Cosmas of Aetolia was the first individual who attempted to establish a school in Preveza but he was forced out of town by the hostility of the Venetian authorities. He came back in 1779 and opened the town’s first Greek school. In 1800 Ignatius, the Metropolitan of Arta and Nafpaktos, opened another school to teach ancient Greek, in order to improve the understanding of the Bible. The lack of funds impeded the operation of schools. Private generosity and the contributions of the Church could not satisfy the increasing educational demands. Lord Guildford donated 500 piasters (Ottoman coins) to establish a school but the money was used to build a small courthouse.