Marie Kruse

Marie Kruse was born in Flensburg, a town that was part of Denmark until 1864, on 19 February 1842. She was the daughter of Johan Hinrich Jes Kruse, a Danish school founder, and his wife Anna Magdalene Christine Becker. She received her education at her father's school, where she learned both Danish and German, as well as French, English and Italian. She later moved to Copenhagen, where she trained as a private teacher at N. Zahle's School from 1860 to 1862. She obtained a diploma as a head teacher in 1865. In 1869, she opened her own school for girls in Copenhagen, which became known as Marie Kruse's School. She moved the school to different locations as it grew in size and reputation. She aimed to provide girls with an education that would enable them to be independent and self-supporting. She also introduced innovative teaching methods, such as examination-free classes and housekeeping skills for girls in puberty. She was inspired by her mentor Natalie Zahle, who was a leading figure in the Danish women's movement. ¹² Marie Kruse was also active in various educational and social organisations. She co-founded the South Jutland Society in 1884, which supported the Danish culture and language in the region that was annexed by Germany. She founded the Association in Support of Women Schoolteachers in 1887, which provided pensions for retired teachers. She was also a member of the Women's Reading Association, which promoted literature and culture among women. She was a friend and supporter of the Danish Women's Society, which advocated for women's rights and suffrage. ¹² Marie Kruse retired from her school in 1902, when she was 60 years old. She felt that she could not adapt to the changing educational reforms of the time. She died in Copenhagen on 12 February 1923, at the age of 80. She was awarded the Danish Medal of Merit in 1894 for her contributions to education. Her school still exists today as Marie Kruses Skole ², located in Farum, north of Copenhagen. ¹²