Washburn Preparatory School


Washburn Preparatory School was a private preparatory school that was located at 165 Devine Street at the corner of San Pedro Street in San Jose, California.

History

Founded by Jessica Thompson Washburn, one of the first two women to graduate from Stanford University. She opened the school because she was concerned that there wasn't any school in the area to adequately prepared students for study at Stanford University or other elite universities. The curriculum for this school was based on the requirements to enter Stanford University.

Teachers and staff

Her husband, Arthur H. Washburn, also Stanford University alumni, served as the Washburn school head-master. Their son, Henry Lord Washburn also worked at the school. Lucy Washburn, Arthur older sister was an experienced teacher and helped support the establishment of the school. The Washburns all taught the San Jose State Normal School before opening Washburn Preparatory School. California impressionist painter, Lucy Bacon taught art classes at the school.