Ever wonder where students learn beneath the gaze of Luther, Goethe, and Bismarck? This is the Schadow-Gymnasium. It is named after Johann Gottfried Schadow a Prussian sculptor. Welcome to the oldest Gymnasium in Zehlendorf.
Founded in 1895 as the Zehlendorfer Gymnasium it later merged with the Zehlendorfer Oberrealschule. This formed the Schadow-Gymnasium we see today. The school emphasizes language and science. Since 1999, it has welcomed fifth-grade students. By 2004, it had two fifth-grade classes each year.
Look at the architecture. Paul Mebes designed this building. He was a significant architect of his time. Completed in 1914, it showcases classicist elements. Ionic columns and Doric porticoes reflect the Schinkel school. Mebes sought to move beyond Wilhelminian monumental style. A plaque commemorates Mebes’ contribution to the school.
Notice the sculptures on the gable. Walter Schmarje, a local sculptor, created them. They represent Luther, Goethe, and Bismarck. The building itself is a protected landmark.
The Schadow-Gymnasium has expanded over the years. In 2014, it acquired the building of the former Beucke-Oberschule. This school is now the Gail S. Halvorsen School.
Many notable figures attended or taught here. Peter Brandt, Willy Brandt’s son, studied here. Also, the children of Johannes Rau attended this school. Loriot the famous cartoonist was also a student. Eckart von Hirschhausen a comedian graduated in 1985. Frei Otto the architect was also an alumnus. Hans-Dietrich Schultz a geography historian taught here.
Johannes Rau, the President, visited the Schadow-Gymnasium in 2003. He discussed political topics with the students.
The school has also appeared in films. “Die Stein” used the Beucke-Realschule building. Also, “Paul Is Dead” and “Conni und Co” filmed here.
The Schadow-Gymnasium continues to educate. It currently teaches around 1150 students. The school has two parallel classes in grades 5 and 6. Grades 7 to 10 have five to six classes. The school has 99 teachers and 8 trainee teachers.
The Schadow-Gymnasium stands as a blend of history and education. From its architecture to its alumni, it has shaped minds for over a century.