Colégio Pedro II (Pedro II College) is a Public University located in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Named after Pedro II of Brazil, it was established on 2 December 1837, and made official by Imperial decree on 20 December of the same year. It was named after the Emperor, since it was established on his birthday. Its first campus, downtown Rio de Janeiro, functions to this day.
Its origins can be traced to the Saint Peter Orphans' School founded in 1739, and later renamed to Saint Joachim School in 1766.
The Imperial Colégio de Pedro II was established in 1837 as part of a drive for national unity under the monarchy.[1]
The school is mentioned in the Brazilian Constitution, which says that it should remain under the Federal orbit.[citation needed]
