Hopkins School - Per Annos Yearbook (New Haven, CT)

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to pay for their tuition. For the students of the period a Hopkins education was evidently a long and difficult process. In addition to the narrow cirriculum and the strict discipline, the hours were extremely long and the holidays extremely few by today's standards. But, as would be expected, the boys did have their diversions. In 1780 students rejoiced over an unexpected two year vacation due to Revolutionary War activity. Several sports, including teacher baiting, were also popular. In addition there were several times when anguished parents complained of the excessive card-playing of their sons. Although three centuries may have changed Hopkins, they have not changed her students. In the nineteenth century the serene and unsullied existence of Hopkins were threatened by new trends in education. The classical tradition seemed outdatedg cries for a new curriculum and public education arose. But Hopkins was to resist change for another half century, a period in which only the stubbomess of the trustees and the association with Yale kept the school alive. But by' 1854 the total enrollment had fallen to five students, and it became imperitive that changes must come. Fortunately the school was saved for a period by the arrival of new and forceful rectors rectors who ac- ceded to the demand for a more modem education by adding new subjects and innovating final exams. In addition career masters were appointed and the faculty enlarged. An increased student body took part en- thusiastically in secret societies and in literary and athletic endeavors. But this evident prosperity was not to last. The loss of leadership and faculty, plus a lack of funds, showed that the school was once again on a downward spiral. As Hopkins continued to cling to the classical tradition, enrollment dropped and the curri- culum deteriorated. At one point the only solution seemed to be a merger with the public high school in New 14 In a room such as this Hopkins first opened its doors. In the background can be seen the wood that the poorer students brought in order