Private Herder-Schule

The school is guided by the pedagogical principles of Maria Montessori and Johann Gottfried Herder, focusing on personal development, intellectual independence, and creativity. It emphasizes a 'prepared environment' where students are encouraged to become 'masters of themselves' through self-directed learning, or 'Freiarbeit', while fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.

The school follows the state curricula of North Rhine-Westphalia, leading to the Mittlerer Schulabschluss and the Abitur. The academic programme includes interdisciplinary and epochal teaching, language certifications, and a focus on individual development through small classes and integrated study hours that replace traditional homework.

Students prepare for and take the state-recognized, centralized NRW examinations for the Mittlerer Schulabschluss (MSA) and the Abitur. The school maintains a 13-year path to the Abitur, and students consistently achieve above-average results in state-wide comparisons.

The school provides intensive individual support for students with diverse needs, including those with high intellectual potential, dyslexia (LRS), ADS/ADHS, or diagnoses within the autism spectrum. Support is integrated into the daily schedule through small class sizes, morning remedial sessions starting at 07:55, and dedicated study hours supervised by subject teachers.

The school accepts applications for classes 5 and 11 without specific entrance restrictions or recommendations, and allows transfers during classes 9 and 10. The admissions process involves an initial consultation with the school leadership, an optional trial day for the student, and the submission of an application form. Final admission is confirmed upon the signing of a school contract.

The school operates as a full-day institution with fixed daily hours from 08:40 to 15:15 for Sekundarstufe I, and from 07:55 for Sekundarstufe II. The school year typically concludes with summer holidays, and the new academic year begins in late August with an opening event.

The campus is housed in a historic, listed villa featuring a large park, which provides a family-like atmosphere. Facilities include modern classrooms equipped with interactive beamers or smartboards, a set of Surface tablets for student use, and document cameras. The school also features a dedicated canteen located in the villa's former music salon, which serves fresh, organic, and regional meals.

The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports such as golf and climbing, as well as music and art programmes like band and woodworking. It maintains a partnership with the Junior Uni Wuppertal for research and experimentation, and organizes regular project days, excursions, and domestic and international class trips.