What if these walls could talk? The Schillergymnasium in Münster has stories to tell. It’s more than just a school. It is a piece of Münster’s history.
Founded in 1900, the Schillergymnasium started as a royal progymnasium. It was the first state-run Protestant gymnasium for boys in Münster. Imagine the excitement of its opening day. Classes were held in the old Gymnasium Paulinum building. Latin was taught from the start and French followed soon after. Greek was added a bit later.
In 1903, the school got approval to become a full gymnasium. By 1906, it was fully recognized. New subjects were introduced. English became part of the curriculum in 1905. In 1906, the school got its name: Schillergymnasium. It also moved to its current location on Gertrudenstraße. Until 1918, it was known as “Königliches Schillergymnasium” or Royal Schillergymnasium. After that, it was called “Staatliches Schillergymnasium” or State Schillergymnasium until 1933 and again in 1945.
Even during the Nazi era, the Schillergymnasium maintained its humanistic focus. Wilhelm Steffens, the principal, ensured it did not become a German high school.
World War II brought significant changes. In 1943, the Schillergymnasium and Gymnasium Paulinum merged due to the war. Around 400 students were evacuated to Tegernsee. There, they continued their studies safely away from Münster’s bombings. The combined school was called Staatliches Paulinum und Schillergymnasium. This lasted until 1954.
The Schillergymnasium regained its independence in 1952. It was the first coeducational gymnasium in Münster until 1967. Girls were admitted to the school. After the two schools separated, the Schillergymnasium continued as Staatliches Schillergymnasium until 1974. That year, the city of Münster took over. It became the “Städtische Schillergymnasium”.
Since 1991, the upper school students cooperated with the Freiherr-vom-Stein-Gymnasium. This ended when the Freiherr-vom-Stein-Gymnasium moved in 2006. Until 1993, Latin was always the first foreign language taught. Only then could students choose English first.
The Schillergymnasium has two alumni associations. One is the Verein der Ehemaligen und Freunde des Schillergymnasiums. It supports school life. It also manages the Hans-Kuhrau-Stiftung. This foundation funds student trips to Greece and Rome. Hans Kurau, a former professor of ancient languages, created it.
In 2005, students and teachers founded Solar Net International. In 2011, it was renamed The Global Experience.
Many notable people attended the Schillergymnasium. Detlef Cauer was a mathematician. Friedrich Krefter was an architect and archaeologist. Walter Erman was a legal scholar. These alumni have made significant contributions to various fields.
The Schillergymnasium stands as a testament to Münster’s educational heritage. It adapted through wars and social changes. Today, it continues to educate future generations. The Schillergymnasium remains a vital part of Münster.