As mentioned before, Anna completed primary school at the age of nine and was preparing to continue her education. She was diligently studying for her final exams at the end of the 4^th grade of the Russian Gymnasium for Girls (a secondary school).

The history of the school goes back to July 29, 1866. After the czar’s ukase, the Pre-Gymnasium for Girls (an incomplete secondary school) was established in Siedlce. The school had four classes and was meant for the Uniate population (Greek Catholic). In 1869, the school was named the Siedlce Four Class Pre-Gymnasium for Girls. From 1872, it became a seven-class school.

Conditions in the school were quite poor. The classrooms were small and cramped. There was no separate room for a library or for teaching the natural sciences. The cloakrooms were located in the corridor. The school had seven classes and one preparatory class. The curriculum was imposed by the Russian Ministry of National Enlightenment. The girls also learned singing, dancing, and gymnastics. Lessons were taught in Russian.

A year after Anna’s completion of primary school that is in 1911, the gymnasium was attended by 298 girls, among them were 210 Orthodox, 42 Roman Catholics, and 46 Jews.

Non-local pupils could stay in a hall of residence built on the model of a boarding house, which was located at a great distance from the school at Stodolna Street (currently 3 Maja Street). A university hall of residence is now located in its place.

When the Russians left Siedlce in 1915, the school ceased to function. In the school year 1916/1917, an abandoned building was taken over by Jadwiga Barszczewska Secondary (Real) School.

Now we head down Konarski Street (previously known as Szkolna Street) to the north. We walk along the park fence. The school buildings are located on the left.