Hartford Public High School

Hartford Public High School was founded in 1638. It is the second-oldest secondary school in the United States, second to the Boston Latin School.

History

The school was founded as Thomas Hooker’s Latin School in 1638, by the 1700's it was known as the Hartford Grammar School, and taught Greek and Latin, subjects necessary to young men planning to enter college and prepare for the ministry. English subjects were added in 1847 and the name was changed to Hartford Public High School.

Modern School

The school, which serves grades 9 through 12, is a part of the Hartford Public Schools.

Hartford Public is located in the southwest corner of the Asylum Hill neighborhood in the capital city of Hartford, Connecticut. The school abuts the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and the Mark Twain House. The school population comprises about 1500 students. It has been nicknamed "HPHS," "Hartford High," "Hartford Public," and "the Pub." The official mascot is the owl. Hartford Public is known for numerous state championships in swimming, football, basketball, and wrestling, dating from the early 1900s through to the present day. The school has been relocated and remodeled several times during its 350-year existence. It is currently experiencing the largest remodeling project in decades, which includes a new field house, new classrooms, and a complete change in its exterior design.

Smaller Learning Communities/Academies

The academies at HPHS are "smaller learning communities" designed to provide a nurturing atmosphere to assist each student.

Technology Academy:The Technology Academy is a smaller learning community for students in grades 9 through 12. The academy provides an exemplary high school education that prepares students for post-secondary education and employment. Students explore many areas of technology, which include desktop publishing, digital photography, computer refurbishing, networking, design engineering, manufacturing and robotics.

Law and Public Service Academy:The Law and Public Service Academy serves students in grades 9 through 12. The academy provides students with a small learning environment focused on guiding high school graduates to police and fire academies, community service careers, and legal careers, as well as two- and four- year colleges and universities. The academy is focused on developing strong and capable citizens who can take on leadership roles throughout their community. One of its highlighted attributes is an available internship with the city of Hartford for its students.

Careers and Entrepreneurship Academy:The Careers and Entrepreneurship Academy is a smaller learning community for students in grades 9 through 12. The academy provides students with a small learning environment which will focus on high school graduation and career paths for two- and four-year institutions. Each of the strands of technology that are concentrated in this academy focus on career opportunities with job shadowing, mentorships, and internships. Some of the programs that are offered are fashion technology, food technology, education, and parenting and child study.

International Academy:The International Academy enrolls students from grades 9 through 12. The academy provide students with a small learning environment which will focus on high school graduation and career paths leading toward four- year colleges and, ultimately, vocational careers. The academy is focused on career opportunities in different strands in the international field, such as language studies, international art, global studies, and cultural studies. "'

Construction and Renovation

Hartford Public High School is currently undergoing an extensive renovation project. The project includes demolishing the existing building to the structural skeleton. New construction will restore the school’s historic character and include new landscaping, architecture, engineering and telecommunications.

Notable Alumni

* Eddie A. Perez class of 1976, Mayor of Hartford, 2001-

* [http://www.hartfordpublic.com/documents/NotableAlumni.doc]

External links

* [http://www.hartfordpublic.com/ Hartford Public's homepage]
* [http://www.csde.state.ct.us/public/der/ssp/SCH0506/sr048.pdf] Hartford Public High School "Strategic School Profile 2005-2006", Connecticut Department of Education
* [http://www.greatschools.net/modperl/browse_school/ct/406] Hartford Public High School Web page at Great Schools Web site

ee also

* List of the oldest schools in the world