On what date was Boston Latin School founded?

Boston Latin School was founded on April 23, 1635.

The Town of Boston established the school during the early colonial period, making it one of the oldest continuously operating schools in the United States. It was modeled on the Free Grammar School of Boston, England, and initially emphasized classical subjects such as Latin.

The first classes were held in the home of the school’s first master, Philemon Pormort. John Hull became the first known graduate in 1637. The school’s original mission was to provide classical education to young men from different social classes and prepare some students for colonial colleges.

Boston Latin is a public magnet school today and serves grades 7 through 12. It became coeducational in 1972. Its motto, “Sumus Primi,” means “We are first,” reflecting its long history and its place in discussions of early American public education.