“What makes this school so special?” I often hear visitors ask about Colégio de Aplicação da UFRJ. It is more than just a school. It’s a living laboratory. This is where future teachers learn their craft.
Colégio de Aplicação da UFRJ has a rich history. It was founded on May 20, 1948. Initially, it was located near Botafogo beach. Later, it moved to São Salvador square. Finally, in 1962, it settled here.
In the mid-1960s, Colégio de Aplicação da UFRJ became a hub of student activism. It was a key force against the Brazilian military dictatorship. The location of Colégio de Aplicação da UFRJ is quite special. It sits on J.J. Seabra street in Lagoa. The building is one of the few horizontal constructions in the area.
However, the building isn’t in the best shape. It belongs to the state government. Due to limited funding, renovations are difficult. A wall even collapsed in 2005. Fortunately, it was a holiday. No one was hurt.
Despite these challenges, Colégio de Aplicação da UFRJ thrives. Students have asked for a new building on the UFRJ campus in Urca. Sadly, this isn’t a government priority right now.
“Colégio de Aplicação” means “Application School.” This means that UFRJ students use the school for training. It is also used as a research space. Students can participate in research projects through NICJr.
As of 2008, Colégio de Aplicação da UFRJ offered classes from elementary to high school. The younger students attend classes in the afternoon. Older students attend in the morning. The final year students have classes both morning and afternoon.
Getting into Colégio de Aplicação da UFRJ isn’t easy. There are admission draws for each grade level. This ensures a diverse student body. Currently, the school has about 760 students. The morning shift has 510 students. The afternoon shift has 250.
The school has rules. Students are allowed one failure in the first nine years. They get one more in the last three. Any more failures result in expulsion.
Many notable people have attended Colégio de Aplicação da UFRJ. This includes the Cassetas humorists and cartoonist Miguel Paiva. Politicians Alfredo Sirkis and Carlos Minc are alumni too. Actress Bel Kutner and journalist Paulo Henrique Amorim also walked these halls.
Colégio de Aplicação da UFRJ is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a place of learning. It’s a place of activism. It is a place where futures are shaped. As we conclude our visit, consider the lasting impact of this unique school. It remains a vital part of Rio’s educational landscape.