Knights’ School

college, Poland

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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The Knights' School was established in Poland in 1765 by Stanisław II August Poniatowski, the last king of Poland. This institution was the first truly secular college in the country. Its primary aim was to promote civil virtues and religious tolerance, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of the era. The school was part of a broader reform program initiated by the king to modernize Poland, encouraging advancements in economic, financial, and military spheres. It also sought to improve the treatment of towns and the peasantry. The Knights' School played a role in changing the conservative mentality of the Polish nobility, known as the szlachta.1

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Poland
Reform under Stanisław II
In 1765 Stanisław established the Knights’ School—the first truly secular college, which promoted civil virtues and religious toleration—and criticized the treatment of towns and peasantry.
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In 1765 Stanisław established the Knights’ School—the first truly secular college, which promoted civil virtues and religious toleration—and criticized the treatment of towns and peasantry.
Read More