Originally established in 1661 as the Colegio Grande de San Carlos, the institution has undergone several name and program changes throughout its history. It was reopened in 1772 as the Real Colegio de San Carlos and later renamed the Real Convictorio Carolino in 1783. In 1863, it was redesignated as the Colegio Nacional by President Bartolomé Mitre. Since 1911, the school has been administered by the University of Buenos Aires. It has a rich history of producing successful alumni, including Argentina's founding fathers, presidents, internationally recognized scientists, artists, and two Nobel laureates. The school has also gained recognition for its students' achievements in science olympiads.