Kreuzschule

The Kreuzschule (German for "School of the Cross") in Dresden (also known by its Latin name, schola crucis) is the oldest surviving school in Dresden and one of the oldest in Germany. As early as 1300, a schoolmaster (Cunradus puerorum rector) was mentioned. It was founded as a grammar school for the singers of the capella sanctae crucis (Latin for "Chapel of the Holy Cross"), now the Dresdner Kreuzchor. The school is now a Protestant Gymnasium, officially called the Evangelisches Kreuzgymnasium. History Since its inception, the school has had close ties to the Kreuzkirche (Church of the Cross), formerly known as St. Nicholas Church, that dates at least to 1215. In the Middle Ages, to teach the children in church choirs, church schools proliferated. Schoolmasters were educators (particularly of theology), as well as music teachers. The school was first mentioned in a document of 6 April 1300. In 1388, the church was reconsecrated as ecclesia sanctae crucis (Holy Cross Church) in recognition of its Reliquary, holding what was believed to be a piece of the True Cross. The first school building was erected adjacent to the church in 1393. The school followed the curriculum typical of medieval Latin schools, providing the choir boys preparation for university, as well as providing instruction about the natural world.