Travel Itinerary
Nestled in Boston’s vibrant streets stands America’s oldest public high school, a living monument to education that has shaped minds since 1635.
Boston Latin School has witnessed nearly four centuries of American history while consistently producing exceptional scholars.
The school’s remarkable longevity and academic excellence offer fascinating insights into our educational heritage and the enduring power of quality learning.
1. Legacy of Excellence
Step into Boston Latin School and immediately feel the weight of history beneath your feet. Students walk the same educational path as founding father Benjamin Franklin and five signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Alumni include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Leonard Bernstein, and Joseph Kennedy. The school’s rigorous classical curriculum has remained its cornerstone, blending ancient traditions with modern innovations throughout its storied history.
2. Revolutionary Beginnings
Founded just fifteen years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Boston Latin emerged during America’s infancy. Originally created to educate colonial boys for Harvard College, the school started with a single teacher and handful of students.
During the American Revolution, classes continued despite nearby battles. Many graduates directly participated in founding the nation, cementing the school’s place in American history.
3. Classical Curriculum Cornerstone
Latin isn’t just in the name; it’s woven into the school’s DNA. Students still tackle classical languages alongside modern subjects, maintaining educational traditions dating back centuries.
While most high schools abandoned Latin and Greek long ago, Boston Latin embraces these subjects as foundational. Graduates often cite this classical training as key to their analytical thinking skills and academic success in college and beyond.
4. Evolution and Adaptation
Weathering nearly four centuries requires remarkable adaptability. From all-male beginnings to today’s diverse student body, Boston Latin has constantly evolved while preserving its core mission.
Girls gained admission in 1972, transforming the institution. Modern technology now enhances classical education in state-of-the-art facilities. Throughout wars, depressions, and pandemics, this educational beacon has never dimmed its light.
5. America’s Educational Blueprint
Boston Latin didn’t just educate students. It helped create America’s public education model. As our nation’s first public school, it established principles that would spread across the country.
Free education available to qualified students regardless of background was revolutionary in 1635. Today, thousands of public high schools trace their philosophical lineage to this pioneering institution, making Boston Latin truly America’s educational cornerstone.