Situated in the heart of Plovdiv, Saints Cyril and Methodius High School of Humanities (ÃÂ¥ÃÂüðýøÃÂðÃÂýð óøüýð÷øà"áò. ÃÂò. ÃÂøÃÂøû ø ÃÂõÃÂþôøù", ÃÂûþòôøò) is one of Bulgaria's oldest educational institutions.
With a strong focus on humanities and social sciences, the curriculum is supported by a variety of extracurricular activities, especially those related to community work, like volunteering.
The Plovdiv Eparchial School, now known as the Humanities High School, was founded in 1850 by Nayden Gerov. The school quickly became a symbol of Bulgarian spirit and culture, playing a crucial role in the formation of the modern Bulgarian state and nation.
Initially, Gerov structured the educational process using Russian high school programs. His efforts were highly successful, with the first exam in 1851 impressing Bishop Andrea Canova, who remarked, "...the answers to many of the questions I posed are ones I learned in Europe, in higher education institutions. How is it possible for such a newly founded school to grasp such difficult knowledge?"
Prominent public figure Ivan Evstratiev Geshov fondly remembered the eight "blissful years" he spent at the school, noting that by 1863, subjects like statistics and the history of fine arts were being taught. He praised the French language instruction, claiming he learned French better than students in high schools in 1916.
After the Liberation, the Plovdiv Gymnasium resumed its activities, and attracted Czech educators who significantly elevated its standards.
Despite its dedication to academics, Plovdiv Gymnasium maintained a strong commitment to Bulgarian national sentiments and ideals. Its students actively participated in pivotal national events, including the Grand National Assembly in Tarnovo in 1879, where they made significant contributions to drafting the First Bulgarian Constitution.
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