The Adam Mickiewicz Polish School operates under the patronage of the Polish Embassy in Paris. Established in 1842 on the initiative of General Józef Dwernicki and other representatives of the Great Emigration after the fall of the November Uprising, affiliated to the Paris-based Scientific Aid Society, the school was the first educational institution created for generations of Poles entering adult life abroad.

History of the school

From its inception, one of the school's programme aims was to educate pupils in the national spirit, regardless of their parents' class background or political views. Since the 19th century, the school has enjoyed a good reputation, great interest from the Polish community and the favour of the French authorities. Among the most important personalities who influenced its form and development in the 19th century was Seweryn Gałęzowski, a physician, social activist and professor who served as its admiral director for many years.

Patron of the institution - Adam Mickiewicz

One of the founders of the school and the current patron (from 2019) of the institution, Adam Mickiewicz, was also an important figure in the school's history. In the 1850s, the poet served as vice-chairman of the school council and his sons attended the institution. During this period, he often spoke at official ceremonies. After Mickiewicz's death, the Association of Former Students of the Polish School repeatedly organised evenings signed with his name to raise money for the school. Among the most interesting initiatives at these meetings was the organisation of a living painting entitled Mickiewicz's Apotheosis arranged by Cyprian Godebski (1886).

History of the school's premises

The Polish School was initially called the National Polish School and was located near Paris in Chatillon-sous-Bagneux. Only two years after its opening, it gained an admistrative seat outside the corners of Paris, in the commune of Clichy, in the area known as Batignolles (now the 17th district of Paris). In 1872, due to financial problems and a decline in the number of pupils, the school finalised the purchase of a smaller premises at 13/15 rue Lamande. Despite temporary financial problems in the 1960s, the school is still in operation today, providing education for Polish children abroad.