Hugo Treffner Gymnasium

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Hugo Treffner Gymnasium (Estonian: Hugo Treffneri Gümnaasium) is a secondary school in Tartu, Estonia with special emphasis on science education. Founded by Hugo Treffner, it was the only large secondary school in the 19th century Estonia with dominantly Estonian students and no age restrictions. The school greatly contributed to the numbers of Estonian intellectuals.

1 History
2 Schoolhouse
3 Sources
4 External links

[edit] History

The school was founded in 1883 by Hugo Treffner who also was the first headmaster (1883-1912). At first it was a progymnasium for boys with three classes and teaching was conducted in German and later in Russian language. In the following years the school gradually expanded. In 1907 it became a full private gymnasium and since 1918 Estonian was used for teaching. Following the Soviet occupation in 1944, the school was called Tartu I Secondary School and from 1958 to 1990 it also bore the name of A.H. Tammsaare. In 1954 the school began to accept girls as well. In the 60s, specialised classes in mathemathics and physics were opened. The original name of the school was restored in 1990. Hugo Treffner took special care in educating boys from the rural areas and presently the school also encourages students originating outside Tartu to enter.

[edit] Schoolhouse

The gymnasium operated in various locations before settling to its current location in the centre of Tartu in 1919. The historic schoolhouse suffered severe damage from fire in 1998 and was subsequently completely renovated. Also a gym was built to the courtyard of the building which now covers the whole block. St. John's Church in Tartu is located next to the schoolhouse.