget and encouraging open learning formats. The Feldbergschule, from its humble beginnings in a local tavern, has grown into a pillar of the Oberursel community. Its journey reflects the town’s own transformation from a small village to a thriving industrial and educational hub.