Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernández

“More light,” whispered a student hurrying into Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernández. Those words, “Luz más luz,” echo the school’s motto, the final words of Goethe. Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernández stands as a testament to the power of education, a beacon of progressive thought in Uruguay. Founded in 1869, it holds the distinction of being Uruguay’s first secular and private school. The school was a key inspiration for the Varelian Reform, which later established free, compulsory, and secular education nationwide. Imagine young minds gathering here, inspired by the same principles that shaped modern Uruguayan education. Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernández was the brainchild of the Society of Friends of Popular Education. This group, including Carlos María Ramírez, Elbio Fernández himself, and the reformer José Pedro Varela, envisioned a school that would break barriers. The school initially bore a shorter name, simply “Elbio Fernández School”. In 1915, with the addition of a high school program under Professor Jerónimo Zolesi, it became the Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernández we know today. Zolesi remained a guiding force as principal until 1938. The school’s motto, “Luz más luz” (Light, more light), is prominently displayed on the school’s shield, insignia, and even woven into its hymn. This dedication to enlightenment reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering knowledge and critical thinking. Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernández has served generations of students, from preschool through secondary school. The school now offers a diverse range of programs. These include the International Baccalaureate and, since 2013, a degree in primary education teaching through the Elbio Fernández University Institute. It is a place where students not only receive a comprehensive education but also develop a lifelong love of learning. The school’s alumni list reads like a “who’s who” of Uruguayan society. Three Uruguayan presidents, a vice president, and numerous intellectuals, artists, and athletes all passed through these halls. From poets to politicians, the influence of Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernández is undeniable. Today, the school occupies multiple buildings in Montevideo’s Palermo neighborhood. Each building houses a different educational stage. It also maintains a sports field in Neptunia, Canelones Department. As you stand before Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernández, remember that you are at the heart of a legacy of learning, a place where “Light, more light” continues to guide generations of Uruguayans.