Boston Latin School: The Oldest High School in the U.S. That Predates Harvard!

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Race Day Live Massachusetts is known for having one of the best education systems in the country. But did you know it also has the oldest high school in the United States?

The state’s oldest high school was the very first school of any kind in the country. Founded in 1635, Boston Latin School is even older than the United States itself.

It was established a year before Harvard University, making it one of the most historic institutions in the nation.

Boston Latin School was founded on April 23, 1635, by the town of Boston, with the help of Reverend John Cotton. In the early days, classes were held in schoolmasters’ homes, where students studied Latin, Greek, and the humanities.

It wasn’t until 1643 that the school got its first building on South Street. Over the years, the school moved to several locations before settling in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood in 1922, where it still operates today.

In its early years, Boston Latin School only admitted white male students of all ages. In 1847, the school set an admission age of 12, which is the equivalent of today’s seventh grade—the lowest grade the school now offers.

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The first Black student graduated in 1877, and in 1972, the school began accepting female students. Today, the school serves over 2,000 students from grades 7-12.

Boston Latin School remains one of Boston’s three public exam schools, meaning students must pass an entrance test to gain admission.

The school is known for its challenging curriculum and high academic standards. Over the years, it has produced many famous alumni, including founding fathers Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock, as well as poet Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Even after nearly 400 years, Boston Latin School continues to provide top-quality education. Its long history and commitment to academic excellence make it an important part of American history.

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