Since the XVIIIth Century elementary schools for boys and girls of the lower classes as well as secondary education for the boy from upper middle classes in the German states has been organized by the State almost exclusively. It was only schools for the daughters of the upper middle and upper classes that depended entirely on civic or private efforts. In terms of curriculum, text books, teachers’ training and granted diplomas their education differed strongly from the one offered in boys’ schools. It was not until the first decade of the new century that the state took full responsibility. From mid 19th century until the 20th century democratic reform movements the most significant aspects of girls’ secondary education will presented through the life and work of Helene Lange (1848-1930), outstanding German Leader of the Women’s movement and of school reform. Whether or not after World War I girls’ growing access to higher education was impeded by the sexist and racist Nazi school policies has to be scrutinized. Finally the distinct features of public schooling during the post war period have to be addressed. Above all it has been different educational policies of the two German states that shaped girls’ secondary education.