Boston Latin School, founded on April 23, 1635, is the oldest public school in America. It offered free education to boys - rich or poor - while girls attended private schools at home. Until the completion of the schoolhouse in 1645, classes were held in the home of the first headmaster, Philemon Pormont. A mosaic and a statue of former student Benjamin Franklin currently marks the location of the original schoolhouse.
Visiting Boston Latin School Site/Benjamin Franklin Statue
45 School St.
Boston, MA 02108
Managed by the City of Boston
Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture
Access Information
- Wheelchair Accessible
Featured Photo of Tour Site
ca. 1855–1862
Digital Commonwealth
Boston Latin School Site
A mosaic and a statue of former student Benjamin Franklin currently marks the School Street location of the original schoolhouse. Five signers of the Declaration of Independence attended Boston Latin: Franklin, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, and William Hooper. Of the five, only four graduated. Franklin, though one of America’s greatest minds, is also one of its most notable dropouts. The original wooden Boston Latin school building was torn down in 1745 to make way for an expanded King’s Chapel, but the school has continued in different locations. It is currently located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston and as of 1972, admits both boys and girls.