Former People’s School “Volkschule”

In the 19th century, compulsory eight-year education was introduced in Prussia, and public schools were established. German schools were structured into three tiers: elementary, secondary, and gymnasium. The elementary level was known as the “Volkschule” (people’s school), which prepared students to become farmers, workers, and craftsmen. Secondary schools trained lower-level civil servants and clerks, while gymnasium graduates could go on to higher education.
At the end of the 19th century, this school building with spacious, bright classrooms, wide corridors, and a hall was constructed for the Šilutė Volkschule. By 1900, the school had classes from grade I to VII, and in 1901, grade VIII was added. After World War II, the building housed an eight-year school, later reorganized as the Fourth Secondary School.
In 1980, the school moved to a new building on Žalgirio Street. The old building then hosted various organizations and a children’s sports school. In 1990, it became home to the Šilutė Primary School, which operated for 22 years until it was integrated into the Šilutė Pamarys Basic School in 2012 (renamed Šilutė Pamarys Progymnasium in 2021). Since September 1, 2015, the building has been home to the Šilutė School of Arts.