Colegio Educandas, Educational heritage site in Cusco, Peru.
Colegio Educandas is an active school in central Cusco that continues to teach primary and secondary students within its historic walls. The building sits at a central location and serves both as a functioning educational space and as a heritage structure recognized for its historical importance.
Simón Bolívar founded this school in 1825 shortly after Peru gained independence, making it one of the first educational institutions of the new nation. It has maintained its original purpose since then and remains an active place of learning to this day.
The institution carries a name rooted in its historical mission to advance girls' education in Peru, visible in how it continues serving young female students today. Walking through its halls, you encounter a place that has prioritized women's schooling since its founding, making education for girls a lived practice rather than just a policy.
The school sits on Calle Teatro in the old city center and is easily reached while exploring the historic area on foot. Since it remains an active institution with regular classes, the building is occupied during school hours, so plan your visit accordingly.
The building holds the unusual dual role of functioning as both an active school and a national heritage site, meaning teachers and students work daily in a place that is also protected for its historical value. This combination is rare, as most schools from that era have been converted to museums or offices.
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