The secondary and post-secondary schools that provided essential education to just a small percentage of the male population in the first half of the 19th century played an irreplaceable role in the formation of the future elites in early modem society in the Czech lands. The Bishop’s Seminary (founded in 1804), the Philosophy Lyceum (1803) and the Piaristické Gymnasium (1762), operating simultaneously, became a strong attraction for young people from České Budějovice, where the schools were located, and from all of Southern Bohemia and the surrounding areas, who were longing for a higher education. A study of records from chronicles, annual reports, and the study catalogues of these schools made it possible to obtain a better understanding of their significance for the life of the town and this Southern Bohemian region. Between 1800 and 1848, 4909 boys studied at the gymnasium, most of whom were from families of tradesmen and architects, and there was also a large proportion of boys from families of teachers. The school’s catchment area took in České Budějovice, Southern and Southwest Bohemia, and the proportion of students from the rest of Bohemia, Austria, Moravia, and Silesia was much lower. Information on the Philosophy Lyceum provides a very similar picture. Between 1803 and 1846, 2556 students enrolled in the first year of study. In terms of their socio-professional composition the majority of lyceum students were from tradesmen and agricultural families, and from families of public officials and teachers. The lyceum’s catchment area was very similar to that of the gymnasium. The social and territorial composition of the theology students (1618 in total) was very similar to that of the Philosophy Lyceum, which was also from where it received the most students.