In the late 19th century, Rose HATTEMER, originally a teacher from Alsace, comes to teach French in Paris to young children who have been entrusted in her. Tutoring in several families, her success leads to her being well-renowned. Faced with increasing demands, Miss HATTEMER is naturally led to teach groups of children at her home. Her teaching method : establish a program for each child and work on his intelligence rather than on his memory.

She refines her method, writes books and spreads out over several complimentary years, the teaching and learning of grammar and calculus. Having become used to giving instructions to certain families who were pursuing at home her instructions or leaving for the colonies, she developed the first Correspondence Course created in France!

Having received much success, premises in Paris are hence being searched for to host the classes. She settles Clapeyron road, in the 8_th district in Paris : this is the first HATTEMER Class, created in 1885. The number of students is such that eventually, in 1935, a five-story building is specifically built with school cafeteria, gym and playground. This is the actual building on London street (see map) that we have been occupying since its construction.

Some secondary classes are then open. Teachers are recruited and perpetuate the Method. Years pass and former students become parents. HATTEMER, since its foundation, does not take work nor rules lightly, but the children always feel protected and within a family.

Taking into account the hours needed to work on an instrument for some, or sport training for others, the Hattemer Course invented flexible working hours, ever since taken over by many institutions.

As Miss HATTEMER retires, she entrusts the head of the institution to Mr. Henry Bias succeeded by Alfred Prignet, Jacques Prignet and Pierre Corbon. All were in various ways outstanding educators.

In over a century the secular, tolerant and totally independent Hattemer Course, offers remarkable stability, illustrating the continuity of a mindset and a unique teaching method.