THE HISTORY OF BARRINGER HIGH SCHOOL
Newark, NJ was settled in 1666 and incorporated as a city in 1836, a small town of sixteen thousand inhabitants, with one main unpaved street that marked the center of all business activity. Education progressed slowly, and was available mostly to those individuals who could pay for teaching services, sending their children to the home of a school master for lessons. However, there was a Common Council, (precursor to the Board of Education) authorized to raise money, by taxes, for the schooling of the poor. By 1820, Newark had five ward school houses. It was in the First Ward School that the thought of a public high school was conceived.
The year was 1838 when Nathan Hedges was appointed School Master in the City of Newark. His mission was to develop and conduct the first public high school program in the city and state, and so was born Newark High, establishing it as the third oldest public high school in the country. The school was located on the first floor of a building on Bank Street. “Pop Hedges” was teacher, principal and administrator. There was very little in the way of learning tools but “Pop Hedges” was a skilled master of the rod, and so anxious were these 91 boys, eleven of whom were orphans, (the school was open to boys only) to learn, the abuse was accepted as normal. But, the school thrived and before long, the little high school became overcrowded.
Enter again the Common Council, charged with making a decision on a new, larger school. After some controversy, a total amount of $20,000 was allocated for a new building, located on the corner of Washington and Linden Streets. The school was opened in January, 1855. More than 380 pupils were waiting on the doorstep. The principal was Isaiah Peckham, and Eliza Chase was appointed head of the Female Department now that girls were permitted. There were five faculty members. The students were separated and not permitted to mingle either during or after school hours. By 1857 there were 1003 pupils and ten teachers in the system. In an 1861 report it was stated that the high school had proved itself a great benefit to Newark by “preventing youth, at a dangerous and tender age, from forming habits of idleness and vice, inasmuch as the school taught obedience to rules and regulations. In 1862 the building was enlarged to accommodate the growing student body. This year also marked the first graduation of Newark High.
The year was 1838 when Nathan Hedges was appointed School Master in the City of Newark. His mission was to develop and conduct the first public high school program in the city and state, and so was born Newark High, establishing it as the third oldest public high school in the country. The school was located on the first floor of a building on Bank Street. “Pop Hedges” was teacher, principal and administrator. There was very little in the way of learning tools but “Pop Hedges” was a skilled master of the rod, and so anxious were these 91 boys, eleven of whom were orphans, (the school was open to boys only) to learn, the abuse was accepted as normal. But, the school thrived and before long, the little high school became overcrowded.
Enter again the Common Council, charged with making a decision on a new, larger school. After some controversy, a total amount of $20,000 was allocated for a new building, located on the corner of Washington and Linden Streets. The school was opened in January, 1855. More than 380 pupils were waiting on the doorstep. The principal was Isaiah Peckham, and Eliza Chase was appointed head of the Female Department now that girls were permitted. There were five faculty members. The students were separated and not permitted to mingle either during or after school hours. By 1857 there were 1003 pupils and ten teachers in the system. In an 1861 report it was stated that the high school had proved itself a great benefit to Newark by “preventing youth, at a dangerous and tender age, from forming habits of idleness and vice, inasmuch as the school taught obedience to rules and regulations. In 1862 the building was enlarged to accommodate the growing student body. This year also marked the first graduation of Newark High.
In 1875, Dr. William Barringer was selected to be superintendent of schools. Dr. Barringer was a strong believer of secondary education and never lost faith in its ultimate success. Student population continued to grow and by 1895 the school became overcrowded. Dr. Barringer, using the great influence he had with the Board, convinced them that a new school was needed. His dreams were fulfilled when the Board approved construction. The site selected was a remote section of Newark, away from the market area, a grazing area for goats known as “goat hill.” Again, there was controversy, mainly over the location of the school. Many thought the city would never grow that far and traveling to it would be difficult. But Dr. Barringer had foresight and vision. He was impressed with this location which reminded him of the Greek Acropolis, high on a hill. Dr. Barringer persevered and construction on the new building was completed in 1899. The new school was regarded as one of the finest architectural products of the city, a beautiful building! And what great company it was with – under development was ground plans for Sacred Heart Cathedral and work had begun on a swamp area right next door which became Branch Brook Park, and the adopted “official” campus of Newark High. With these surroundings, the new school was set on a veritable “Acropolis of Beauty.” In 1907 when Dr. Barringer died the school’s name was officially changed to Barringer High School. The next 50 plus years brought honor, glory and tradition to our school. In addition to a multitude of organizations, sports, music, and art instituted at this time, the school was on a path to garnering a reputation as a stellar college preparatory school.
But alas, we know the old saying, “nothing lasts forever” and the time had come again to think about a new building. The building had not been properly maintained and in 1952 a study found serious cracks in the external wall, a deteriorating roof, poor ventilation and many other serious problems. The recommendation was to abandon the 50 year old building. A great deal of controversy ensued. There had developed an attachment to this building and its glorious past; the school was like a magnet, its students inexorably drawn to it. But the writing was on the wall. A committee was formed, the North Ward Citizens Committee For Better Schools, to formulate a plan regarding the school and, in 1961 a land deal was negotiated with Essex County and funds were allocated for a new Barringer. The building, which opened its doors in September, 1964 is the existing structure, originally designed as three separate buildings, but joined together in the final version. Because of the increase in the size of the school, and district lines being redrawn, student population increased. The school was already overcrowded. The 1960s and 1970s were tumultuous times in the city of Newark and many other large cities, which influenced and affected the climate in many high schools. Barringer was no exception to the conflict and constant turmoil prevalent throughout the country. However, it was also a time when many popular programs were instituted like the Title One Federal Act, designed to meet the special needs of students and the Work Study Program which allowed seniors who were not planning to attend college to receive on-the-job training.
As the school worked its way through these tumultuous times a positive development took form. In the mid 1980s a group of teachers started the Barringer High School Alumni Association, a viable group of alumni whose mission is preservation of the past history of the school and support of the current student body.
Today, Barringer High School serves students of several ethnic backgrounds. In September, 2013, Barringer was divided into two schools with two principals. During the time of discussion about these changes there was concern that the name of the school would be changed. The Alumni Association was directly involved in a campaign to prevent this from happening. The schools were identified as Barringer Academy of The Arts & Humanities and Barringer Academy of S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math), but the name on the building remained BARRINGER HIGH SCHOOL.
Today Barringer’s curriculum includes a Law & Public Safety Academy which provides an opportunity for students to prepare for a career in various aspects of law. The program also supports an ROTC course. These positive changes will continue to enhance the wonderful history and tradition of this great high school. The Alumni Association will work proactively with the administration to participate in any way to achieve positive results.
As the school worked its way through these tumultuous times a positive development took form. In the mid 1980s a group of teachers started the Barringer High School Alumni Association, a viable group of alumni whose mission is preservation of the past history of the school and support of the current student body.
Today, Barringer High School serves students of several ethnic backgrounds. In September, 2013, Barringer was divided into two schools with two principals. During the time of discussion about these changes there was concern that the name of the school would be changed. The Alumni Association was directly involved in a campaign to prevent this from happening. The schools were identified as Barringer Academy of The Arts & Humanities and Barringer Academy of S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math), but the name on the building remained BARRINGER HIGH SCHOOL.
Today Barringer’s curriculum includes a Law & Public Safety Academy which provides an opportunity for students to prepare for a career in various aspects of law. The program also supports an ROTC course. These positive changes will continue to enhance the wonderful history and tradition of this great high school. The Alumni Association will work proactively with the administration to participate in any way to achieve positive results.