Historic Córdoba Schools: First Female Rector at Monserrat, Carbó's 142nd Anniversary

Two of Córdoba's most historic educational institutions are making news this week: the Colegio Nacional de Monserrat — Argentina's oldest secondary school — elected its first female rector in 339 years, while the Escuela Normal Superior Dr. Alejandro Carbó celebrated its 142nd anniversary with a community embrace. Source: Clarín, La Voz

First Female Rector at Monserrat

After 339 years of all-male leadership, María José Alcazar (54) was elected rector of the Colegio Nacional de Monserrat, founded in 1687 by Jesuit priest Ignacio Duarte y Quirós. Source: Clarín Alcazar, an English teacher who joined the school when women were first admitted as students in 1998, reflects: "Siempre digo que las mujeres vienen haciendo su camino desde hace rato en el Monserrat." Source: Clarín The election was held democratically under the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.

Carbó's 142nd Anniversary

Meanwhile, the Escuela Normal Superior Dr. Alejandro Carbó — founded June 2, 1884 as the "Escuela Normal Nacional de Maestras" — marked its 142 years with a symbolic embrace of its landmark building and a solidarity collection. Source: La Voz Known as a "fábrica de maestras," the school graduated its first four teachers in 1887: Cristina Morcillo, Urbana Casas, Victoria Casas, and Delfina Savio. Source: La Voz Its building occupies an entire city block and has housed generations of educators.

These milestones highlight the evolving role of women in education and the enduring legacy of Córdoba's oldest schools.