On April 23, 1635, the first public school in what would become the United States was established in Boston, Massachusetts. Known as the Boston Latin School, this boys-only public secondary school was led by schoolmaster Philemon Pormont, a Puritan settler. The Boston Latin School was strictly for college preparation. It was modeled after the Free Grammar School of Boston, England. The English school taught Latin and Greek and was centered on the humanities. Some of the Boston Latin School’s most well-known alumni include John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Benjamin Franklin was a dropout!
 
The Boston Latin School is still a fully functioning public school, with students enrolled in grades 7-12. However, it has changed with time, becoming coeducational in 1972 and moving locations several times. It is now in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. Admission to Boston Latin is very competitive, and is limited to residents of the city.
city
Noun

large settlement with a high population density.
establish
Verb

to form or officially organize.
humanities
Plural Noun

the study of history, literature, arts, and philosophy.
Latin
Noun

language of ancient Rome and the Roman Empire.
public
Adjective

available to an entire community, not limited to paying members.
Puritan
Noun

member of a strict Protestant religious and political group that originated in England in the 1500s.

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    Editor

    Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society

    Producer

    Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society

    Last Updated

    Dec. 16, 2013

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