Bamberg Elementary School is located on the United States Army Garrison Bamberg in the beautiful Bavarian city of Bamberg, Germany. Established in 949 A.D., Bamberg is a unique city that escaped damage during World War II. People from all over the world visit the many historic buildings and other attractions that the city has to offer. The city prides itself on its UNESCO World Heritage status.
The United States Army Garrison Bamberg is located on the eastern side of the city. The American forces have been here since the end of World War II. The post was originally a German forces installation. In 1950, the buildings were appropriated for U.S. forces and named for Cpl. Henry Warner, who was killed in action in 1944. In 1951, development for long-term use of the post began with planning for a commissary, medical clinic, churches, and schools.
Until 1978, the Elementary School was housed in the K-9 school, presently the High School and their adjacent annex. The current Elementary School building first opened in 1978 for grades Kindergarten through Third. The Fourth through Sixth Grades were located in an annex across from the current site of the high school. In 1984, the primary grade building was expanded, enabling the school to house Kindergarten through Sixth Grade.
As the base grew with new military units, so did the school, necessitating a second elementary school building. The existence of an off-post school, Strullendorf Elementary, was located in a nearby town. Students living off post were bussed to this facility. In 1989, a two-story addition was finished at the main school. As a result, the Strullendorf facility was closed and all students K-5 began attending under one roof. Bamberg’s enrollment swelled to 1200 students in Grades Kindergarten through Fifth. Sixth Grade students were located at the High School Facility.
The end of the Cold War brought base closures all over Europe and the relocation of many military units. Bamberg Elementary School’s enrollment dropped to about 425 students and the Sixth Grade was relocated to the main elementary building. Later, it rose again, to between six and seven hundred students in Pre-School through the Sixth Grade.
Presently, Bamberg is the home for 5th Corp, 173rd Airborne, 38th PSB, plus a number of small support groups. This translates to 2025 active duty, 2735 family members, 212 US civilians, 338 local nationals, 30 contractors and 360 retirees. All groups project increased numbers in 2007. Our enrollment was projected to plummet in SY2006/07 and just the opposite has occurred with the development of crowded classrooms. We have been able to elevate some overcrowding and decrease class sizes with help from the DSO.
Bamberg Elementary School student body is comprised of:
