Gheorghe Lazăr National College in Bucharest is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Romania, with a history that reflects the evolution of Romanian education from the mid-19th century to the present. Founded at the initiative of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza on January 18, 1860, the school was the second Romanian-language gymnasium in Bucharest. Its name was inspired by Gheorghe Lazăr, the educator who restored Romanian as a language of instruction and contributed decisively to the rebirth of national schools.

The act of establishment was formalized through a decree signed by King Carol I on May 20, 1890, when the institution was officially recognized as a high school. In the autumn of the same year, the school moved into its new building near Cișmigiu Gardens, designed by architect F. G. Muntureanu. The edifice, blending Brâncovenesc and English neoclassical styles, was often compared to Parisian high schools located near the Luxembourg Gardens.

The interwar period and the affirmation of academic traditions

After 1900, “Lazăr” became a center of educational innovation, under the influence of the reforms initiated by Spiru Haret. Renowned directors and professors transformed the high school into a place of academic excellence and extracurricular richness. The library (1910), the school museum (1920), the modern sports hall (1905–1909), and various student associations – from the sports society “Viitorul” to choirs, orchestras, and literary circles – consolidated the school’s reputation.

In 1931, a new wing of the building, facing Cișmigiu, was built at the initiative of the parents’ association, allowing for the creation of modern laboratories and an elegant amphitheater. During this period, the high school encouraged a strong “realist” profile through scientific clubs and experimental activities, attracting students who later became important figures in mathematics and science.

Challenges and resilience during the Stalinist period

After the establishment of the communist regime, the high school went through difficult times. In the 1950s, its name was changed to Secondary School No. 22, and the building was shared with an institution for girls. In 1949, the entire high school was transferred to the former “Spiru Haret” high school, losing access to its traditional premises.

Nevertheless, the “Lăzărist” spirit endured. A symbolic moment was the gesture of mechanic Gheorghe Dinu, who saved the Honor Book of the school by hiding it in the attic, thus preventing its destruction. In 1955, the authorities restored the school’s original name and returned it to the building near Cișmigiu Gardens.

The golden decades of the 1960s–1970s

The 1960s and 1970s brought a new era of success. Strict student selection and the quality of teaching staff enabled the creation of special mathematics classes and the development of high-level cultural activities. The “Speranțe” magazine, the “Luceafărul” literary circle, and the school’s symphonic orchestra all won numerous awards. Multiple Olympic and European champion Lia Manoliu was educated here, along with many other top athletes.

However, Lazăr was not untouched by communist educational policies. In the 1970s, it was reorganized as a mathematics–physics high school, while also including industrial classes. Despite these changes, cultural and sports activities continued to provide students with opportunities to excel.

Cultural resistance in the late communist era

During the dictatorship, Lazăr managed to maintain a space of intellectual freedom. Professor Tudor Opriș re-established the Cultural-Scientific University in 1983, and students had access to conferences delivered by leading personalities in science and culture.

The 125th anniversary celebration in 1985 was a major event, marked by exhibitions, archival documents, and a special issue of the “Speranțe” magazine, published with the regime’s special approval.

A democratic spirit after 1989

The 1989 Revolution reopened the path to modernization. Lazăr students were actively involved in reforming the educational system, participating in the first democratic student and high school movements. In the 1990s, under the leadership of principal Nicolae Novac, the high school underwent extensive renovations and was granted the title of National College in 1995. In the same period, it joined UNESCO and established a partnership with the French high school “Jean Monnet” in Joué-les-Tours.

A present in continuity with tradition

Today, Gheorghe Lazăr National College continues to be an educational landmark in Bucharest. Its elite teachers, modern facilities, and students’ engagement in cultural and scientific activities confirm that the “Lăzărist” spirit has survived all historical challenges.

Official recognition came in 2010, when the Presidency of Romania awarded the college the “Merit for Education” Order, in the rank of Officer. This distinction symbolizes not only the institution’s glorious past but also its ability to shape the future.