Published June 17, 2010

Every time we do a story on either The English High School or Boston Latin School, we are accused of committing a particular sin.

In introducing the broadcast version of David Boeri’s story on Salma Hussain, the Bangladeshi-born valedictorian at Boston English, host Bob Oakes said: “The English high school in Boston, the oldest public high school in the country…”

Here is a sample of the responses we received:

English High School is not America’s oldest public high school, as was  reported this morning.   Boston Latin School was established in 1635 and holds that title. –Jennifer Routhier, via e-mail

For the record, @bostonlatin is the oldest public school, 1635. Hence “Sumus Primi” –@RandomAntonym, via Twitter

I felt obligated to further educate people that Boston English is NOT the oldest public school in America. In fact, my alma mater, BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL is the oldest public school in America established April 23, 1635. Thank you. –Bree Roberson in the comments

The anchor said oldest public HIGH school — which English High School is. Boston Latin School is the oldest public school in America. –Matt in the comments

Matt, you nailed it. Here is the definitive explanation from David Boeri:

English High School is the OLDEST PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL in America. Go to English High and pull down the banners, the inscriptions, the documentation if you wish, and it will still be true.

Boston Latin school is the oldest public school in the country, April 23, 1635,  though the fact you once had to pay to go there would alter my perception of “public”. You can go if you pay, but that’s public in the British sense.

There you have it. The English High School is the oldest public high school in America. Boston Latin is the oldest public school in America — although it depends how you define “public.”