Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The college of Anchin, founded in the early seventeenth century in Douai by the Society of Jesus, was a major educational institution until the dissolution of the Jesuits in 1764. After that date, he was merged with the Royal College of the University of Douai by a decree of the Parliament of Flanders in 1765, becoming a "National College" between 1790 and 1795. This site reflects the political and educational transformations of France, from a religious institution to a secular institution under the influence of revolutions and imperial reforms.

In the 19th century, the buildings were reassigned to imperial high school according to the law of 1802, then to royal college after 1815, before becoming a secondary school again in 1848. During the two world wars, the site served as a hospital and barracks, suffering extensive damage. Between 1997 and 2005, a complete renovation transformed the former college into the current Albert-Châtelet High School, preserving its chapel, which was listed as a historic monument in 1930. This place thus illustrates the architectural and educational evolution over more than four centuries.

The Albert-Châtelet High School now houses preparatory classes for large schools (CPGE), literary and scientific, perpetuating a tradition of educational excellence initiated by the Jesuits. His illustrious teachers include names such as Hippolyte Maze (history), Henri Berr (philosophy), or Charles Bioche (mathematics), while former students such as Albert Châtelet have marked his history. The 2015 ranking placed him 60th out of 99 high schools in the Northern Department, highlighting his contemporary role in the regional educational landscape.

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