Here is a link to a script sample from Germany from the year 1492; it is the recording of a lease, note that the amounts are still written in Roman numericals. The Sutterlin script started rather late, prior to Sutterlin they used a script called "Kurrent" and before that they used "Amtschrift." In grade 1 we learned to print letter in Latin, in grade two we learned the "Kurrent" style flowing letters used for 3 centuries in Austrian schools, in grade 4, when the Sudetenland was incorporated into the German school system, we learned Sutterlin, but returned to Latin lettering in the Lyzeum because of foreign language subjects: like Latin, English, and French. Grammar school was 4 years, after that children were separated to their abilities at age 10-11. They eihter continued with 4 years "Bürgerschule" (Burgher Schools) to education grade 8 and thereafter entering a trade with 3 years Craftsman school. OR they entered "Mittelschule" (equivant to American High School) for 6 years Highschool receiving a "Reifezeugnis" (High school Diploma). ORyou were selected for 8 years of pre-academic training and then you were educated at the "Oberschule" which was a "Gymnasium" for boys, or "Lyzeum" for Girls. Greek was added in the 10th year. Graduation from a Gymnasium or Lyzeum is equivalent to a Prep School Diploma here in this country. This should answer the questions several people have asked me about German and Austrian schooling. I am unhappy to say, that the school system in Germany is presently falling behind at an alarming rate. At present Canada stands in first rank and the US in last. http://www.suetterlinschrift.de/Lese/Sutterlin17.htm You may want to keep the lettering shown on the bottom of this page. Aida