Starting point of our journey:
a kindergarten

In the early 1990s, committed parents convinced the Protestant church to open the doors of the new kindergarten as a Montessori children’s house. Children should experience with all their senses and discover and learn on their own initiative. The school should also build on this foundation for their children. They wanted a place where children could learn with enthusiasm and develop their individual abilities. A school where independent, lifelong learning, joint, creative thinking as well as self-reliant and compassionate action would be promoted. Therefore, these mothers and fathers took a decision that would not only change the lives of their own children. With an irrepressible will, they founded a very special school that was to become “a paradise for children”.

1993/94

Sense of freedom

With the founding of the ‘ Montessori-Förderkreis Herzogenaurach e.V.’ in March, the team of parents sought new supporters and friends for a Montessori primary school. With enthusiasm and based on deep conviction, they promoted the creation of an environment in which children can learn independently and responsibly. High-quality materials, self-corrective work aids and a protected framework provided by educators were to help the children to choose and deepen learning content themselves. Whether in a group or alone. Each according to his or her own pace of work and individual abilities. And the most important thing: everyone should achieve the learning goals. They would have four years to do so.

Strong together

During the intensive planning of the school, the parents received support from other Montessori institutions and got to know the later headmaster Monika Bohley. Alongside Lauf, Nuremberg and Erlangen, Herzogenaurach was to become the 4th Montessori school in Middle Franconia.

Financed by their own efforts

21 parents financed the establishment of the school in the first year from their own resources. At that time, as today, public schools were only approved and supported by the Free State of Bavaria after one year. At that time, the monthly school fees were 130 D-marks.

Small baggage – low rent was important

The former officers’ mess building No. 1610 of the US Army at Herzo Base offered itself and was to be transformed into a single-form entry primary school. Parents’ hands laid floors, painted walls, glazed shelves and erected them.

Nothing stood in the way of government approval.

The first day

Only six months after the foundation of the association, on 7 September to be exact, the first day of school life began for 16 children.

1994/95

The new classroom

34 new registrations after only one information evening. A new classroom had to be built quickly. This renovation was also done by the parents alone. The Sparkasse supported the association with a donation of 500 D-Mark. 43 new members joined and three new teachers were hired.

In September, the first grade started with 23 children and the second grade with 16 children and two teachers each.

1995/96

Pioneering work confirmed

Already after the third year, the school experienced a first breakthrough: there were more applications than school places. Waiting lists were set up and reserves created for the upcoming expansion.

Always well advised

Besides working with the children, the school saw the propagation of Montessori pedagogy as a central task. Thus, among other things, the Montessori diploma course and information evenings were offered where parents could learn more about the applied pedagogy at school and at home.

The long-standing cooperation with the Montessori expert Claus Kaul had a crucial influence on the development of the school, both internally and externally. The ideas, e.g. around parent training or later around the secondary school, find their origin in this. He continues to support the educational team in the systematic implementation of the Montessori principles.

1996/97

All good things come in fours

In the fourth year after its foundation, there were already 4 classes with a total of 83 pupils.

Consolidating and deepening
through discoveries

Teachers, parents and experts started the project week with the support of sponsors. Children and teenagers were to have even more experiences close to nature and everyday life, discover technical and handicraft skills, get to know other cultures or be able to express themselves creatively and musically.

Midday supervision until 2 pm was introduced. Since then, the children always enjoy going to their “Mitti”.

Sustainable, ecological, social

A reform school like the Monte is a natural part of a celebration of ideas, concepts and products for sustainable, ecological and socially conscious living in Herzogenaurach.

Since then, a committed group of students and educators have been bringing relevant topics from the classroom to the Ökofest in the form of exhibitions, small cosmic stories and handicraft activities.

1997/98

Growing with each other for each other

The mark of 100 students was reached.

With the ever-growing number of students, the commitment of the parents continued to contribute decisively to the success of the school. To this day, parents bring a treasure trove of ideas, talents, know-how and drive to the school, making it possible to accomplish tasks while keeping school fees affordable.

Parental work also has a lasting educational value: our families, who help shape and participate in the children’s school life, bring motivation as well as a sense of responsibility and create a lively community. In the end, identification with the school always benefits the children.

Educational partner

Then as now, the focus is on the children. Open, trusting cooperation between parents and the educational team is a proven basic prerequisite for the children’s personal development and their learning success. Regular individual discussions, class parent evenings and pedagogical further training have become essential elements that help to be a valuable guide and companion for the children.

1998/99

Montessori Schule Herzogenaurach
… so that we can develop.

The school had grown into an entity with a profile and a clear mission. With the little caterpillar and the butterfly, a trademark was born that was to express the mission and values of the primary school visually.

Naturally heterogeneous

In addition to free work, thanks to the growth came the opportunity for another core element of Montessori pedagogy: grade mixing.

Since then, the school community was able to experience how older students helped younger ones and further consolidated their own knowledge in the process. The older ones learned to explain and communicate their knowledge by organising their thought processes. But the younger children also learned from the older ones with great willingness.

Mixed grades promote social competence: there are fewer conflicts, more mutual help, stimulation and cooperation and, above all, a strong sense of solidarity.

1999/00

More space to flourish

The lease on the Herzo Base was gradually running out and due to the increasing popularity of Monte, the capacities were fully exhausted. The school, the association, the parents, even the students became engaged in the construction of a new school building in Niederndorf.

In June 1999, the school received both the government’s approval for the new building and the city of Herzogenaurach’s approval for the purchase of the property in Lohhofer Straße.

2000/01

Learning with all senses

Montessori pedagogy is known for its mindfully prepared learning environment, high-quality materials and its aesthetic approach – a bouquet of fresh flowers is almost always to be seen somewhere. Setting up a classroom according to these principles is exciting. But when a completely new school building is to be planned, it is a unique opportunity.

When the architectural firm Babler & Lodde was commissioned to design a school for the senses, the teachers were particularly keen that the building should take into account the children’s freedom of movement and learning. Open, friendly and sunlit rooms and wide corridors as an extended learning environment were to be both a place for work and relaxation in their clear beauty.

2001/02

Balancing act achieved

About 3 million D-marks were earmarked for land acquisition and construction, of which 2.2 million D-marks went towards building costs. The new construction had to be affordable and the architects actually succeeded.

The new school was built in only 10 months.

Later, the city of Herzogenaurach granted a subsidy of 15,000 D-Mark for the lunchtime supervision. The Sparkasse Erlangen took over the financing, which was made possible with a lower loan interest rate thanks to the parents’ loans.

Moving into the “feel-good school”

The new building also offered more space for another cornerstone of Montessori pedagogy: cosmic education. The fundamental question “Who am I in this world?” could be further explored by the children through stories, selected materials and experiences in nature or community.
2003/04

2003/04

A year to pause and celebrate

The school celebrated its 10th anniversary. Everyone rejoiced at and over the successful school building. This attracted not only new families but also many architects who visited excellent projects as part of the architectural tours of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects.

At the same time, the board fought for the necessary funding from the State of Bavaria.

2004/05

Grade Mixing 2.0

A working group consisting of teachers, board members and parent representatives was set up. A conscious effort was made to exchange information with parents in regular, transparent and open discussions about the experiences and expectations of a completely mixed primary school.

2005/06

Now it’s getting colourful

ith general decisiveness, the school year started with four learning groups in which all four grades were represented.

The classes Yellow, Green, Blue and Red were formed.

2006/07

Foreign languages

On their journeys of discovery, students should also learn a foreign language. Thus, English was included in the timetable from the first grade onwards. The children have always learned through play, with all their senses and full of enthusiasm.

2008/09

All-round programme

In addition to lunchtime supervision, a dedicated team provided all-day care until 4.30pm for families.

Up to the Abitur

It was the birth of the Montessori-Fachoberschule Franken in Nuremberg. On the “Montessori” way, it had become possible for students to obtain the “Fachabitur” or the general higher education entrance qualification. Monte Herzo became one of the shareholders of MOS Franken GmbH.

All honour to the school

The school looked after 96 pupils, employed 21 staff and generated a balance sheet volume of 2.4 million euros – all under voluntary management. Members and the board agreed to transfer parts of the board’s tasks to a full-time management.

2009/10

Inclusion

The team of teachers decided to include children with physical and mental disabilities in the school.

Vision: Montessori to the end

Parents and teachers, with the support of Claus Kaul, started the project to expand the school. They wanted a secondary school with comprehensive educational concepts up to the middle school leaving certificate. This was to pave the way for the young people to the Abitur (MOS).

Green light

Not only did the association members unanimously vote in favour of the secondary school, the government of Middle Franconia also gave its approval for the extension. The school extension team planned the gradual building extension with the architects Babler & Lodde and the start of the secondary school in autumn 2010.

With no reason

Montessori Primary School Herzogenaurach became Montessori School Herzogenaurach.

2010/11

First class of the new secondary school

The first mixed-grade class 5/6 started the new school year, although temporarily in containers. Their goal: the intermediate school leaving certificate.

School charta against violence

During the values week, the children developed measures, methods and a set of rules to prevent violence and to create peace. The dispute mediators are a product of this time.

2011/12

We stay longer

A mixed-grade class 1/2/3/4 was approved as a bound all-day class and started lessons.

Practice early

The mixed-grade class 5/6/7 started the new school year. As in the previous year, the students completed a one-week internship in a company. This is still an uplifting and positive element of the secondary school’s pedagogical concept.

Entrepreneurship in secondary education

Young people deal intensively with social issues, moral values and themselves – they are looking for their place in society.

Especially at this time, teenagers need a living and development space where they can experience an introduction to cultural life in addition to working with and in nature. In this sense, Maria Montessori called it an earth-children plan or an experiential school of social life, respectively. According to this, internships in real companies as well as manual activities are promoted just as much as intellectual and thinking ones.

Teenagers set up the school company with the aim of generating profits through entrepreneurial activities, which can be used for other school projects.

2012/13

Starting signal for the expansion

With the building approval from the Erlangen-Höchstadt District Office comes a funding notification from the Free State of Bavaria of about 2.8 million euros. The total costs were 3.9 million euros.

Construction began with the groundbreaking ceremony on 9 October 2012.

The mixed-grade class 7/8 is approved as a bound all-day class.

Student company makes it possible

The consistent implementation of the youth school took time. In the meantime, however, the student company generated enough to realise the construction trailer project. A rather dilapidated construction trailer was to become the first project of the youth school. The pupils planned the renovation, raised the necessary funds and designed the construction trailer according to their own ideas.

2013/14

Just made it!

The containers could finally make way: The new part of the building was completed after a nerve-racking year. The school year had already started, but everyone was relieved and grateful to be able to move into the new rooms.

The children from the afternoon care moved into the newly christened FreiRaum. The new refectory, an important community space, offered plenty of room not only for lunch.

Of fire-eaters and trapeze artists

To dare to go beyond oneself, to experience new things together – these were the basic ideas for the circus project. The pupils practised for a week in a circus tent with professionals – and the results were impressive.

2014/15

Sought – found

The city of Herzogenaurach leased a 2,500 square metre plot of land at Nutzungsstraße 50 for the construction trailer project. Although electricity and water connections were still missing, this was solved thanks to the help of a neighbouring association and the commitment of some parents. The 7th and 8th graders planned a work shop with storage space, the ground was paved, raised beds were created and many fruits of intensive work were harvested.

Cooking, washing and more

16 days school camp with self-catering. That means: working together, learning through experience, spending a lot of time together. The stay welds together, brings independence and personal growth.
2015/16

2015/16

Carrying responsibility

Not only the building grew, but also the number of students and thus also the number of staff. The task at hand was to adapt the organisation to this growth. The first step was to create a full-time board with a volunteer board of directors as an advisory and supervisory body.

At that time, the voluntary board decided to divide the management into two departments and two persons. Then, in December, a second executive director was hired. Five women were employed in the administrative team.

Clear profile of the umbrella organisation

At the federation level, the umbrella brand was created: LEARNING. LIVING. FUTURE. with common principles and a Montessori promise of all members.

Only one “chaperone” left

“Chaperone” is introduced. In this, a small group of students are allowed to organise and undertake an errand or exploration completely on their own, depending on their interest or work focus. They even take care of choosing the adult who will accompany but not guide the students for safety reasons.

Monte Library

With the support of the parents’ council and the Herzogenaurach bookstore Bücher, Medien & mehr, parents have started a school library, also called the Monte library. By means of donations, shelves and books could be purchased in order to bring the joy of reading and discovering books even closer to the children of the primary school.

2016/17

Aim achieved

For the first time, grade 10 took the exams for the Mittlerer Abschluss. Pass rate 100%!
The majority of the graduates made the jump to the MOS to challenge the Abitur.

Harvesting fruit

A disproportionate number of students from the primary school want to transfer to the secondary school in the following school year.

New schoolyard

More and more children are spending more and more time at school. Parents are renovating and expanding the schoolyard into a stimulating place with spaces for rest and exercise.

2017/18

Divided by two

The number of grade 4 students transferring to secondary school was so high that two grades 5/6 were planned for the following school year.

Organisational development

Due to the growth of the last few years, the board of directors and teachers developed a clear organisational structure, direct communication channels and clear rules for decision-making processes.

Healthy and delicious: School lunch 2.0

“How can our school lunch be tasty and healthy?” Coaching brought new ideas and improvements to this question. Veggie Week and cooking classes were just a few answers.

Politically active

At the Political Brunch, the school, together with other representatives of private schools, invited state parliament candidates, freely following the motto “We enrich the school landscape”. The appeal was made to the politicians that non-state schools also need reliable framework conditions and sufficient funds to promote contemporary pedagogy, e.g. in terms of digitalisation.

Board – New building

And today? The number of pupils has increased more than tenfold since the school was founded. Our school has more prospective students than school places. Our first students can celebrate their Abitur at MOS. Today we know, as Maria Montessori and our founders did, that school can be different. And we can witness how the children and teenagers develop confidence in their own abilities, courageously go new ways and take responsibility for themselves and society.

Outlook for paradise: A journey without end…

With these perspectives we continue our journey. Fascinated. Together. Powerful. we set out for new destinations.

2018/19
25 years

Enthusiastic | Together | Strong

In the anniversary year 2018/19, the past and future of Monte were clearly visible. The school celebrated its 25th anniversary, reflecting on the founding spirit of those early days and acknowledging its growth and development. At the same time, the team worked on numerous projects to prepare Monte for the future.

As part of our dynamic and ever-growing school, it became necessary to adjust our organizational structure, pedagogy, digitalization, values, culture, and both internal and external communication.

After a series of discussions, reflections, and brainstorming sessions, three words naturally emerged that encapsulated the commitment and aspirations of Montessori School:
Enthusiastic | Together | Strong.

Sharing Ideas

A delegation of 25 members from various areas of the school and the sponsoring association visited the Montessori Secondary School in Potsdam, which had been awarded the German School Prize. They gained inspiring insights into the pedagogical practices of their colleagues.

Later, Monte welcomed Potsdam’s award-winning headmistress, Ulrike Kegler, to Herzogenaurach. Together, they organized a parent training course, attended by many from outside the school, as well as an internal reflection day. Another highlight: Claus-Dieter Kaul and Carolina Abel, the management duo of the Biberkor Academy, offered invaluable tips to parents on how to positively support children and teenagers in their daily school lives.

Monte Portal

As part of the school’s new media concept, the computer working group introduced the Monte Portal – an information and communication platform for the entire school. This modern intranet replaced the flood of emails and became accessible at any time, taking another significant step toward digitization.

School of Generations

The Herzo Heinzelmännchen – passionate retired experts from the Herzogenaurach Senior Citizens’ Office – volunteered to teach interested students about topics like building model railways and understanding how computers work. This initiative turned Monte into a “School of Generations,” where young and old met and learned from one another.

School Social Work

To continue providing strong social-educational support for the growing secondary school, a new position for school social work was created. This role covered case work, conflict resolution training, media and peace education, and student participation (SMV). Within less than a year, the importance of this role became abundantly clear.

Climate and Environmental Protection

After participating in the first “Fridays for Future” demonstration in Herzogenaurach, the school organized a project week focused on sustainability. Students explored topics like healthy eating, waste prevention and recycling, and the consequences of fast fashion. The international non-profit organization Sea Shepherd informed students about the state of the oceans and marine life. Additionally, students cleaned up green spaces and forests near the school.

Celebrating 25 Years of Monte Herzogenaurach

Over 600 guests, including government representatives, parliament members, school counselors, district administrators, mayors, club founders and members, alumni, and many supporters, students, parents, grandparents, parent’s council, administrative board, employees from education and administration, umbrella association representatives, various Montessori institutions, head teachers of the primary and middle schools in Herzogenaurach, business partners, architects and neighbors attended the 25th anniversary celebration of the Montessori School Herzogenaurach on July 13, 2019. Special guests included Silke Görner (a founding member) and Monika Bohley (the first headteacher).

2019/20

New Classes, New Colors

Due to the increasing number of students, the school year began with an expanded secondary level. In addition to the final year, there were now two classes in each of the mixed age groups 5/6 and 7/8. Together with the students, the school developed a new naming system for all secondary classes. The classes of 5/6 were renamed Orange and Turquoise, the 7/8 group became Ruby and Emerald, and the final year group, previously known as Gold, was given the name Amber.

Making Music Together

For interested third and fourth graders, a new wind instrument class was introduced, offering a musical journey of discovery. The “Wild Tones” orchestra met once a week for group rehearsals.

Contemporary Look

In 2019, Monte underwent a modern transformation, unveiling a future-proof image with a new logo, design, and a completely revamped website. The updated look resonated with secondary school students, new staff members, and families alike.

Wir-sind-Monte.de: Modern, united, forward-thinking – as a children’s home, school, and employer. A refreshed communications strategy guided the association into new territory, utilizing poster campaigns, construction fence banners, and the new homepage to enhance public relations.

It’s Worth Taking Part

In line with this spirit, students from the Youth School took part in the VR-Bank Erlangen-Höchstadt-Herzogenaurach’s “Youth and Imagination” sponsorship award. Their efforts paid off, as their project, “Youth School as a Place to Learn,” earned 7th place and a prize of 900 EUR, which was used to fund an outdoor kitchen and power supply.

School During Pandemic Conditions

On March 13, 2020, the government announced the closure of schools due to the pandemic. Within a matter of days, the team developed a pedagogical concept for remote learning, which was successfully implemented that following Monday. Thanks to solid technical infrastructure, a capable team, and the support of the computer working group, the school transitioned to digital lessons without missing a beat. Over the next few weeks and months, students continued their studies at home with the help of their parents and guardians. The school community experienced remarkable solidarity, including the creation of a solidarity fund created by parents and employees, to support families in need.

Digital Learning with iPads

Due to the pandemic, there was a delay in the delivery of 75 iPads for both the primary and secondary schools. These new devices were integrated into the school’s digital pedagogy, enhancing both distance learning and the overall digitization of the curriculum.

With support from the government’s “Digitalpakt” initiative, the school also acquired monitors, projectors, and laptops for the teaching staff, further strengthening its commitment to digital education.

Homeschooling, Face-to-Face Teaching, Quarantines, etc.

The pandemic continued to shape the school year. However, the school adapted, offering personalized learning concepts. While face-to-face teaching eventually resumed, the classes went on many outdoor excursions, many events transitioned online, including parent training courses, carnival celebrations, members’ meetings, book presentations, open school days, and even a school camp.

Vaccinations and Testing

In early 2021, COVID-19 vaccinations became available, and testing was also implemented at the school. With help from Erlangen entrepreneur Thomas Wagner, Monte, along with the Herzogenaurach Middle School and the Liebfrauenhaus, participated in a gargle pool test study coordinated by the University of Erlangen. This PCR-based testing method offered greater safety and was more resource-efficient than antigen tests.

2020/21

CO2-Monitoring 

Thanks to Paessler AG, the school was able to introduce another safety measure for in-person teaching during the pandemic. The company donated CO2 monitors for all classrooms, which provided early alerts if CO2 levels became too high.

Nature Connects

As part of the Plant for the Planet Academy, students not only planted trees but also trained to become climate protection experts and speakers. The children from the Monte and Niederndorf primary schools planted a total of 23 trees on the lawn between the two neighboring schools. The initiative was supported by Herzogenaurach’s Mayor Dr. German Hacker, as well as sponsors including Sparkasse Erlangen, Baumschule Hußenether, the Ökofest Initiative, and many parents, who contributed both actively and financially.
Plant for the Planet is a children’s and youth initiative focused on climate protection. It is recommended by the Federal Ministry for the Environment and recognized as an official measure of the UN Decade of “Education for Sustainable Development.”

(Once Again) Courage for Something New

The “New Traineeship” program was introduced for the first time, offering teacher training grounded in Montessori principles. With the New Traineeship, the Biberkor Academy provided comprehensive preparation for working in our schools, while also introducing contemporary educational approaches to teacher training. Rather than relying on grades and teaching samples, the program focused on providing individual feedback on learning progress. It also emphasized equality in the relationships between teachers and learners, moving away from hierarchical, bureaucratic structures, and fostering a positive culture of learning from mistakes.
The Monte staff, particularly the mentor of the first “New Trainee,” once again demonstrated great courage in embracing innovation. They supported the prospective teacher through regular coaching sessions and joint reflections, ensuring a meaningful and growth-oriented experience.

Finally Together Again

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the parents’ council, families were able to gather “offline” again for parent meetings and celebrate the summer festival at school. The creative and active working groups could finally resume their activities as usual.

Monte in the Crystal Laboratory

In collaboration with Fraunhofer IISB in Erlangen, the turquoise and orange classes embarked on an exciting journey into the world of crystals. As part of the nature and technology lessons, students not only learned about the role of crystals in modern technology but also became researchers themselves, growing alum crystals in the PCB room, guided by experts Dr. Christian Reimann, head of the Silicon and Special Materials group, and Michael Lang, technician at the Fraunhofer IISB.

Supporting Association Gets a Works Council

As the number of students and staff grew, a works council was established in the fall of 2021/22. This new committee aims to foster greater responsibility, diverse perspectives, and increased participation across the school community.

War in Europe

Barely emerging from the pandemic, Europe was shaken by the outbreak of war in Ukraine. The students, just as anxious and powerless as the adults, acted by organizing a peace campaign in collaboration with the school social workers. The event, which was particularly meaningful after the long period of physical distancing due to the pandemic, included conversations, moments of silent remembrance, singing, and various actions. These activities gave the students an opportunity to reflect on the themes of war and peace with professional guidance and support.

Later, the Montessori School welcomed three Ukrainian refugee children into its primary school. Additionally, a two-week fundraising campaign, organized by all four primary school classes, raised around 1,000 euros, which was donated to the Herzogenaurach Refugee Care Center.

2022/23
30 years

Five Core Values

“How do we want to live together?” “How do we treat each other?” “Which values do we want to uphold?” These were just a few of the questions that students, staff, and parents explored together under the guidance of an experienced coach as part of the long-term values project. Over the course of the project, everyone engaged in thoughtful discussions and reflections, culminating in the identification of shared core values:

(1) Respect/Appreciation
(2) Friendliness
(3) Joy
(4) Team Spirit
(5) Trust and Honesty

A Political Year

During the Bavarian state elections in 2023, the school, in collaboration with the Montessori North Bavaria Association, had several opportunities to engage in discussions with politicians. These included a rally of the RFS (Council of Independent Schools) in Munich, talks with state parliamentarians Walter Nussel (CSU) and Gabi Schmidt (Free Voters), and a political brunch with candidates from all major parties. The concerns of private schools were acknowledged by the politicians, and some of the demands were addressed directly, such as higher reimbursements, simpler approval procedures, and the implementation of A13 salary levels for teachers at private schools.
However, other important issues regarding the equality of private schools with state schools remain unresolved, and the school is committed to continuing to advocate for these changes.

Democracy Begins

The school held its first-ever primary election, in which every student was able to vote directly for the candidates. This marked a significant step toward greater democratic participation.

Always Active

Whether it’s raising butterflies or chickens, exploring the deep sea, planting trees, learning Krav Maga or cheerleading, getting strong without building muscles, or digitizing the building—there’s always action at Monte!

Fridays Are Always “FREIDAY”

The Turquoise and Orange classes (years 5/6) introduced FREIDAY, a learning format where students independently discover solutions to real-world social and ecological challenges within their abilities (aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals). One group worked on creating and funding a greenhouse to grow vegetables, embodying the goal of “life on land.”

Farewell After 26 Years 

Monte bid farewell to Judith Holzbauer, who retired after 26 years as head of the primary school, teacher and mentor. Judith was instrumental in building, leading and shaping the school from its very beginning.

Space for Everyone

With the completion of building alterations, the temporary solutions of recent years came to an end after the summer holidays. Turquoise and Orange classes (years 5/6) moved into their new classrooms. Additionally, the rooms for school management, the office, administration, and teachers were finalized, providing ample space and a quiet environment conducive to work.