Friedrichsgymnasium Kassel

The Friedrichsgymnasium is a humanistic classical gymnasium, located in Kassel, Hesse, Germany, that focuses on music and foreign languages, particularly Latin and Ancient Greek. The mission statement of the school is to spread the ideas of humanism and tolerance and to ensure the students grow up to become independent, educated and responsible, following the school motto "Learn what you are and be such", a quote by the Ancient Greek poet Pindar. The school is a so-called "Gymnasium", a secondary school that offers the highest possible standards in education and aimes for the students to take their A-Levels, the "Abitur", in year 13. The school specializes in supporting highly gifted students and has a tradition of encouraging students to be competitive and exceed their limits. However, the school also highlights the importance of tolerance and solidarity, taking part in projects with hospitals and refugee organisations. History The Friedrichsgymnasium was founded in 1779 as Lyceum Fridericianum by Landgrave Friedrich II, under the directorship of Johann Jakob Pfeiffer. It is the oldest gymnasium in Kassel. The school is known to foster its history and is proud of its status of being the alma mater of the two most influential 19th century German linguists, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, and the early 20th century German ruler, Kaiser Wilhelm II. Foreign languages The first foreign languages taught are Latin and English starting in 5th grade. Starting in 8th grade, pupils can also select to take French or Ancient Greek. In 10th grade, Italian is offered as another option. Extracurricular activities The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, from literature and drama clubs to various science camps, for example an astronomy club. Furthermore, the school offers exchange programs to Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, France, Novy Urengoy in Siberia, Tel Aviv, Israel and Ierapetra on the island of Crete.