September 1 – Knowledge Day!

150 years ago, on September 1, 1875, a four-grade progymnasium (an educational institution equivalent to the first four grades of a gymnasium) was opened in Narva. The opening ceremony was attended by the mayor, members of the Narva City Council, and others. In its first academic year, the progymnasium had 42 students: 19 in the preparatory class, 19 in the first grade, and 4 in the second. The school was located on Knight Street. In 1877, the progymnasium moved to the building of the Narva Higher County School (formerly the house of Baron von Velio). In 1881, it was transformed into a full boys’ gymnasium, with 127 students enrolled. The first graduation took place in 1883, with six students completing the course.

To this day, the building of the former boys’ gymnasium houses an educational institution — the Narva Vanalinna State School, which currently has over 500 students.

Today, festive events are held all over Estonia to celebrate Knowledge Day! Teachers, students, and their parents, dressed in their best, fill schoolyards, and the first bell rings!

Let’s wish teachers and students joy not only on September 1, but every day spent at school.

Narva Boys’ Gymnasium. 1900–1920. From the photo collection of Narva Museu

Pencil case. 1930–1940. From the collection of Narva Museum

Badge of Narva Boys’ Gymnasium. 1931–1940. From the collection of Narva Museum

Certificate issued to August Martin for qualification as a primary school teacher, Narva Boys’ Gymnasium. 1909. From the collection of Narva Museu

Math notebook No. 2. Angle and arc. 1935. From the collection of Narva Museum

Math notebook No. 2. Angle and arc. 1935. From the collection of Narva Museu

Certificate of exam completion for A. Grigoriev for qualification as a primary school teacher, Narva Boys’ Gymnasium. 1912. From the collection of Narva Museu

Graduation certificate of Anatoly Sivard. Narva Boys’ Gymnasium. 1921. From the collection of Narva Museum