Boston College High School, Inc.

Overview

n 1863, the Massachusetts House and Senate passed an Act to incorporate a new school rooted in the sixteenth century teachings of St. Ignatius and fashioned on the European model—a seven-year program combining college and secondary school. Twenty two pioneering students ranging in age from 11 to 16 years of age enrolled that first year in a curriculum of rudiments (Latin and Greek) and humanities (philosophy and theology) in what was called “Boston College.”

Made possible by the determination and vision of Rev. John McElroy, SJ, the school was founded to educate a burgeoning population of Irish immigrants during a period of bitter racial and religious hatred in the City of Boston. Rev. John Bapst, SJ was selected as the first president of the school and its first home was on Harrison Avenue and James Street in Boston's South End.