Sankt Josefs Skole

In 1901, a group of Daughters of Wisdom nuns, exiled from France, found refuge in Roskilde. They sought to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new community. This led to the establishment of Sankt Josefs Skole in 1904. Sankt Josefs Skole wasn’t always the bustling institution it is today. Imagine a tranquil, rural setting with vegetable fields, fruit trees, and a small pond. This serene landscape, nestled behind Roskilde Cathedral, became the site of the nuns’ ambitious project. They envisioned a place where young minds could flourish. Initially known as the “French School,” Sankt Josefs Skole opened its doors with a mere three students in the Villa Maria building. This building now houses the Sct. Josef’s Nursery. At first a girls’ school run entirely by nuns, Sankt Josefs Skole began accepting boys in 1924 and gradually incorporated trained teachers into its staff. Fast forward to 2012, and Sankt Josefs Skole embarked on a new chapter. Recognizing the growing demand for international education in Roskilde, the school established its International Department. This department started with just thirteen students and four teachers, all sharing a single classroom. The International Department at Sankt Josefs Skole offers the Cambridge International Curriculum. This is taught entirely in English. This curriculum caters to students from Year 1 to Year 11, embracing a diverse student body representing over forty countries. Now, Sankt Josefs Skole boasts a combined student population of over 1000 pupils across both its Danish and International departments. Although distinct in their curricula, these two branches form a unified institution. Sankt Josefs Skole stands as a testament to the enduring vision of those pioneering nuns. It is a place where history and modernity intertwine, and where education transcends borders.