Johanna-Friesen-Schule

Stepping back in time, let’s journey to 1883 at the Johanna-Friesen-Schule. This wasn’t always its name. It has gone through a few transformations over the years. Initially, rising from the dust of Hanover’s booming industrial scene, it was simply known as “Freischule III”. Designed by architect Oskar Wilsdorff, the school stood proudly on Friesenstrasse. Back then, the area was still largely undeveloped, part of the “Outer City Area”. A school watchman, Mr. Westenhoff, lived on the ground floor. Nearby, at “Verlängerte Friesenstrasse 4”, a daycare operated, run by two deaconesses, Brauns and Hagen. They were assisted by Ms. Heimberg. Just past an empty plot of land stood the parish hall of Trinity Church, home to Pastor Theodor Gelpke. He had only recently moved there in April 1885. By the early 20th century, the school became known as “Bürgerschule 29/30”. Its construction cost, a hefty 123,617 marks, was recorded in city reports. Boys and girls were strictly separated. The Johanna-Friesen-Schule played a role in a pivotal moment in educational history. In 1926, the school hosted Hanover’s first Waldorf-inspired classes, led by Mathilde Hoyer with 52 first-graders. This innovative approach predated the establishment of Hanover’s first official Waldorf School in 1932. Even during the political turmoil of the Weimar Republic, the school served the community. It acted as a polling station for district 122 in the elections just before the Nazi era. Sadly, the original Johanna-Friesen-Schule building was destroyed during the air raids of 1943. Students were relocated to schools on Edenstrasse and Kollenrodtstrasse. Many children were later evacuated from the city as the bombings intensified. The school community showed resilience. Classes resumed near the old site in 1950, in repurposed rooms on Rumannstrasse. Reconstruction began in 1951, and a new Johanna-Friesen-Schule opened its doors in April 1952, accommodating around 1000 students in two shifts. The gymnasium wasn’t completed until 1954. For decades, the school was known simply as “Friesenschule”. Finally, on February 22, 1995, it was officially renamed the Johanna-Friesen-Schule, honoring a significant figure whose legacy continues to inspire. The Johanna-Friesen-Schule stands as a testament to Hanover’s enduring commitment to education amidst change and challenge.