During the late 19th-early 20th century it became the most important Greek school in the city, possessing an archaeological museum, a natural science collection and a library, which contained some 50,000 volumes and 180 manuscripts.

In 1811, Theophilos Kairis became headmaster, followed by Benjamin of Lesbos in 1820, both of them figures of the modern Greek Enlightenment and two of the most eminent representatives of the group of reform mathematics teachers from the Eastern Aegean region.

[8] With the years the school adopted more progressive and rationalistic educational methods, as well as the teaching of modern mathematics and sciences in the 'Western' manner, which at times attracted the attention of the conservative circles of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Apart from the schools, it possessed an archaeological museum, significant natural science collection, and an excellent library which contained some 50,000 volumes and 180 manuscripts.

[3] Numerous graduates of the school such as Giorgos Tsitseklis and Nikos Manganiotis, despite being citizens of the Ottoman Empire volunteered for the Greek Army.