“Seventy years of history” echoed in the halls during the Liceo Joaquín Suárez anniversary celebration in 2014. Here we stand before Liceo Joaquín Suárez. It is more than just a school. It is a monument to education in Montevideo’s Pocitos neighborhood.
Liceo Joaquín Suárez, or High School Number 7, is a public secondary school. It proudly carries the name of Uruguay’s independence hero and former president, Joaquín Suárez. Founded in 1944, it holds the distinction of being the first public secondary education institution in Pocitos.
Originally, Liceo Joaquín Suárez shared a building with the Italian School on Magallanes Street. The student body quickly outgrew the space. By 1948, the school had 822 students. This led to a search for a new location. A move to Bulevar España 2772 followed. This was not without controversy. Some questioned the need for a public high school. Private schools were already common in the area.
Despite the debate, Liceo Joaquín Suárez thrived. The building on Bulevar España was a converted house. It had twelve rooms, attics, a kitchen, and a garage transformed into classrooms. The solarium became a library.
The spirit of Liceo Joaquín Suárez was evident in its student publications. Four student newspapers flourished. These included “Pulgarcito” and “La Gaceta”. “Horizonte” and “Brújula” also informed students. These publications reflected the students’ intellectual curiosity.
Liceo Joaquín Suárez also fostered extracurricular activities. Students formed clubs to explore theatre and science. They organized academic conferences. This broadened their educational experience.
In 1970, Liceo Joaquín Suárez found its permanent home on Jaime Zudáñez Street. This move marked a new chapter. It continued its commitment to accessible education.
Liceo Joaquín Suárez boasts impressive academic achievements. It consistently achieves low repetition rates. It had the lowest rate in the country between 2012 and 2013. This reflects the dedication of its teachers and students.
Many notable teachers have shaped Liceo Joaquín Suárez. These include José Claudio Williman and Gastón Blanco Pongibove. Carlos Real de Azúa and Arturo Lussich also taught here. Daniel Vidart and Pablo Fierro Vignoly contributed too. Emir Rodríguez Monegal and Carlos Manuel Rama were also teachers. Lauro Ayestarán and Samuel Blixen were among the educators.
In December 2014, Liceo Joaquín Suárez celebrated its 70th anniversary. Ricardo Ehrlich, the Minister of Education and Culture, attended. A commemorative mural was created. There was a petition to designate the building as a National Historical Monument.
Today, Liceo Joaquín Suárez continues to serve its community. It has approximately 840 students. The school employs ninety-five teachers and twenty non-teaching staff.
Liceo Joaquín Suárez stands as a testament to the power of public education. It has shaped generations of Uruguayans. Its history is etched into the streets of Pocitos.