Home / Education / Oldest US School: Founded Before America!
Oldest US School: Founded Before America!
2 Jul
Summary
- Boston Latin School, founded in 1635, predates the U.S.
- It's the first school established in the country.
- The school has educated notable figures like Benjamin Franklin.
Founded on April 23, 1635, Boston Latin School in Massachusetts holds the distinction of being the first school established in the United States. It predates the nation's formation by more than a century and is even older than Harvard University, founded just a year prior.
The school's early years saw classes held in private residences until its first dedicated building was erected in 1643. Initially, it admitted only white male students, with age restrictions and gender inclusivity evolving significantly over centuries. The first Black student graduated in 1877, and women were first admitted in 1972.
Today, Boston Latin School educates over 2,000 students across grades 7 through 12. Admission still requires a rigorous entrance examination, maintaining its status as a public exam school. Its alumni roster boasts historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock.
