Established in 1952 the Leibniz-Gymnasium Dortmund International School stands before you. A beacon of academic excellence it boasts a rich history. Its roots surprisingly trace back to 1866. A humble two-class Handwerkerschule this school laid the groundwork for the institution we see today.
The Handwerkerschule evolved into a six-class Gewerbeschule. Later a separate higher citizens’ school was created. This school eventually became an Oberrealschule a full secondary school offering the Abitur. It moved to a new building on Brügmannstraße in 1917. Sadly this building was completely destroyed in a World War II bombing raid.
After the war the Leibniz-Gymnasium was reborn in the Kreuzviertel. It initially focused on math science and technology. In the 1960s the school moved again this time to Hörde. The current building on Kreuzstraße a unique hexagonal structure was built in 1967. Initially a school for boys only girls were admitted in 1971.
Today the Leibniz-Gymnasium is a thriving institution. It offers a bilingual German-English program. The school is one of only about 30 in Germany certified as an International Baccalaureate World School a globally recognized achievement. The school also offers a wide range of languages including English Latin French Spanish and Chinese.
The Leibniz-Gymnasium isn’t just about academics. It received the “School without Racism School with Courage” award in 1999. It has partnerships with schools in France England Ireland India and the Netherlands. Many notable alumni have emerged from its halls including actors scientists and even the former president of Borussia Dortmund.
The school continues to adapt and grow. Recent plans include an expansion to accommodate a return to the G9 system which extends the Abitur program to 13 years. This ambitious project encompasses the construction of new classrooms and a state-of-the-art auditorium. This signifies not just expansion but a commitment to future generations. As you stand before the Leibniz-Gymnasium you sense more than just a school you feel the pulse of a vibrant community. A legacy of learning a testament to perseverance.