American settlement Bonn-Plittersdorf by Christine Siefer

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Bonn American High School

The US Mission in Bonn served as the “front line” of the Cold War. Our country’s close partnership with then-West Germany played a critical role in maintaining peace and prosperity in the West and indeed throughout the world.

 

Among the thirty-four American high schools opened in Germany by the United States Government (USG) during the Post-War period, Bonn American High School (BAHS) was unique in that it was the only school in the world built and owned by the U.S. Department of State. Developed out of an elementary school that originally opened in 1952, it was intended to support the families of personnel at the U.S. Embassy – which grew to become the largest U.S. Embassy in the world with over 900 Americans and 600 local staff – in Bonn, West Germany, then the linchpin of the West’s engagement during the Cold War. When BAHS opened in 1971, it was only the thirteenth USG high school in Germany, and although not associated with a U.S. Department of Defense military installation, it was staffed and run as part of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools system in an arrangement between the Department of State and the Department of Defense.

“Bonn american High School – Home of the Crusaders”

BAHS closed in 1997 following the transition of the Embassy to Berlin. On 3 october 1990 Bonn International School opened in the same facilities as BAHS. In autumn 1997, eventually demolishing and rebuilding the physical plant entirely. Today we find a modern Building reminding in its shape on the flow of the Rhineriver.

Clarence von Bonn

What has students life been like in Bonn American Highschool?

Well it’s pretty neat, being in a small school, sure it has its drawbacks but overall it’s far out. The teachers have been really pretty good, they worked off hours for the students and always have been thinking about their welfare. Gym has been some kind of neat class, with all it’s options it has really been one of the more creative classes. Really this place has been a fantastic educational experience. You were able to meet students from all over the world. There has been nothing like this school. It’s got facilities that may not be in materials, but in people’s minds. It had great students. It had faculty that had an open mind. It was located in the middle of Germany, man it’s ideal, really, you got to admit it really was. 

Bonn American high school really was ideal, and so were the students, and the people, it was fantastic.

 

Referrence: Yearbook from 1974.

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“Only half of the students from the USA. 700 students from 42 nations – from kindergarten to high school diploma.” (GA)

BAHS closed in 1997 following the transition of the Embassy to Berlin. On 3 october 1990 Bonn International School opened in the same facilities as BAHS. In autumn 1997, eventually demolishing and rebuilding the physical plant entirely. Today we find a modern Building reminding in its shape on the flow of the Rhineriver.

We’ve got spirit!

this is one of the cheerleading slogans

Alumni

Were you at BAHS? As a student, parent or teacher? Our Alumni are scattered all over the world – attending school, entering the work force, developing careers, holding high posts, pursuing dreams – and yet still connected to and curious about their former school and the amazing people they met during their time in Bonn.

BAHS keeps in touch with the school’s Alumni – whether you were a student here for a few years or are one of the graduates, whether you worked in the project or were one of the parents – via our Alumni group we stay in touch. This growing, mobile community would like to include you, know how and where you are, what you are doing, hear your story or help you get in touch with members of the network of the greater global BAHS community.

Alumni are invited to send an email to our Bonn American High School Association to join the Alumni Group. Alumni who sign up receive emails about events and news, as well as links to BAHS Alumni relevant themes.

Our main route of communication is through email and the closed @BAHSAlumni Facebook page where alumni can get in touch with each other, post their news and find out about what is going on back in Bonn.BAHS Alumni and friends

To stay in touch with BAHS, Like our BAHS Alumni & friends Facebook page.

We hope to hear from you!

Alumni Reunion Events/Photo Gallery

Check out some of the reunions our Alumni attended in the recent years.

 
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This is the official site of the BAHS Alumni Family. Written and managed by the Bonn American High School Association. The site aims to provide an aut...
 
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