FIRST Public School in the USA - Boston, MA
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NorStar
N 42° 21.452 W 071° 03.532
19T E 330443 N 4691526
Two signs, one a mosaic in the sidewalk, and the other a mural in the entrance arch of the Old City Hall building, make the claim that this was the location of the oldest public school in the country.
Waymark Code: WMCA3H
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 08/14/2011
Views: 23
In Boston, along School Street and near the intersection with Washington Street is the Old City Hall. Two signs, one a mosaic in the sidewalk, and the other a mural in the entrance arch of the Old City Hall building, make the claim that this was the location of the oldest public school in the country.
The easiest one to see is the mosaic in the sidewalk. This mosaic is in the form of a hopscotch pattern and shows children at play, as well as a simple depiction of the school building and text. The text states: "Latin - School - School Street Boston - Site of the oldest public school in the United States - Founded 1635." There is additional text that describes the city record of an agreement to build the replacement building in 1749, and quotes from other people.
The mural has more information. The part that pertains to the school is titled "Boston Public Latin School." At the top, a scene drawn as if it were charcoal renderings, show children at play. Several children are in activities that bely what they would be known for as adults. Can you guess who is flying a kite? The text immediately below the title is as follows: "At the corner of this site stood the first public school in America. Built in 1635, the school gave the street its name. In 1636, a subscription was raised for a free schoolmaster. In 1645, the town also stipulated that 'Indians are to be taught gratis.'" The text below states, "The Boston Public Latin School stood on the north side of School Street from 1635 to 1749, at which point it was relocated to the opposite side where it remained until 1841. The Boston Public Latin School is now located in Roxbury and is now the oldest educational institution in the country. The Public Latin School provided free education to such notable figures in American history as John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Charles Bulfinch and Benjamin Franklin. Franklin, (1706 - 1790) was born in Boston and attended school on this site before pursuing a distinguished career as an author, inventor, politician and statesman."
Of course, such broad claims have to be investigated further. The school's own web site has a history page. The history page again makes the claim that the school is the oldest public school in the country, and preceded the founding of Harvard University, the oldest institute of higher learning, by over a year. The school's establishement was due in a great measure to Rev. John Cotton, a well known minister in the colony, who wanted to establish a school like the Free Grammar School of Boston, England, where Latin and Greek were taught. The web site further states: "From the earliest years the town assigned public funds to the support of the school. It was eventually voted "to allow forever fifty pounds to the Master, and a house, and thirty pounds to an usher" (assistant teacher). In 1638, Pormort's assistant, Daniel Maude, succeeded him as Master, and conducted classes in his own home until 1643."
The Wikipedia article for Boston Latin also collaborates, stating: "It is both the first public school and oldest existing school in the United States." Thus, the claims appear to be valid.
Boston Latin, today, is still considered a top-notch school. Web sites make the statement that over 99% of the graduats go on to college, including several to Harvard University.
So, play hopscotch on the plaque in the sidewalk or walk in the courtyard and look at the statue of the schools most distinguished drop-out - Benjamin Franklin.
Additional Source:
Wikipedia (Boston Latin School):
(
visit link)