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Encyclopedia Dubuque

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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.




PRESCOTT (HIGH SCHOOL)

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PRESCOTT (HIGH SCHOOL). Enthusiasm for public education in Dubuque was slow in building. In 1839 the first law establishing common school in the Territory of Iowa was passed. In 1840 legislation was passed allowing for an educational system for children aged 4 to 21. Towns were allowed to raise money for schools through taxation according to a law passed in 1844.

Dubuque residents elected a school board and levied a tax. The money raised, however, was not enough to purchase land and construct a school. Another tax was levied in 1849 and two grade schools were started. When the board of education was unable to pay the contractors, the schools were taken back and sold. After the state legislature made Dubuque a permanent school district, a levy was passed which allowed for the construction of two grade schools--at 39 Bluff and 12th and Clay.

In 1858 a high school class was started in one of the upper rooms of the grade school at 12th and Clay. Students wishing to be admitted had to pass a test in arithmetic, geography, grammar and history.

In 1859 larger quarters were needed and the school district purchased the DUBUQUE FEMALE COLLEGE. George Wallace JONES donated his books to the library. Classes began on January 3, 1859. The the start of the CIVIL WAR and the financial condition of the district caused the school to be closed before the term ended.

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Source:

Kruse, Len. "Prescott-Dubuque's First Public High School," My Old Dubuque, Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 269-270