Unveiling its story I want to invite you. It is about Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot. It is a beacon of education in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. Founded in 1938 Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot carries a unique history.
Imagine this imposing building back in 1936. Authorities wanted to give prestige to this establishment. The high ceilings testify to that vision. The Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot quickly became a magnet. It attracted the best students from the surrounding areas.
Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot holds a special place in French educational history. It was the first co-educational high school in France. This was a unique situation for about twenty years. Economic reasons played a role. The building was too large. It lacked enough students to function efficiently. Girls were invited to enroll. This novelty became permanent.
Léopold Sédar Senghor taught here in 1938. He later became the first president of Senegal. He was also a celebrated poet. The Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot council room is named after him.
During the tumultuous year of 1940 Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot sheltered refugees. The school was still under construction. Georges Politzer was among those refugees. He was a professor, philosopher, and hero of the resistance. The Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot reception hall bears his name.
Interestingly the Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot promoted mixed education. This was during the Vichy regime. That regime promoted a reactionary image of women. In 1938 the school had 25 girls. By 1945 the number rose to 515. That was 39% of the student body. Families in the southeast suburbs of Paris wanted social advancement for their daughters. There were very few girls’ high schools there.
Built on former marshes Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot cost 51 million francs. It was intended to be a symbol of French education’s grandeur. Artists decorated the halls of honor. They decorated the library and the faculty room. Authorities hoped to preserve valuable works.
A stele stands at the Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot entrance. It honors soldiers linked to the school. They died in various wars.
Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot also hosts oral exams each year. These are for several agrégations including physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
Let’s talk rankings. In 2022 the MP preparatory class ranked 22nd. This was out of 141 French preparatory schools. The PSI class ranked 24th out of 125.
Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot students publish a monthly magazine. It is called La Mouette bâillonnée. In May 2015 the editor received death threats. This was after publishing a special “Je suis Charlie” issue. Students and teachers exercised their right of withdrawal. They supported the threatened student.
In September 2016 a tragic event occurred. A 14-year-old girl died after falling from the third floor.
Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot has about 2200 students today. They are divided into 68 classes. This includes sports programs.
The Association of Former Students plays an active role. It maintains connections between alumni. It also supports current students.
Marcelin Berthelot, the school’s namesake was a renowned chemist. He is known for his work in organic chemistry. He also created thermochemistry.
Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot stands as a symbol. It embodies the pursuit of knowledge. It is a commitment to progress. It is a place where countless students have passed through its halls. Each has left with knowledge shaping their futures. The Lycèe Marcelin Berthelot continues to inspire. It fosters an environment of learning and growth. Its legacy endures.