Considering a school with a history stretching back to 1863? That would be Boston College High School. Jesuit priest John McElroy founded it. It began as part of Boston College itself. The idea was a seven-year program combining high school and college. This ensured strong moral guidance. It also provided consistent teaching.
Initially, Boston College High School shared a campus with the college in Boston’s South End. That lasted until 1910. The college then moved to Chestnut Hill. The high school became legally separate in 1927. Even after the split, Boston College High School remained in the South End for a while. In 1950, it moved to its current campus in Dorchester.
Back when they were one institution, Boston College High School was much larger than the college. For example, in 1913, the high school had 1300 students. The college only had 300. In 1922, Boston College High School had 1500 boys. This made it the largest Catholic high school in the country.
Graduates in good standing got automatic admission to Boston College. No examination was needed. Today, only a small percentage of Boston College High School students go on to Boston College. But the two schools still share the Eagle mascot. Graduates of both are known as Double Eagles. Those with degrees from Boston College’s graduate schools are called Triple Eagles.
Boston College High School has always welcomed students of all faiths. This dates back to Boston College’s founding. It was meant to educate Boston’s Irish Catholic immigrants. The state required the school to be open to all religions. This is clear in Boston College’s original charter.
In the 21st century, student numbers have changed. For most of the 2000s, the high school had about 1300 students. In 2006, Boston College High School added a middle school. This was called the Arrupe Division. It included grades 7 and 8. This increased the school size to 1600 students temporarily. Since 2015, the student body has been getting smaller.
The school considered admitting girls in 2015 and 2017. But this idea was rejected. Concerns arose about the impact on the Archdiocese’s all-girls schools. In 2017, Boston College High School appointed its first female president. Her name is Grace Cotter Regan.
In 2023, Boston College High School launched a big fundraising campaign. It aims to raise $125 million. This money will expand scholarships. It will also upgrade the campus. A large donation will build a wellness complex. This will include a strength center. There will also be a swimming pool. Exercise machines will be available too.
Academically, Boston College High School offers global education. The Hyde Center for Global Education makes this possible. It was founded in 2012. The program provides international opportunities. Students can travel to 18 different countries.
Innovation is also a key focus. The Shields Innovation Center opened in 2020. It aims to promote entrepreneurial thinking. It prepares students for the modern economy.
Boston College High School’s teams are called the Eagles. They share this name with Boston College. They compete in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. Their colors are maroon and gold.
Remember the name John McElroy. He founded Boston College High School. Though his legacy is complex, his impact remains. The school continues to evolve. It embraces diversity. It prepares young men for the future.