Ramsey County History – Fall 2017: “‘Onward Central, Onward Central:’ The 150-Year Legacy of St. Paul Central High School”

“Onward Central, Onward Central:” The 150-Year Legacy of St. Paul Central High School
Author: Steven C. Trimble

Central High School in St. Paul has been operating continuously for more than 150 years. Founded in 1866 as St. Paul High School, it opened its doors in the heart of the city on the third floor of the Franklin School. Rapid growth in its student numbers required relocation to larger quarters in 1872, 1883, and 1912. The 1912 building was designed by celebrated architect Clarence H. Johnston, an 1872 graduate. In the 1880s, the school’s name was changed to St. Paul Central High School. Remodeling of the 1912 building and the installation of its present facade was completed in 1980. Attendance at Central peaked in the 1930s, and its curriculum and associated activities such as clubs and sports teams grew, as well. Central has always had a diverse student body, which included African Americans and other ethnic groups as well as Jews, but it has also experienced some racial tensions, especially in the late 1940s and 1960s. Crowding with the building due to its student population eased after 1964 with the opening of Highland Park High School. Today, Central offers a varied curriculum that includes the International Baccalaureate (started 1988) and Advanced Placement (1994) programs.

PDF of Trimble article

We apologize for the following errors in this article: On page 9, the photo caption should read Harvey Mackay, and on page 12 Charles Schulz has incorrect spellings.