“Imagine children’s voices echoing through the halls of a building with a history as rich as Hamburg itself.” That is the Schule Bernstorffstraße. This school is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place where young minds grow.
The Schule Bernstorffstraße has a long and interesting past. Its foundation was laid in 1881. The building was completed in 1882. Back then it was a school for both boys and girls. The boys’ school was previously located on Adolphstraße. It had been founded in 1879 on Adlerstraße.
In 1936 the school’s names changed. It became the 9th boys’ school Adolphstraße. It also became the 10th girls’ school of Altona. A sad turn occurred in 1943. Air raids destroyed the girls’ school section. It was never rebuilt after the war. The boys’ section suffered partial destruction in 1945. Repairs were completed by 1949.
The Volksschule moved out of the Bernstorffstraße in 1960. It relocated to Thadenstraße 147. Afterward, the Sprachheilschule moved into the building. This “School for the Speech-Impaired” had been founded in 1938. In 1971 the building expanded. New buildings were added based on designs from the Hochbauamt.
The Schule Bernstorffstraße underwent more changes in 2012. It merged with the Förderschule Carsten-Rehder-Straße. Together they formed the Regionalen Bildungs- und Beratungszentrum Altona. In 2014 a new building was constructed facing Bernstorffstraße. There were even discussions in 2019. The idea was to merge the Schule Bernstorffstraße with the neighboring Catholic school am Dohrnweg. This was considered after the Catholic school’s closure. The Förder school operations would then be consolidated at Carsten-Rehder-Straße.
Today the Schule Bernstorffstraße is part of the ReBBZ Altona. It focuses on students with special educational needs. These students require support in learning, language, and emotional development. The school serves students from preschool to grade 4. Students in grades 5 to 10 attend the school at Carsten-Rehder-Straße.
The Schule Bernstorffstraße values a positive school environment. Respect and clear rules create security for students. The school focuses on individual support. Teachers consider each student’s learning style. They also consider their interests and strengths. The goal is to provide the best possible support. The school integrates language and learning support. It also offers therapies and personality development concepts.
The Schule Bernstorffstraße offers opportunities for students. It helps them achieve their first educational qualifications. It prepares them for the transition to working life. The school partners with local businesses. Well-equipped classrooms support learning. A team of specialists supports each child. They include special educators, social workers, and therapists. Each child receives an individual support plan.
The school offers all-day care. The Schule Bernstorffstraße is more than just a place to learn. Various local organizations partner with the school. Together they create a varied school day. This all-day concept allows children to develop their creativity. Students showcase their talents in presentations and concerts.
With its rich history and commitment to individual support, the Schule Bernstorffstraße continues to be a vital part of Hamburg’s educational landscape. It is a place where every child has the opportunity to thrive.