The Washington times., 1895-06-19

HHE Washington High School was
first thought OF as early as 1S4S,
when the city council passed an act
70 authorize the establishment of one
for the advanced pupils OF the
city; but il was twenty years before
steps were taken to crystalize the thought
into an actuality.
For portion of that time. however the
pupils, on completing the grammar school
course, had been permitted to take post
graduate course Of one year In September
Of the Centennial year a new era and most
important one was marked by the bringing
together OF the graduate pupils OF the girls
school, and their organization into the
Advanced Grammar School for Girls, -
the sazne course being followed the next
year in the case OF the boys
The boys school was opened in the old
Thompson building on Twelfth street with
thirty pupils. One room was enough to
accommodate the pupils comfortably, and
kingle teacher was sufficient for all eleir
requirements. The course Of study was
limited 10 one year.
In 1878 the school had so increased that
q removal TO more ample quarters was
imperative A building on judiciary
square was therefore obtained. aud an
assistant teacher provided. The next wear
the course or study was extended to cover
two years The Advanced Grammar
School became pronounced a great sue
cess.
The rapid growth Of the school now made
another removal necessary, so in 1880
the nigh school was formally organize with
quarters in the Franklin building, and a
force OF additional teachers was engaged.
The success that attended il was far beyond
the brightest dreams Of its promoters
IT soon became crowded. every available
Inch OF space was utilized About this
na afH Hrua nf
heightened TO cover three years, accom-
panied by further need for wider accom-
modatlons; and Congress was asked to
appropratemoneyf foranad dequat ate building
The result OF this appeal can be seen a [
once by visit 10 the beautiful halls of the
high school at Seventh and o streets.
This building was first utilized in 1882
by the consolidated Advanced Grammar
Schools for girls, and the boys high
school, with Mr.. Edward A Paul as
principal.
IN 1857 the school was once more over
crowded and 1t was necessary TO use
three small houses in the Immediate neigh
borhood, which We're known as the
Annex" Even with this aid, il was
found impossible TO give the first and sec
ond year pupils more than halliday instruc-
ton.
BY an Appropriation made the year fol-
lowing, Congress provided the means for
new wing to the main building This
was ready for occupancy IN 1890, and was
Immediately filled. II was then determined
to relieve the oTerCrowded school by the
establishment of branch high schools.
This was accordingly done. and the
Eastern High School, with Mr.. c. NJ Lacey
Sites as principal, was started in the
Peabody building IN September, 1890. but
IN the fan or s92 il moved into its splendid
new home on Seventh street southeast.
The Business High School was located Fuc-
Cessively IN the Thompson and Franklin
builc-2ss- but now il has a home Of its
own-not new building but comfortable
one, on Seventeenth and Madison streets.
MIR. Allen Davis is the principal. George
town is represented by the Western High
School, under Miss Wescott, and is situated
IN the Curtis building on o street, near
Thirty second. Thepupils, with hpardonabIe
pride, are hoping, almost praying, for a
building similar TO that in which the pupils
OF the Eastern section are now taught.
Mr.. Paul continued as principal OF the
high school until his death in 1888. since
which time Dr. F. r. Lane has been in
charge.
The first, or parent high school. now
known as the Central, is one OF the most
complete as well as one of the most
important institutions Of its kind in the
country. Here adequate accommodations
are afforded in the matter Of class rooms
aud study halls, and the comfort and
health OF the student are constantly kept
in mind. The pupils have the advantage
OF large library. excellent laboratories
drawing and lecture-rooms a coInmodious
assembly hall, and q fine drill hall The
corridors are large and airy, and run east
and west 1SO feet, and north and south
100 feet. The recitation rooms are well
lighted and have seating capacity of
thirty-six pupils 10 the room The ex-
hlbition han on the third floor has q
capacity OF $50 aud is dear to The hearts
of former graduates, for up 10 1855 il was
the scene OF the closing exercises of the
Washington High School.
The Laboratories, three in number. and
the drawing rooms are also situated on
the third floor These are fitted I'D with
everything necessary for the proper srudy
of the branch for which each one is designed,
Every student of chemistry has q place
70 hlmself, where he can experiment to
his hearts content. Pupils interested in
physics or botany have reason TO be Droud
or the laboratory devoted 70 these two
sciences. The drawing room accommoda-
Uohs are OF the best, and few years ago
museum was began, whichis now a source
OF pride to all the Central boys and girls
All the class rooms are situated on the
1lrst and second floors. In the addition,
or wing, tta library is located. and that.
perhaps is the spot nearest to the hearts
or pupils generally, for many a graduate
now studying in life's rough class room
looks longingly back TO the quiet hours
there spent.
candidate for High School education
may choose one Of three courses. accord
lIg TO ms mental endowment and walk IN
lile. These three are the academic. the
scientific and the business course. In the
fTst two period Of three years Of study
Is required, while in the last named two