The School That Suited Anne
On April 9, 1934, Anne Frank began her formal education at a local Montessori school on Niersstraat, close to her home. This school would be her educational sanctuary for the next seven years, and it proved to be a perfect fit for her unique and energetic personality.
As her father, Otto Frank, recalled, the Montessori method was “good for Anne, as every child was treated individually.” The school’s philosophy of giving children plenty of freedom and encouraging independent work perfectly suited the naturally strong-willed and obstinate Anne.
Otto Frank’s reflections provide a candid look at his daughter’s academic life. He admitted that “Anne was never a very good schoolgirl,” particularly struggling with mathematics, which she “hated.” He even described practicing her times tables with her “countless times.” However, Anne was brilliant in subjects that captured her interest, “particularly history.”
Anne’s love for her Montessori school is a testament to the importance of finding the right environment for a child’s temperament. The freedom and individualized attention nurtured her intellect and spirit, qualities that would later shine through in her writing. Her time there only came to an end in October 1941, when Nazi decrees forced her to leave and attend the Jewish Lyceum, abruptly ending her happy years at the school she loved.