Saint Louis School, French Catholic educational institution in Tehran, Iran
Saint Louis School is an educational institution in Tehran that provided both elementary and high school education in Persian and French languages. The building sits in the Lalehzar district and combines French architectural influences with the urban character of Iran's capital city.
Lazarist Catholic missionaries founded the school in 1862 and introduced French Catholic education to Tehran. This establishment marked the beginning of an institution that would educate generations of students from the region for many decades to come.
The school brought together students from different backgrounds to learn in both Persian and French, creating a space where two languages and ways of thinking coexisted. This bilingual environment shaped many graduates who later became influential voices in literature and ideas.
The curriculum focused on scientific subjects and language instruction, with a teaching approach that avoided physical punishment. Keep in mind that it remains an active educational institution, so access may be limited to specific visiting hours or periods.
In 1940, Reza Shah ordered the school to change its name to Tehran School, but it later returned to its original name. This episode shows how the institution navigated through the country's political shifts and found a way to reclaim its identity.
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