The English High School in Jamaica Plain, founded in 1821, is now in its sixth location. Located close to public transportation, The Arboretum, The Franklin Park Zoo, and the MDC, it is a truly unique, urban school serving a diverse population of over 1,200 students from several countries. In 1972 the school admitted its first female students.
In its 182 years of existence, The English High School has graduated students who have gone on to provide leadership in world, national, state, and local events. We have provided the nation with business, scientific and cultural leaders. Ours is an amazing record, which started just 45 years after our nation was founded. The list of graduates includes men and women of HONOR and ACHIEVEMENT whose contributions have helped shape our commonwealth and our nation.
Those who graduate today join a list of distinguished graduates who have given back to the nation and the local community. Our rich traditions are evident immediately upon entering the building. There are plaques and photographs on the walls, and three beautiful statues donated by our alumni grace the entrance. Carved on statue is the phrase "SERVICE TO MANKIND IS HONOR AND ACHIEVMENT", and on the other, "THE AIM OF EVERY SCHOOLBOY IS TO BECOME A MAN OF HONOR AND ACHIEVEMENT". These themes were true in our storied past and continue to permeate the school today. As we enter the 21st Century our goals remain the same. We must continue to provide rigorous academic training for our students who enter our school from countries all over the world. Our teachers and students must continue to work together and accept joint responsibility for the education of each student of The English High School.
