Since 1851, only a private secondary school with four classes operated in Makó, but it closed in 1872. After its closure, the town was left without a secondary educational institution. Therefore, according to the decision made on August 9, 1875, at a general assembly, the reformed school became accessible to students from other denominations as well. It operated until 1880.

On the 400-square-meter site, 8 classrooms, 4 smaller rooms, a 140-square-meter drawing room, a 72-square-meter conference room, and several smaller storage rooms were arranged. A library for teachers, a library for young people, an office for the headmaster, and a room for teachers were also set up. The building included a gymnasium with restrooms. The school provided space for a 5-room apartment for the headmaster and two smaller apartments for the maintenance staff. The official inauguration took place on September 15, 1895.

The secondary school was named Csanád vezér until 1950, and was later known as “Szántó Kovács János State Secondary School” until 1955.

The building currently operates under the name József Attila Secondary School in Makó. Its main activity is daytime secondary education. It offers 4- and 8-year courses. The institution teaches 500 students, divided into 20 classes. Education is provided in specialties such as general education, English language, biology, humanities, mathematics, computer science, and knowledge of film and media.

It is considered one of the best 4-5 high schools in Csongrád County.