Sankt Ursula Grundschule

Established in 1854, Sankt Ursula Grundschule has witnessed centuries of change. This isn’t just any school. It’s the oldest Catholic school in Berlin. Imagine young girls in stiff uniforms, navigating the cobblestone streets of 19th-century Berlin, their destination: Sankt Ursula Grundschule. Founded by the Ursuline nuns, the school initially served as a beacon of education for girls, offering instruction from elementary levels all the way to high school graduation. The school flourished, its student body reaching a peak of 704 in the 1924-25 school year. However, the rise of the Nazi regime cast a dark shadow over Sankt Ursula Grundschule. In 1937, under immense pressure, the school and convent grounds were sold to the fire department. The school relocated to Dahlem, but the reprieve was short-lived. In 1939, the Nazis forced the school’s closure. Many Ursuline nuns sought refuge in Chile, establishing a new school there. A few remained, eventually moving to Neustadt an der Dosse in 1941. Despite these setbacks, Sankt Ursula Grundschule was reborn in 1948 as a combined elementary and secondary school for girls. The first post-war graduating class celebrated their achievements in 1956. The school found its current home in Zehlendorf in 1964, with the new building officially opening its doors in 1966. The Catholic Diocese of Berlin assumed sponsorship in 1968. Sankt Ursula Grundschule embraced further transformation in the 1970s, opening its doors to boys. In 1976, the decision was made to focus solely on elementary education, closing the secondary school. The Ursuline nuns departed Berlin for Niederalteich in 1979. The school continued to evolve. An extension, adding four classrooms, was completed in 1983. Today, Sankt Ursula Grundschule continues its legacy of providing quality education. The “Friends of St. Ursula School” association, established in 1970, plays a vital role in supporting the school through donations. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including pottery, choir, instrumental music, juggling, soccer, dance, French, chess, and computer classes. It stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of education.