North America/United States of America/Massachusetts/Somerville/Somerville High School/
Somerville High School
- Location & Contact Information
- Address, Directions, & Map:
- 81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Telephone Numbers: 617-629-5250
- Official Website: [2]
- Address, Directions, & Map:
- History & Memorable Moments
Somerville Free High School, which opened in 1852, soon became too small to accommodate the many students seeking a high school education, so in 1872 a new high school was opened nearby on Central Hill where the East Wing, or C Building, now stands. The old high school was converted into the city hall and is still in use today. Again because of overcrowding, but also because of the need for both a classical education for those seeking college entrance and a more general education for those seeking to enter the work force, it was determined that another high school was needed. However, all city leaders were not in agreement. Some wanted to save the expense of a new building causing the temporary adoption of the Woburn Plan, which had the high school on double sessions and was a dismal failure. Finally, enough support was forthcoming to approve the building of the Somerville English High School. It opened in 1895 and still stands as the Central Wing, or B Building, of our present high school. The Somerville Free High School became the Somerville Latin School, so Somerville had twin high schools next to each other on Central Hill. These changes turned Somerville into a regional and national leader in the expansion of secondary schooling. In 1900 at the Paris World's Fair, and in 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair, Somerville's twin high schools were presented in educational exhibits.[1]
Somerville High started to prepare for its 1990 evaluation by the New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. Back in 1980, all but the physical plant had been commended. Somerville High was one of the first high schools to be accredited back in 1927. It has never failed to get accreditation. The NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) presented an oral report to Somerville High School staff on March 14,1990. The Chairperson of the Accreditation Committee, Dr. Joseph Arangio, left the staff applauding. We are reminded of his closing remark, "Somerville High School is the best kept secret in Massachusetts." Somerville does, indeed, lead the way! In 1993 Headmaster Fedele contracted with Bernard C. Harris Publishing Company, Inc. to produce the Somerville High School Alumni Directory. It was published in May of 1994. It is a single, at nearly 500 pages, resource of all the graduating classes from 1915 through 1993. Most of the addresses were provided by class reunion chairpersons contacted by Harris through information provided by S.H.S. In addition to the graduation lists and the address lists, there is a long history of S.H.S. with photographs. The book can be viewed at the S.H.S library and at the main branch of the Somerville Public Library.[1]
- Overview, Photographs, & Video Links
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Alumni
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- Teachers (Where are they now?)
- Latino, Gregory (September 1980 - Present)
- Yasi, Michael (September 2003 - January 2004)
- Alumni Directory
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