The high school halls and playgrounds are often the places where teenage love stories and heartaches, as well as life-long friendships, form. These rooms and hallways that we once walked through on a daily bases, become full of bittersweet memories when we leave them after graduation. Because of that, schools almost become more than just buildings, and through the years and generations which they help to shape, they become the cult places of a city which carry a huge meaning and a collection of memories behind their walls and windows.

Zagreb has many high schools, but a few of them stand out with their long history and impact they had on thousands of Zagrebians.

Famous MIOC

The Zagreb high schools are alongside their official names also know for their Roman numbering. The school MIOC is also known as XV high school and is one of the most respected schools in the city. It is known by its though curriculum which is highly focused on Mathematics and Physics, and it also offers International Baccalaureate programme for students who wish to engage in career-related learning.

But MIOC is much more than just a well-respected institution. It is the heart of Maksimir neighborhood and a meetup spot for all the people who enjoy playing sports. Its big playground is always full of life, and if you're a Maksimir resident, you can be sure to see a familiar face there, whether you're a neighborhood kid, student or an older person.

Križanićeva

The ''Seventh'' or Križanićeva school, nicknamed after the street it's situated in, is another highly respected Zagreb high school. Križanićeva is a part of a maybe the biggest high school complex in Zagreb, where you can find four high schools under one roof and thousands of students at the same place. As MIOC, it is known for enrolling only the best, above average, students with straight As and extra curriculum activities points.

Image credit: Darija Ilić

The ''Third'' 

Known also as Kušlanova, this school is not, like the previous two, known for only the straight-A students and immaculate reputation but it is a school with a tradition and long list of achievements in extracurricular activities like sport and drama section.

Kušlanova also holds a special place in my heart as it is a high school which I attended. Alongside MIOC, it is the biggest high school in the northern part of the town and with its big sports playgrounds for basketball, football, tennis, and a running track, it is another amazing recreation spot for all lovers of outdoor activities as well as a beloved hanging-out spot for all its students in the after school hours.

Also, a fun fact about school's running track is that Zagreb's mayor, Milan Bandić, runs there every single morning for years and years as he lives nearby.

The Upper Town School

After the first three schools we've mentioned, it is time to visit the city center and school which truly is located in the heart of Zagreb. Gornjogradska, or in direct translation, the Upper town school is located in the old part of Zagreb, and its students have the daily privilege to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Zagreb through the windows of their classrooms. An interesting fact is that the building of the school was home of the first high school ever opened in Zagreb. The school was opened in 1607. as a Classical high school where subjects were held in Latin. Later on, the Classical school was moved to Križanićeva street where it is located till today while the school in the Upper town continued to exist as a high school with a standard curriculum and was named Gornjogradska gimnazija.

Because of its age and importance, the building of the school is considered to be a protected monument of culture. Also, many of Croatian most famous historical figures like August Šenoa, Miroslav Krleža, Vatroslav Lisinski and Stjepan Radić all spent their high school years in this building so you can say it holds a unique spirit between its walls for all the students attending it nowadays.

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Image credit: M.Vrdoljak, TZGZ

Klaićeva

Another high school located in the city center, near the Croatian National Theather,  is Klaićeva or ''the Fifth''. This school is like MIOC oriented towards Mathematics and Physics, and students of these schools are known to be fierce competitors on state championships in these subjects.

The school celebrated its 70th birthday this year as it was open in 1938 as an all-male school. Today, it can be considered to be one of the best high schools in the country whose students go on to enroll in respected university programmes in Croatia and abroad.

Header image credit: J. Duval, TZGZ

Author: Darija Ilić