During my high school years, I would leave my home in Worcester before dawn each morning, catch the train into Boston, transfer to the subway, and then hop onto a bus to reach the storied halls of Boston Latin School (BLS). Passing the rigorous entrance exam was the first challenge. Although BLS is my alma mater, it is not just a school; it is a historic institution that set the precedent for higher education in the United States and shaped the minds of many of the most outstanding leaders in American history.
Founded in 1635 and modeled after classical European grammar schools, Boston Latin School is the oldest public school in the United States. Its establishment coincided with the intellectual and religious transformation occurring as the Puritan settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony placed a profound emphasis on education and literacy. They believed that a well-educated populace was essential for maintaining a moral and orderly society and for reading and interpreting religious scripture independently.
Boston Latin School, established one year before Harvard College, emphasized the study of Latin and Greek. It viewed these languages as essential for accessing the knowledge of antiquity and preparing young men for leadership roles in society. This approach aligns with the Puritan belief in disciplined study and intellectual rigor as necessary virtues for spiritual and civic life. Even today, the school’s motto, Sumus Primi (We are first), underscores its pioneering role in American education, laying the foundation for a system that has valued academic excellence and scholarly pursuit from its earliest days.
Boston Latin has cultivated some of the most influential minds in American history for nearly four centuries. Its alumni include five signers of the Declaration of Independence: John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin (who later dropped out), Robert Treat Paine, and William Hooper. Other notable graduates include former U.S. President John Adams, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and George Santayana.
Entry into Boston Latin School is highly competitive. While thousands of students from the Boston area apply each year, only a fraction receive acceptance. Admission is determined by an exam process centered around the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) and a student’s academic record.
Boston Latin’s influence extends far beyond its walls. Many of the country’s elite preparatory schools have modeled themselves after BLS, emphasizing the study of classical languages and liberal arts as a foundation for higher learning.
Reflecting on my time at Boston Latin, I see it as a school and a living testament to the power of education in shaping minds and futures. Whether through the wisdom of Plato, the intricacies of Latin grammar, or the discipline required to master complex concepts, BLS instills a lifelong love of learning. It will always be where I balanced philosophy and perseverance, learning that intellect and dedication play crucial roles in shaping the world.