The History of General H. H. Arnold High School

The history of the American High School in Wiesbaden (from 1948-1967) had been dominated by hectic growth in population, accompanied by an expanding curriculum and extracurricular offerings, and complicated by a building program that could not keep pace with this growth.

Originally, American high school students in Wiesbaden had to commute by bus to Frankfurt, where a high school had been established. However, in January of 1948, facilities were made available in the Lahnstrasse building, a former German school in Wiesbaden. A student body of 56 and a faculty of 9 shared the building with the elementary school.

The growth in the number of students can easily be seen by tracing the locales in which graduation was held. In 1948, the 14 graduates were easily accommodated in one room; in 1955 the audience for graduation had sufficient seating in the school auditorium designed for 400; but in 1960 the chapel was needed; in 1962 the Taunus Theater was required for the graduates and audience, while 1965 brought graduation into the Kurhaus in dowtown Wiesbaden. ( editor's note: I know that they used this facility until at least the late 70's, but am not sure if they continue to do so.)

This growth can be better understood by listing the sources from which Arnold High draws students. Besides the Wiesbaden area, the Mainz military community sends day students to the school. In addition, there was a dormitory, opened in 1956, for students from such widespread points as Saudi Arabia and Iceland. Intended for 100 students, the dormitory proved too small in 1959 and the overflow of 40 was housed at Wiesbaden Air Base. Subsequently, the dormitory was limited to those whose homes were within week-end commuting range, areas such as Hahn and Bonn. (ed. note: The last of the Hahn Dormitory students were in 1976.)

A factor complicating this already daunting growth is the high percentage of turnover in both student boy and faculty. The mobility required in miltary assignments results in frequent transfers of students. Very rarely does a student complete four years at this school. Normally, only about 10% of a graduating class will have attended the school since the freshman year. Despite the complications, the curriculum and extracurricular offerings have widened steadily.

In the second year of its existence, the American High School formed a student council, and an echo of the Berlin Air Lift was found in one of the council activities of that year -- Bundles for Berlin.

Increasing awareness of self-identification is evidenced in the school year 1949-1950 when students and faculty chose the name "General H.H. Arnold High School." This designation, however, did not become widespread until January 1955 when the school was moved from Lahnstrasse to the new place in Hainerberg and the building was officially dedicated on February 27, 1955.

In accordance with the effort to provide the dependents of military personnel a school system close to that of the United States, sports have always been an integral part of the program. The trophy case attests to the success of the various teams and indicates the range of opportunities. For example, in 1961-62, Arnold High won the USAREUR-USAFE championships in football, basketball, wrestling, cross-country, tennis and golf. In the early 60's the development of a sport not widely popular in the US but increasingly popular with the students at Wiesbaden--soccer. This sport brings the students into closer relationship with German youth.

School publications have reflected the vicissitudes of military life. The yearbook, DER KRIEGER, started as a small book, independently published for Wiesbaden High School in 1948. From 1949-1955, Arnold High was part of the combined USAREUR Yearbook. In 1956 and 1957, reflecting the separation of Army and Air Force Schools, independent books were published. From 1958-1962, DER KRIEGER was once again part of a combined book representing all Air Force high schools. The year 1963 saw not only a return to independent books, but also a shift of the site of publcation from Germany to the US as part of the effort to stem the gold flow.

Branches of nationally organized student clubs have gradually been established, usually as the result of the effort of an interested teacher. In 1952, a chapter of the National Honor Society was formed; in 1962 the Future Teachers of America and the Quill and Scroll; in 1964 the Future Business Leaders of America. The Junior Red Cross and Future Homemakers of America have been active also. 1965-66 saw the formation of local chapters of Beta Iota Omega (Biology Honorary) and National Thespian Society.

The club program, built around the interests of the students, has always been flexible. Over the years, depending on student interest, a variety of clubs have had a brief or enduring life.

The original, minimum curricular offering of mathematics, English, social studies, science, physical Educaiton, and one Foreign Language has rapidly expanded. Art, Music, and Homemaking were among the first courses to be added in 1952. Metal Shop, Wood Shop, Mechanical Drawing and Architectural Practice Courses have been opened to the students. Typing, Shorthand, and business practice courses have been expanded by a course in business law. A seminar in government, an honors course in Great Books and 5th year Mathematics are now open to qualified students.

The language department, at first offering only German, now includes Latin, Spanish and French as well. The modern Language Laboratory, employing the direct method, was established in 1963.

In the years recent to 1967, the American community determined to create scholarships for qualified students. The Officers' Wives Club at Wiesbaden initiated the project and the group was soon joined by thewomen's organizations in other communities sending students to the school: Mainz, Bonn and Hahn. In 1967, a total of $11,500 was given to 25 students.

Even in the short period of only 19 years (1948-1967) of Wiesbaden High School's existence, several traditions and school symbols have become well established; here are some of them.