Imagine stepping back in time to 1851. That’s when Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School first opened its doors. The school has a rich history. It stands as the first Catholic high school in Brooklyn.
Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School began as the boys’ section of St. James School. The De La Salle Christian Brothers took over its direction. This marked the start of a long educational journey.
In 1933, St. James moved to Clermont Avenue. It was then renamed Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. This honored the Very Reverend John Loughlin. He was Brooklyn’s first Roman Catholic Bishop. Bishop Loughlin served from 1853 to 1891. The school’s cornerstone, erected in 1851, remains enshrined by the cafeteria entrance. It’s a lasting reminder of the school’s origins.
Interestingly, the land where Bishop Loughlin stands was originally intended for a diocesan cathedral. The school opened its doors to students from across the diocese. This included all of Long Island at that time. In 1973, Bishop Loughlin became coeducational. This followed the closure of a nearby girls’ high school.
Today, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School is located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. It is near cultural landmarks like the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The school offers a college-preparatory education. Almost all graduates go on to college each year.
La Salle Hall offers a unique boarding program for male students. This program supports motivated boys. They may be facing difficult home situations.
Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School also excels in academics. It offers Advanced Placement courses for college credit. These courses include English, Calculus, and US History. The school integrates technology with WiFi and SmartBoard classrooms. iPads are available for all students. In 2016, Bishop Loughlin launched a new STEM program. This program is in partnership with Project Lead The Way.
Athletics are a key part of Bishop Loughlin. The school has 16 different sports for girls and boys. The boys’ basketball team has achieved city and diocesan championships. Track and field teams have also won multiple Penn Relays championships.
Many notable alumni have walked the halls of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of New York City, is an alumnus. Mark Jackson, a former NBA player and coach, also attended Bishop Loughlin. Even The Notorious B.I.G., the famous rapper, is among its former students.
Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School stands as a beacon of education. It has a long-standing commitment to its students. Its motto “Enter to learn; leave to serve” reflects its dedication to developing future leaders. The school’s history and continued success make it a vital part of Brooklyn.