Zach Braff, Lauryn Hill, SZA attended oldest high school in NJ. Do you know which one?
When thinking of historic buildings, castles, colosseums and temples come to mind.
But schoolhouses can also be historic and New Jersey has one that's 210 years old.
According to FamilyMinded, Columbia High School located in Maplewood, is not only the oldest school in New Jersey but its is the 17th oldest school in the country. The Essex County school opened in 1814. It's best known for being the first public school to embrace Earth Day, with all-day celebrations such as scientist speakers, seminars and environmental-themed folk songs still to this day, the report stated.
Columbia High School: Early beginnings
Columbia High once stood as one-room stone schoolhouse that was blocking the construction of a new toll highway from Newark to Morristown. On Aug. 3, 1814, the school was named Columbian School of South Orange by seven trustees. It was later renovated into a two-story wood structure, tuition prices were $1.75 per quarter for spelling, reading and writing; for arithmetic was an extra 25 cents and grammar or geography cost another 75 cents, reports say.
The school was tuition based and students were not separated according to grade. It wasn't until 1861 when the school became financially supported by public taxes. In 1885, Columbia was designated to serve as a "high" school for the community. The first graduating class (1888) consisted of one student, according to the schools website.
Columbia High: Notable alumni
The school has a hall of fame listing of graduates that are accomplished, writers, actors and athletes. Here are some names you may recognize:
Paul Auster, Class of 1965: Auster is a PEN Literary Award-winning author known for “The New York Trilogy” and other works of art.
Tom Auth, Class of 1986: Auth is an Olympic rower who competed in the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics.
Ahmed Best, Class of 1991: Best is an actor widely known for playing Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars movie franchise.
Zach Braff, Class of 1993: Braff is an actor, producer, writer and director. He in known for his leading role on the television series Scrubs.
Lauryn Hill, Class of 1993: Hill is the eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist. She is mostly known as member of The Fugees and her lead role as Rita in “Sister Act Two”.
Rotimi, Class of 2006: Born Olurotimi Akinosho, Rotimi is an actor and singer mostly known for his role as Dre in the Starz hit series Power .
Roy Scheider, Class of 1950: Scheider is an actor most widely known for his leading roles in Jaws and The French Connection, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award.
Andrew Shue, Class of 1985: Shue is an actor best known for his leading role on the television series Melrose Place and other works that include the 2007 film Gracie, where he produced and appeared in.
Elisabeth Shue, Class of 1981: Shue is an Academy Award-nominated actress of Leaving Las Vegas, Gracie, The Karate Kid and The Saint.
SZA, Class of 2008: Born Solana Imani Rowe, SZA is an Academy Award-nominated and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter. Her chart topping hits include The Weekend, Broken Clocks, Snooze and Good Days.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Columbia High School's (NJ) rich history & notable alumni
