Riga State Gymnasium No.1

"Riga State Gymnasium No."

1 holds a distinction that few schools anywhere in the world can claim: it is the oldest school in the Baltic states, with roots stretching back to 1211, when Bishop Albert established Riga's cathedral chapter and founded the Riga Cathedral monastery school. That original institution, housed in the cloister of Riga Cathedral, was conceived to prepare Catholic clergy and followed the medieval Latin-school tradition of the trivium — grammar, rhetoric, and dialectic. More than eight centuries later, the school continues to operate in Latvia's capital as a respected state secondary school, now offering a rigorous, internationally recognized academic program to students in grades 7 through 12. In 1997, Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 took a significant step toward the international stage by introducing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, positioning itself as one of the pioneering IB institutions in the region. The IB Diploma Programme, offered to students in the final two years of secondary school, is renowned worldwide for its intellectual rigor and its emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural understanding. For families relocating to Riga — whether from within Europe or from further afield — the presence of the IB Diploma provides an important degree of academic continuity and a credential that is recognized by universities across the globe. Instruction at the school is conducted in English, making it an accessible and practical choice for expatriate families and internationally mobile professionals whose children may not yet speak Latvian. This English-language environment, combined with the internationally benchmarked IB curriculum, sets the gymnasium apart from the majority of Latvian state schools and gives it a distinctive character that bridges local heritage and global academic standards. The school is situated in Riga, Latvia's vibrant and historically rich capital city, a place known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, dynamic cultural life, and growing international community. Families considering a move to Riga will find in Gymnasium No. 1 a school that is genuinely embedded in the city's identity — the institution's origins are literally tied to the founding of Riga itself — while simultaneously preparing students for lives and careers in an interconnected world. What makes Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 truly distinctive is this rare combination of extraordinary historical depth and contemporary academic ambition. As a public institution, it brings the IB Diploma Programme within reach in a way that many private international schools do not. Students here are educated in a setting where the pursuit of knowledge has been valued for over 800 years, and where that long tradition now finds expression through one of the most demanding and globally respected secondary qualifications available. For expat families seeking a school that offers both international credibility and a genuinely singular sense of place, Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 presents a compelling and uncommon option.