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For those parents who are trying to decide on what type of education to give their child, a grammar school is a very appealing option. So exactly what is a grammar school. Here is a quick rundown.
What is a Grammar School?
A grammar school is a very academically oriented secondary school. They first became popular in the United Kingdom, and have spread across many other European countries as well as Australia and the United States. Their original purpose was the teaching of classical languages; however the curriculum has now been standardized to incorporate mainstream subjects.
Grammar Schools in the United States
The first grammar school in the United States was the Boston Latin School, originally founded as the Latin Grammar School in 1635. Other New England colonies soon followed with the establishment of several other grammar schools in growing communities.
The schools were based on the European model and were only available for male students. Young men were taught classical languages, such as Latin, and were prepared for entrance into university. By the mid-18th century the curriculum had been broadened to include subjects such as mathematics and other practical subjects.
These days, the popularity of the grammar school has declined somewhat in the United States; however they are still popular amongst more affluent residents, with several of the country’s best grammar schools being located in New York City. The concept has become quite popular recently with celebrities, who want to send their children to a well-established yet private and discreet school close to home.
Depending on your own personal financial situation, a local grammar school could be a good option for you.
