Gymnasia Balfour

Ironi Alef High School (Hebrew: תיכון עירוני א'‎‎), previously Gymnasia Balfour (Hebrew: גימנסיה בלפור‎‎), is a famous high school located in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The Gymnasia Balfour was founded in 1931 by Dr. Alexander Koler as a private gymnasium, Real Balfour Gymnasia (Hebrew: הגימנסיה הריאלית בלפור‎‎). Koler decided to build the gymnasium similar in spirit to those in Europe which would provide its students education in Hebrew that would allow them to enter a university. He had previously managed a government-run gymnasium in Galicia (modern-day Poland). The school was situated on Mazeh Street in Tel Aviv, near the water tower. Koler carefully chose the teachers for the school – most of whom were immigrants from Eastern Europe whom he knew personally from his days in Poland. In addition to general curriculum, selective students were given an opportunity to partake in a business school. These students did not continue their extended studies in English, Hebrew and mathematics.

The school quickly developed into a very prestigious and selective institution, providing the highest levels of education in the country. The school became a Jewish cultural with national values. Due to its great success, Koler founded a second school in Ramat Gan called Ohel Shem.

In 1935, Paul Rieger took over as the head of the school until 1943. During those years Rieger had significant influence on the school. Rieger improved, the teaching methods were improved, which increased the level of education. The results were evident in the significant increase in the number of applicants. After a number of years, Rieger left to head Levinsky College of Education. He was succeeded by David Rachavi (Rakowitzki).

In July 1947 the school discontinued its private operations and was sold to the Tel Aviv municipality. It had since been renamed to Ironi Alef High School (Hebrew: "תיכון עירוני א"‎‎). Even after becoming a public school, the school maintained its prestigious standing. After its sale to the Tel Aviv municipality and after and during the first few years after the creation of Israel the school continued to operate by David Rachavi at its previous address. The school was than relocated to Shprintsak Street in Tel Aviv. Dr. Joseph Fried replaced Rachavi from 1963 until 1975. In 1976 he was succeeded by David Ben-Zvi until 1980.

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