America's Oldest Public School

The first American public school, Boston Latin School, was founded in 1635, a year before Harvard College. It has been in continuous operation for nearly 400 years, making it the oldest school in the United States. Six of its alumni signed the Declaration of Independence, including Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Adams. Boston Latin still operates today as an exam school in Boston, admitting students through a competitive entrance process. It remains one of the most academically competitive public high schools in the country.

Source: Wikipedia