In 1974, the Bielefeld Laboratory School was founded according to the ideas of the educationalist Hartmut von Hentig. Since its foundation, it has been working to shape a democratic school culture. The name of the school goes back to the »University of Chicago Laboratory Schools« founded by the American philosopher and educator John Dewey. Pupils in years 0 (pre-school year) to 10 are taught at the Laboratory School, with smooth transitions. Grades are not awarded until grades 9 and 10, and learning takes place in open spaces, not in cramped classrooms. Classes are mixed within the age groups. The focus is on learning through experience and on the school as a society and community on a small scale. The school also organises itself through various assembly formats. In the assemblies, the pupils organise themselves, the group council, for example, deals with conflict resolution. The school sees itself as a community made up of everyone working in it. Differences are accepted and respected

Behavioural patterns that are expected of adult citizens of our society are to be learned in everyday life at the Laboratory School, including peaceful and reasonable regulation of common affairs through responsibility and participation. In »society on a small scale«, individuals learn to be responsible for tasks they have taken on and for their own learning path, and to position themselves. The Laboratory School wants to be a place where children enjoy living and learning. Living and learning should, as far as possible and reasonable, be closely related to each other. Teaching follows the principle of enabling learning in and from experience (and not from instruction). Furthermore, the school sees itself as a school in the city, which includes the immediate and wider surroundings, nature, the community and the region as learning opportunities in its work.

The Bielefeld Laboratory School exists to this day and continues to include years 0 to 10 with a total of 660 pupils today. Every year, 60 pupils are newly enrolled. The proportion of pupils with non-German mother tongues is below average. It is also striking that 44% of the parents have a university degree.

Oberstufen-Kolleg (Upper Secondary School) Bielefeld based on the ideas of the pedagogue Hartmut von Hentig and in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut