XIII Liceum Ogólnokształcące z Oddziałami Dwujęzycznymi im. Pułkownika Leopolda Lisa-Kuli

From a modest V Men’s Gymnasium to a distinguished institution, the XIII Liceum Ogólnokształcące z Oddziałami Dwujęzycznymi im. Pułkownika Leopolda Lisa-Kuli has witnessed nearly a century of Warsaw’s history. Here, at Oszmiańska 23/25, stands a testament to resilience and the enduring power of education. The XIII Liceum, or as some still fondly refer to it, the Lisa-Kuli, opened its doors in 1928 under the watchful eye of the 36th Infantry Regiment, veterans of Piłsudski’s Legions. They chose as their patron a young hero of World War I and the Polish-Ukrainian War: Colonel Leopold Lis-Kuli. Imagine the spirit of those early days, echoing the school’s motto, “Sapere aude! Dare to be wise!”. The school’s history is a tapestry woven with threads of triumph and adversity. Originally located on Odrowąża Street, the XIII Liceum boasted extensive grounds, including a vast garden, a sports field, and even a small lake used for kayaking in summer and ice skating in winter. This vibrant hub fostered a rich array of student organizations, from choirs and orchestras to a photography club and a hiking group called “Włóczykije.” The gymnasium even doubled as a performance hall and cinema. The school flourished, attracting bright young minds from across Warsaw. The year 1937 marked a momentous occasion, with Marshal Edward Rydz-Śmigły, himself one of Colonel Lis-Kuli’s commanders, attending the consecration of the school’s banner. However, the tranquility was shattered in 1939 when the Nazis seized the school building. During the occupation, classes continued in secret, a testament to the unwavering dedication to learning. After the war, the school returned to its original location, though the building was heavily damaged. Through the collective efforts of staff, students, and parents, the XIII Liceum was restored, reopening in the spring of 1945 as a co-educational institution. During the years of the Polish People’s Republic, the school lost its original name and patron, becoming the XIII Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Ludwika Waryńskiego and relocating to its current address on Oszmiańska Street. But the spirit of Lis-Kuli endured. In 1989, a reunion of alumni sparked a movement to reinstate the school’s original name and patron. This culminated in a grand ceremony on November 10, 1990, where the historical school banner, miraculously saved from the war, was reconsecrated. In the decades since, the XIII Liceum Ogólnokształcące has continued to thrive, earning a Silver Shield in the Perspektywy 2025 ranking, a prestigious recognition of academic excellence. From hosting district-wide “Matura Polonaise” celebrations to boasting a state-of-the-art TV studio and a modern sports hall, the school continues to nurture young talent. The legacy of Colonel Leopold Lis-Kuli lives on, inspiring students to “Dare to be wise!” as they walk the halls of this remarkable institution.