This year marks a remarkable anniversary for the oldest primary school in Wrocław. Primary School No. 1 (Szkoła Podstawowa nr 1 im. Marii Dąbrowskiej), affectionately called Jedynka, will celebrate 80 years of Polish education on September 26, 2025. But while its postwar history officially began in 1945, the story of this institution stretches back further, with its red-brick walls remembering both turbulent times and inspiring milestones.
From a German Model School to Wrocław’s SP 1
Generations of Wrocławians have passed through these doors. From its origins as a German model school at the turn of the 20th century, to its rebirth after World War II as Poland’s first public school in the city, SP 1 is living proof that education is as much about resilience and community as it is about classrooms and textbooks.
The oldest primary school in Wrocław stands on Nowowiejska Street in a building designed by Richard Plüddemann, one of the city’s most prolific architects. Completed in 1900, it was originally home to a model school named after Swiss pedagogue Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. The complex included separate wings for boys and girls, a rector’s residence, and a gymnasium—a rarity in its day.
Its neo-Gothic style with Art Nouveau details, high tower crowned with a four-sided roof, and elegant red-brick façade made it an architectural landmark. Above the entrance still stands Pestalozzi’s bust, often mistaken for the school’s later patron, Polish writer Maria Dąbrowska.
War and Postwar Rebirth
The 20th century brought dramatic changes. During World War I, the school was used as military barracks. In World War II, it housed a German army headquarters.
Only on September 4, 1945, did the building ring again with children’s voices, when the oldest primary school in Wrocław reopened as Szkoła Powszechna nr 1. Its first headmaster, Zygmunt Smolarski, and teachers like Antoni Goncerzewicz worked tirelessly to restore normal school life in a devastated city.
Though about 30% of the building was damaged, with broken windows and rubble-filled basements, teachers and older students cleared debris, patched roofs, and crafted their own teaching aids. This effort symbolized not only the rebirth of a school, but also of Wrocław itself.
Traditions That Last
In the decades that followed, the oldest primary school in Wrocław developed a strong identity shaped by traditions. In 1952, it opened its first after-school daycare, and in 1965 it was officially named after Maria Dąbrowska. The school gained its first flag and hymn in 1970, written by music teacher Danuta Dukszta-Kwiatkowska.
Community events also became central: the annual Christmas Fair, first held in 1996, remains a highlight of the calendar, while athletics Olympiads, Sports Days, and symbolic initiation ceremonies for first- and fourth-graders fostered a sense of belonging. Another unique custom was the adoption of sanctuary horses: Posejdon (2002–2022) and Legolas (since 2022).
Teachers and Leaders Who Shaped “Jedynka”
Behind the story of the oldest primary school in Wrocław are extraordinary individuals:
- Antoni Goncerzewicz – the first Polish teacher in the city after WWII, known for building science labs from salvaged instruments.
- Jerzy Dyrkacz – PE teacher who developed generations of talented handball players.
- Renata Bohdanowicz – the longest-serving headmistress (20 years), credited with launching the Christmas Fair and building community ties.
- Wera Mróz – a beloved math teacher remembered by alumni from her nearly four decades of work.
Their dedication ensured that Jedynka was not only a place of learning but also a nurturing environment for character and talent.
Successes and Famous Alumni
Students of the oldest primary school in Wrocław have consistently excelled in academics and sports. They earned high results in the “zDolny Ślązak” competition, math and language contests, and handball tournaments. The “Golden One” award honors graduates with top grades and exemplary conduct.
The school’s alumni include actor Andrzej Kopiczyński, actress Anna Ilczuk, trumpeter Artur Majewski, the Nowakowska sisters (writers and illustrators), and engineer Paweł Hawryszkow, who worked on Wrocław’s monumental Rędziński Bridge. Such a variety of careers demonstrates the lasting influence of SP 1.
A Modern School with Deep Roots
Today, the oldest primary school in Wrocław blends tradition with innovation. Its classrooms feature multimedia equipment, VR learning tools, and even a 3D printer. The modern chemistry lab—soon to be named after teachers Goncerzewicz and Barbara Platis—offers interactive experiments. New sports facilities, a renovated assembly hall, and a fully equipped kitchen and canteen provide students with a safe and vibrant learning environment.
Current headmistress Katarzyna Zwierzyńska-Paluszek emphasizes that Jedynka is more than an institution.There’s no boredom here. Students develop passions, teachers support one another, and together we create a community rooted in empathy, understanding, and tradition.
80 Years of Polish Education
On September 26, 2025, SP 1 will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a program filled with exhibitions, alumni films, performances, and presentations. Guests will see how the oldest primary school in Wrocław has shaped generations and continues to thrive in the 21st century.
The motto “With tradition into the future” perfectly sums up the spirit of this anniversary. SP 1 is not just Wrocław’s oldest school—it is a place where history, community, and progress meet every single day.
Looking Ahead
The oldest primary school in Wrocław is much more than a historical building on Nowowiejska Street. It is a story of resilience after war, a hub of traditions and values, and a modern educational institution that continues to inspire. For its students, teachers, and alumni, Jedynka remains a source of pride—and its 80th anniversary is a reminder of how deeply schools can shape the life of a city.
