October 14, 2025

Boston Latin School Celebrates 400 Years of Excellence

News Summary

Boston Latin School, the oldest high school in America, is celebrating its nearly 400-year history while addressing modern challenges, including diversity. Founded in 1635, BLS has a rich legacy of academic excellence and notable alumni. Recent efforts to diversify the student body have been implemented, alongside initiatives for community engagement and sustainability. As BLS prepares for the future under new leadership, discussions on inclusion and educational evolution are central to its mission.

Boston is celebrating the nearly 400-year history of the Boston Latin School (BLS), recognized as the oldest high school in America since its founding on April 23, 1635. This prestigious institution was established by the town of Boston under the leadership of Reverend John Cotton. BLS’s legacy continues despite ongoing challenges regarding diversity within its student body.

Located in the Fenway neighborhood since 1922, Boston Latin School currently serves over 2,000 students in grades 7-12. The school is well-known for its rigorous academic standards and competitive admissions process, which involves an entrance examination. It is one of only three public exam schools in Boston and has a proud history of producing notable alumni, including founding fathers Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock, as well as poet Ralph Waldo Emerson.

As the oldest high school in the country, BLS boasts a rich historical background. Classes initially took place in the homes of schoolmasters until a dedicated building was constructed in 1643. The school was modeled after the grammar schools of England and originally focused on classical education, particularly in Latin and Greek, aiming to prepare young boys for further studies at Harvard, which itself was established just a year later, in 1636. Over the years, the school has undergone various changes, including raising the minimum age for admission to 12 years by 1847 and eventually admitting its first Black student in 1877. It was not until 1972 that women were first included as students.

Despite its historical significance, Boston Latin School has faced criticism regarding its diversity. In 2020, reports indicated that the school’s student body included only 6 percent Black and 12 percent Latinx students. In an effort to address these disparities, the Boston school committee approved a change in admissions policy in 2021 to consider socioeconomic status, which led to a notable decrease in acceptance rates for white and Asian students. Recent statistics show that for the latest school year, 22 percent of new seventh graders are Black while 21 percent are Latinx, and white student admissions dropped to 23 percent.

To further engage with contemporary issues, students at BLS have been active in projects such as the Boston Latin School Youth Climate Action Network, which aims to contribute to Boston’s Climate Action Plan. This initiative reflects the school’s commitment not only to academic excellence but also to sustainability and community engagement.

Looking toward the future, Boston Latin School is adapting to modern educational demands while preserving its historic identity. In preparation for the 2023-2024 academic year, Jason Gallagher has been appointed as the new head of school, a role he takes on during this significant period of evolution for the school.

The Boston Latin School represents a remarkable blend of rich history and modern educational challenges. As it approaches its 400-year anniversary, discussions about how to ensure a diverse and inclusive environment for all students remain at the forefront of the school’s mission.

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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.