Postcards were often used to send short messages. They were cheaper than regular letters in an envelope. The front of the card was decorated with drawings or photographs. The collection of the Belozersky Regional Museum of Local History contains postcards with city views. This one depicts the specialized city school and the women’s gymnasium. By 1896, after the reforms were implemented, the number of schools in Belozersk had increased to 64 and the number of students to 2444.

Since the 1860s, training of pedagogical personnel in Belozersky County has begun. In 1869, nine people from the county went to teacher training courses in Cherepovets, but soon pedagogical courses were held in Belozersk itself.

During the 1860-1880s schools were usually housed in the buildings of parish councils or rented peasant’s houses. Such spaces were cramped and stuffy, and strangers were always present during the classes. It was not until the 1890s that designated buildings were built for schools. By decision of the district council, teachers not only taught children, but also engaged in agriculture. Each school was allocated land to grow vegetables and fruit. Teachers were even sent to gardening and vegeculture courses.

At the late 19th - early 20th century there appeared a specialized city school in Belozersk. There also opened a religious school, 3 parish schools and a women’s gymnasium. The Belozersk Specialized City School, which can be seen in the postcard, appeared in 1875. Initially the school had three grades, later – for grades. The 2nd Belozersk Boys-only Parish School was founded on the basis of two junior departments. On September 14, 1912, the Specialized City School of Belozersk was closed, and based on it the Belozersk Higher Primary School appeared, which existed until 1918. Belozersk women’s progymnasium, which is also depicted in the photo, was opened in 1870, and in it was 1907 transformed into a gymnasium.