From school to the Nobel Prize: A high school graduate from Sankt Afra!

From school to the Nobel Prize: A high school graduate from Sankt Afra!

In the Saxon city of Meißen, high above the old town, sits the traditional Saint Afra Boarding School, which has been a princely school since 1543 and has been supporting students with special talents. Young talents are drawn here who want to flourish not only academically, but also creatively and athletically. The most recent example is Florian, who received an invitation to the prestigious Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm before graduating from high school. His life path was not always linear; As a child he asked countless questions and often changed schools before finding his place in Saint Afra.

280 young people are cared for there, many of them far away from their families. But Sankt Afra is not an exclusive school for the rich, but rather selects students specifically based on their talents. The young people are looking for like-minded people here to share their dreams and their own doubts in an environment that is more than just school. Sankt Afra is described as a place where students can live, learn and work together. High school graduate Palina also has the goal of becoming an astronaut and has to learn how to deal with the ups and downs of life.

A place of special support

The support of teachers and mentors, such as Josua Schubert and social worker Cathrin Graubner, is of great importance for the students. The younger students, Dean and Yven, also learn early on to organize themselves and take responsibility for themselves. What many people don't know is that giftedness has no clear official definition, but children with an IQ over 130 are classified as gifted. These talents and special abilities find the space they need to develop in Sankt Afra.

School is perceived as increasingly important in the education system. More and more boarding schools, including Sankt Afra, are offering specific programs to support gifted students. An increasing sensitivity arises, which makes it possible for talents not only to be recognized when they are under-challenged, but rather to be promoted in a targeted manner. Gifted children not only demonstrate creative and cognitive skills, but also benefit from appreciative exchanges with like-minded people. Boarding schools thus create communities, which provide stimulating learning environments in which students can quench their thirst for knowledge.

A look into the future

The program at Sankt Afra is designed so that the curricula are individually tailored to the needs of the students. You have the opportunity to take part in special projects and competitions and thus optimally prepare for your future. This all happens in an environment that promotes intellectual and personal development. An open day will help make even more interested families aware of the opportunities that Sankt Afra offers. On January 17, 2026, the general public can see for themselves the quality and diversity of the educational offerings.

Overall, it shows that Sankt Afra is not only the home of gifted students, but also a place that promotes school success, creates friendships and strengthens the self-confidence of young people. In a world where the perception of giftedness is constantly changing, Sankt Afra remains a beacon for talented young people in education.