So You Think You're a Seattle History Buff? Buckle Up for a High School Throwback!
Think you know Seattle like the back of your hand? Can you navigate Pike Place Market blindfolded (dodging flying fish optional)? Then you DESPERATELY need to settle this age-old question (well, maybe not that old, but definitely older than your teenage angst): What is the EXACT oldest high school in the Emerald City?
Hold onto your grunge flannels, because we're about to take a trip down memory lane, Seattle style.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
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| What is The Oldest High School In Seattle |
The Plot Thickens: High School History Gets Fuzzy
Now, you might be thinking, "This should be easy! Just Google it, right?" Wrong. Seattle's history of high schools is more tangled than a teenager's headphones. There are whispers of "Central Schools" offering high school classes way back in the 1880s, but were they truly dedicated high schools? Intriguing, but shrouded in the mists of time.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Then, a beacon of clarity emerges! In 1902, a grand structure called Seattle High School (later renamed Broadway High School) opened its doors in the bustling Capitol Hill neighborhood. This, my friends, is widely considered to be the first dedicated high school building in Seattle. BAM! Take that, pop quiz!
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
But Wait, There's More! A Runner-Up Emerges
Hold your horses, history buffs! Some folks will argue that since Central Schools I and II offered high school classes before 1902, shouldn't they get an honorable mention? Touch�. While technically true, these schools also housed elementary grades, making them more like multi-level educational centers. So, close, but no cigar.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
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The Verdict: Franklin vs. Nobody
Alright, alright, enough with the suspense. While Broadway High School gets the gold medal for being the first dedicated high school building, it closed its doors in 1966. That leaves us with the grand dame, the legend, the Franklin High School, which opened its doors in 1912 and is still going strong today. There you have it, folks! Franklin High School takes the crown (or should we say, graduation cap?)
## High School History FAQs
Feeling like a history whiz? Test your knowledge with these quick trivia bites:
- How to impress your Seattleite friends with high school trivia? Drop the knowledge that Franklin High School is the oldest continuously operating high school in Seattle.
- How to avoid an awkward silence at a Seattle dinner party? Gently steer the conversation away from high school reunions. (Unless you went to Franklin, then brag away!)
- How to tell the difference between Central Schools and dedicated high schools? Think of it like this: Central Schools were like buffets, offering a variety of educational levels. Dedicated high schools were more like fancy restaurants, focusing solely on the high school experience.
- How to find out more about Seattle's high school history? The Seattle Public Library is your oyster! Dive into local archives and historical newspapers for a deeper look.
- How to relive your high school glory days (without actually going back to high school)? Dust off your old yearbook, crank up some grunge music, and tell embarrassing stories to your therapist. You're welcome.
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