Girls' High School (Boston, Massachusetts)

Girls' High School was a public secondary school for girls located in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1852 as the first public high school for girls in the United States, it aimed to provide young women with an academic education comparable to that offered to young men.

The school evolved through several iterations and name changes. Initially named the Girls' High and Normal School, it was designed to train female teachers for the Boston Public Schools system. Over time, its curriculum broadened to include subjects beyond teacher training, offering a more comprehensive liberal arts education. The "Normal School" component was eventually separated.

The school moved locations several times throughout its history, reflecting the changing needs and growth of the student body. Notable locations included Mason Street, Newton Street, and finally, a purpose-built facility on Avenue Louis Pasteur in the Longwood Medical Area.

Girls' High School maintained a reputation for academic excellence, preparing its graduates for higher education and various professional fields. The school produced many notable alumnae who made significant contributions in education, science, literature, and public service.

In the 1970s, as part of a broader desegregation effort within the Boston Public Schools, Girls' High School underwent significant changes. It was ultimately merged with Boston Technical High School in 1989 to form Boston Latin Academy, a co-educational exam school. The Girls' High School name ceased to exist at that point. The traditions and legacy of Girls' High School, however, are preserved in the history of Boston Latin Academy.