Roots of Riga State Gymnasium No 1 reach in 1211, when The Dom School, the first school in Riga and Latvia was founded. Since that time the school has changed its name and the language of instructing for several times. Latvian was announced as the official teaching language for the first time in 1919. In 1929 the school was given the status of a Gymnasium, though it was changed to Leona Paegles Riga Secondary School no. 1 after a short period of time. This name remained for fifty years and only in 1990 the school was renamed as Riga 1st Gymnasium. Later (in 1996) the school was given the status of a State Gymnasium, therefore it is called Riga State Gymnasium No 1 now.
The school Museum was opened in 1967 and with the help of several enthusiastic teachers and other supporters it is still open nowadays. You can find various information about the history of school starting from 1211 up to now. There can also be information found about other schools and educational institutions in Riga.
For the time being there are approximately 80 teachers working at Riga State Gymnasium No 1, educating about 900 students from form 7 up to form 12.
Ever since 1963 the school has put a special accent on teaching Physics and Mathematics, now computer studies have been taught prefoundly, too. Students of the school have achieved excellent results in different Olympiads, both local and international, in subjects mentioned above as well as other subjects that are being taught. Teachers of the school are full of enthusiasm, therefore able to prepare the students for different Olympiads and competitions. Due to this they have been given different distinctions and awards for the good work that they have done.
Beginning with 1997 / 1998, students are provided with the opportunity to study in the program of the International Baccalaureate Organization and that is held in English. Riga State Gymnasium No 1 is the only school in Latvia that runs the program. The diploma of the IBO has been recognized by many of the best universities worldwide and in Latvia.
