Władysław IV Vasa High School No. VIII in Warsaw

The King Władysław IV High School No. VIII in Warsaw, located in the Praga-Północ district at 38 Jagiellońska Street, is one of the oldest secondary schools in the capital, with a history dating back to 1885. Initially, it was a state-run boys' school, known as the Praga Gymnasium, where Russian was the language of instruction and Russification policies were enforced. It is worth noting that the building, designed in an early modernist style with Art Nouveau details by Władysław Kozłowski, was the first standalone school building in Poland adapted to the requirements of modern education and equipped with amenities such as air conditioning. Over the years, it served various functions, including being converted into a hospital during World War I and hosting clandestine education during World War II. After the war, the school became coeducational, and its cultural and social activities expanded. It gained renown for its high academic standards and emphasis on civic education, and today it offers a variety of specialized programs. Interestingly, the school has its own choir, organizes numerous cultural and sporting events, and maintains scouting traditions. Students excel in academic competitions and sports tournaments, and High School No. VIII consistently ranks among the top schools in national rankings. The school has a rich sense of community, organizing alumni reunions and preserving the memory of its distinguished teachers and students. The building retains valuable architectural elements and, as a registered historical monument, remains an important landmark in Warsaw's educational landscape.