"Founded in 1645, the Roxbury Latin School is the oldest school in continuous existence in North America. "Schola Illustris" is how Cotton Mather described the School when he wrote about it in 1690. The School's 350th anniversary is the occasion of this new account of Roxbury Latin's unique place in the history of American education." "Much of the history of American education has been written from the perspective of the public schools. This book redresses the balance. Controlled from the beginning by an independent board of trustees (originally called "feoffees"), Roxbury Latin has served the public for 350 years - but not at public expense. Living by its wits, it has survived several near-death experiences and in good times has re-earned Cotton Mather's accolade." "Readers interested in the plight of native Americans will find the story of John Eliot, "the Apostle to the Indians," especially compelling. Those interested in American social, economic, and religious history since the arrival of the European settlers will discover here a long-buried treasure of material to consider."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved