As one of the original colonies, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was the first for many things in America. It was home to the first Thanksgiving, the first university (Harvard), the first public park (Boston Common), and the first post office, among other firsts. Did you know that Massachusetts was also home to the first public school in America? And it’s still in use today.

The year was 1635 when Boston Latin School was established. It was the very first public school in the nation, preceding the establishment of the United States
Nick Allen/Wikimedia Commons
This school started as a secondary school for boys only and was opened to prepare students for college. Over the years, the school had a few students who became notable historical figures including John Hancock and Samuel Adams.
Boston Public Library/Flickr
The Free Grammar School located in Boston, England was what the Boston Latin School was modeled after. Its curriculum was humanities-based and both the Latin and Greek languages were taught.
Boston City Archives/Flickr

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Public funds were used to support the school. The first classes were taught at the home of Philemon Pormon, the school's first headmaster.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Fast forward to 1972 when the Boston Latin School became co-ed, and it is still a school to this day. Grades 7-12 are taught here.
Ijon/Wikimedia Commons
While the location of the school has changed over the centuries, its curriculum has kept many of its core values in its Classics Program. Today, Boston Latin School resides at 27 School Street in Boston.
John Phelan/Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that Massachusetts was home to the first public school in America? Did you happen to go to Boston Latin School? Let us know if you graduated from there in the comments. To learn more, visit the Boston Latin School’s official website.

Massachusetts is home to many firsts in our nation including Boston Common, the first public park in America.

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