“Pride, Pride, nothing but Pride!” I can almost hear the echoes of school cheers bouncing off the walls of Charlestown High School. This isn’t just any high school. It’s Charlestown High School. It’s a place steeped in history and community.
Charlestown High School stands as the sole high school in Charlestown. It is located at 240 Medford Street. The school is part of the Boston Public Schools. Established in 1845, it has evolved significantly over the years. Its story reflects the changing face of education and society.
Originally, the first Charlestown High School was located on Monument Square. It was built in 1847 and 1848. The building was designed in the Greek Revival style by Ammi Burnham Young. Young also designed the Boston Custom House. The school opened its doors to 88 pupils. The curriculum focused on classics like Virgil and Cicero. Students also studied Greek, Latin, philosophy, and astronomy.
By 1870, a larger school was needed. The original structure was expanded in the Second Empire style. A fourth story and a Mansard roof were added. In the early 1900s, an imposing Neo-Classical building was constructed. It was designed by Stickney & Austin. The design complemented the nearby Bunker Hill Monument. This building served Charlestown for over 70 years before closing in 1978.
In 1978, the current Charlestown High School opened at its Medford Street location. The curriculum shifted. It moved from vocational training to a strong academic program. This included five learning communities with themes like law and web design. Today, Charlestown High School offers Advanced Placement courses. The school has 19 interscholastic athletic teams. Visual arts and music programs are also strong features.
Charlestown High School faced considerable challenges during the desegregation era. In the 1975-1976 school year, forced busing brought African-American students to the school. This led to discord and conflict. A school shooting in 1979 further strained community relations. Despite these difficult times, the community persevered.
Charlestown High School boasts notable alumni. Florence Cushman was an astronomer at Harvard College Observatory. Bob Giggie was a major-league baseball pitcher. Shabazz Napier, who played in the NBA, also attended Charlestown High School. His jersey was retired by the school in 2014.
Today, Charlestown High School continues to adapt. The school prepares students for college, careers, and life. It has partnerships with institutions like Bunker Hill Community College and Harvard. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities from sports to debate clubs.
As we stand here today, remember the many chapters of Charlestown High School. The building has seen academic excellence and civil discord. It shows the evolution of education and community. Charlestown High School remains a vital institution in the heart of Charlestown.