It became a four-year classical gymnasium in 1867, with a fifth grade added for students wishing to pursue a business career.

In 1916, when Romania entered World War I, seven teachers were sent to the front, while the building became a hospital for the wounded and classes were suspended.

The following December, for the first time in decades, the tradition of celebrating the school's spiritual patron, Saint Nicholas, was revived.

A permanent building was begun in 1885 on empty land donated by the city; Alexandru Săvulescu was the architect.

[2] Due to damage sustained during World War I, classes were held in primary schools until January 1919, and repairs were not finalized until 1924.

From the close of the 1944–1945 academic year until the end of September 1945, the school building and dormitory were once again a Soviet hospital.

[2] The school building is listed as a historic monument by Romania's Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs.