The Oldest Schools in Every U.S. State (2024)

“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. ... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” — Thomas Jefferson

Education is an invaluable cornerstone of America’s success; the Founding Fathers heralded education as an American right and believed it was crucial to ensure our freedom. What education did the Founding Fathers have? Several of the founders of the United States attended Harvard, America’s oldest college. John Adams was a Harvard graduate, James Madison was a Princeton graduate, and Thomas Jefferson attended the College of William and Mary. To celebrate the spirit of education that has built America, the team at Playground Equipment created a guide to the oldest colleges in the United States:

That covers the oldest college in every state, many of which have campuses that are both beautiful and rich with history. But what is the oldest school in America of any kind? The oldest school in the United States is the Boston Latin School, established in 1635. To this day, the curriculum continues to follow that of the 18th century Latin school movement, meaning that three to four years of Latin are mandatory for all students. It is also the oldest high school in America and has educated four Harvard University presidents and five signers of the Declaration of Independence!

What about the oldest elementary school in America? That would be the Mather School in Boston, Massachusetts, which was established in 1639. That means it’s an awe-inspiring 382 years old! It started as a one-room schoolhouse and now educates more than 600 students. The oldest schools in America are located in and around Boston, making it the birthplace of schools in the United States.

The oldest college in America is Harvard University.

Harvard University was established on Sept. 8, 1636, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was named after Puritan minister John Harvard, the first benefactor of the college. He donated half of his estate and his impressive library of more than 400 books to the school.

Yes! America declared its independence on July 4, 1776, so Harvard does indeed predate America’s establishment. Harvard’s first commencement took place in 1642, when nine students graduated to embark on various political and religious careers. The graduation both celebrated the achievements of the hard-working students and sent a clear message to England that the American colonies were striving for greatness.

I am a seasoned educational historian and enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of the historical evolution of education in the United States. My expertise extends from the educational philosophies of the Founding Fathers to the establishment and development of various educational institutions across the country.

The article you provided touches upon the historical significance of education in the United States, emphasizing the Founding Fathers' belief in its crucial role in preserving freedom. It also highlights the oldest colleges and schools in the country, showcasing a rich tapestry of educational institutions that have contributed to the nation's growth.

Let's delve into the concepts and information presented in the article:

1. Founding Fathers and Education:

   • The quote from Thomas Jefferson underscores the Founding Fathers' conviction that an educated populace is essential for maintaining liberty.
   • Founding Fathers like John Adams, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson attended prominent educational institutions, such as Harvard and the College of William and Mary.

2. Oldest Colleges in the United States:

   • The article mentions Harvard University as the oldest college in the United States, established in 1636. It provides details about its founding benefactor, John Harvard, and the early curriculum.
   • It briefly notes other colleges attended by Founding Fathers, such as Princeton and the College of William and Mary.

3. Oldest High School and Elementary School in America:

   • The Boston Latin School, established in 1635, is highlighted as the oldest school in the United States. It maintains a curriculum reflecting the 18th-century Latin school movement.
   • The Mather School in Boston, established in 1639, is recognized as the oldest elementary school in America, with a history spanning over 380 years.

4. Harvard University's Historical Significance:

   • Harvard University predates the establishment of the United States, with its founding in 1636.
   • The mention of Harvard's first commencement in 1642 emphasizes its early role in shaping the educational landscape in the American colonies.

5. List of Oldest Colleges in Each State:

   • A comprehensive list of the oldest colleges in each state is provided, including their founding years and locations.

This information not only highlights the historical context of education in the United States but also emphasizes the enduring impact of early educational institutions on the nation's development. The provided list of colleges across states showcases the diversity and longevity of America's educational heritage.