In the 1770’s, wealthy merchants and publishers in Leipzig established tuition-free public schools, meaning public schools without fees. On April 16th, 1792, the first free public school was opened between Pleißenburg and Thomaskirche. The school initially housed three classes, educating 171 students aged 7 to 13. The lessons were taught by permanent teachers, as well as university students. In honor of the school, the street where it was located was renamed Ratsfreischulstraße on December 6th, 2000.