Colegiul Naţional Nicolae Bălcescu

The history of secondary education in Brăila began in 1863, when, by Order no. 1867 of the Ministry of Religions and Public Instruction, the establishment of two real classes financed by the Municipality was approved, marking the birth of the Royal School — the first secondary institution in Brăila. Courses began on November 1, and the official inauguration took place on December 6, 1863. On July 29, 1867, the school became a Classical Gymnasium with four classes, later supplemented with a fifth class for students pursuing commercial careers.

In 1871, by Decree no. 1596, the gymnasium was transformed into a Commercial School with four years of studies, but in 1873, it was abolished and in its place the Communal Gymnasium was established, with four classes. The approval order came from the Ministry of the Interior on September 18 and from the Ministry of Religions and Public Instruction on October 18, 1873. From 1880, the gymnasium passed under the state's control and gradually became a Real Gymnasium, all classes being real starting with 1883. On April 14, 1888, the 5th grade was established, transforming the gymnasium into a Real High School, the first high school of this type in Romania starting with September 1, 1888.

On October 3, 1895, by Decree no. 3773, the high school was given the name "Nicolae Bălcescu". In 1900, changes were decided in the school's structure: the gymnasium classes from the "I.C. Massim" high school moved to "Nicolae Bălcescu", and the high school classes to "I.C. Massim", the high school being temporarily reduced to a gymnasium level. In 1906, the high school regained its upper grades.

During World War I, the school suspended its classes, the premises being transformed into a hospital, and seven teachers were mobilized. In 1918, school activity resumed, and in 1938, the 75th anniversary of its existence was celebrated, in the presence of the then Minister of Education, Petre Andrei.

After 1948, the high school operated under several names: Boys' High School Type XI, Boys' High School No. 2, and later, High School No. 2. In 1959, the high school resumed the name "Nicolae Bălcescu". In 1963, the institution's centenary was celebrated, and in 1967, the bust of the spiritual patron was unveiled. In 1988, celebrations were held for the 125th anniversary of its existence, and after the 1989 Revolution, the high school became the "Nicolae Bălcescu" Theoretical High School.

In December 1990, the tradition of celebrating the patron saint was resumed, and in May 1993, the 130th anniversary of its founding was celebrated. In 1995, middle school classes were introduced, and in 1996, the institution became the "Nicolae Bălcescu" National College. In 2010, a second middle school class was added, and currently, the college operates with 28 classes, of which 4 middle school and 24 high school.

Sursa: www.cnnb.ro