Gymnasium Erasmianum

The Gymnasium Erasmianum, located in Rotterdam, is known as one of the oldest schools in the Netherlands, established in 1328. It predates Rotterdam's city status by nearly twenty years and was renamed after Desiderius Erasmus in 1842. The school originally stood at the corner of Coolsingel and Laurensstraat but moved to Wytemaweg in 1937. During World War II, its building survived the German invasion as it was outside the bombing zone.

The school offers pre-university education with Latin and Ancient Greek mandatory in its curriculum. It serves a diverse student body, with more non-Dutch students than any other Gymnasium in the Netherlands, totaling 1,170 students and 80 teachers. Its motto, "Ex Pluribus Unum," reflects its commitment to unity through diversity.

Notable alumni include prominent figures such as Edsger W. Dijkstra (computer scientist), Robbert Dijkgraaf (theoretical physicist and politician), and Daan Bovenberg (footballer). The school also boasts a distinguished list of former teachers, including J.H. Leopold (poet) and Édouard Piaget (entomologist).

The Gymnasium Erasmianum is home to the RGB, a student society organizing cultural events. Other active organizations include De Tolle lege (school newspaper), Debatingsociety Pro et Contra, GSA, Leerlingenraad, Semper Floreat, and others, fostering a vibrant community beyond academics.