Marie Durand School (2025/2026 School Year)
Marie Durand School in Bad Karlshafen is an integrated comprehensive school for grades 5 to 10. It operates as a local school for numerous communities in the region and is also attended by students from neighbouring federal states. The school currently has around 520 students and some 40 teaching staff.
As an alternative to the three-tier school system, the focus of the Marie Durand School is on a longer period of shared learning. Individual talents are specially nurtured while social and personal skills are strengthened. The move from basic to more advanced courses is made following intensive consultation, and no student is ever required to repeat a year.
With its all-day (profile 2) concept, the school offers a structured day with integrated study periods as a class, additional individual support measures and a wide range of working groups. The school is a complete living space – featuring elements such as a shared muesli breakfast, care of school pets, project-oriented lesson periods and programmes such as “Students help students”.
A key element is the focus on careers and further education guidance. From Year 7 the students are systematically prepared for their career choices. This process is supported by work placements, a careers guidance log and close cooperations with regional companies and institutions which pave the way for students to then transition to further education or training.
Marie Durand School sees itself as a place where students are encouraged, developed and given new perspectives – a school that gives all young people space to flourish.
“For our students – especially those who have had little involvement with art and culture in the past – the work in the flying artist’s room can open doors. Creative projects, a shared design process and direct contact with art foster self-efficacy and increase self-awareness. We hope that the daily presence of the flying artist’s room will also bring talents to light that may remain hidden in conventional teaching situations. Furthermore, the project also provides opportunities for the region: the flying artist’s room is a visible sign that cultural innovation and artistic endeavours can be just as much at home in rural areas as in urban centres. The close links between school, community and culture promote a new sense of togetherness and strengthen the whole educational location.
We are looking forward to what lies ahead – to inspiring encounters, creative processes and a school that, thanks to the flying artist’s room, will take a further step towards becoming a place of discovery, awe and shared creativity.”
Driton Mazrekaj, Headteacher of Marie Durand Schoool
