Grammar School History

The word of the principal: Before you start reading about the rich history of our school let me tell you a couple of words about a man who wrote the story, worked hard for our school and proved his values during his difficult life. I would like to thank Mr. Jiří Cihla for everything he has done for gymnazium for his all life is linked with our school. I very much appreciate his work.

Gymnazium in Zatec originated from a Latin municipal school which was probably established in 13th century.The first authentic mention dates back to autumn 1335 when king Jan Lucemburský (Luxemburgian) granted the right to appoint a rector of the school. At the end of the 14th century Johann von Saaz, the author of the poem Oráč z Čech – (in German Ackermann aus Beheim), was appointed a rector. A lot of significant scholars worked there. After the Battle of White Mountain in 1620 the school was handed over to Premonstratensians from Strahov who ran the school up to 1873, when the state became the owner of the school. Then the gymnazium was named Kaiserliches Kőnigliche Staatsobergymnasium.

On 2nd December 1903 the new building, built in Art Nouveau, was festively opened. This building has been a gymnazium(grammar school) ever since. On occasion of the 55th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph´s reign the school was named Kaiserliches Konigliche Kaiser Franz Joseph – Staatsober gymnasium in Saaz. During the period of the Czechoslovak Republic (1918 – 1938) gymnazium became a grammar school. Beginning in 1919 girls could also study at this school, and the Czech language was introduced as one of the obligatory subjects.

At the end of 1938 the decree of the German Reich changed the school into Oberschule fur Jungen (school for boys), but girls could also attend it. In 1942 another historic name – Ackermann-Schule (Ploughman´s School) was added. On 1st of September 1945 the school became Czech grammar school. Eight-class grammar schools were substituted by four-class ones which worked from 1948 to 1953. Classes were categorized as humanitarian with Latin as a major subject and technical with descriptive geometry as an obligatory subject. In 1853 eleven year secondary school came into force.Then in the 1950´s practical education (agriculture, engineering, building industry) was introduced and remained in standard until the year 1990.

In 1968 four-year gymnasium was re-established. Today there are two study schedules, one for four years, and one for eight years. There are twelve classes altogether