Arcadia Publishing South Philadelphia High School History Book

South Philadelphia High School (SPHS) opened in 1907 as the Southern Manual Training School to prepare immigrant boys for work in various trades. The first class graduated in 1910 and the school was later expanded to include girls. In 1955, the original building was replaced by a new structure and became known as South Philadelphia High School. South Philadelphia High School has been called “The School of the Stars” because of the large number of former students who have achieved fame in music, movies and television. However, this designation represents only a part of the school’s significance. Southern’s graduates have also achieved distinction in many other fields, such as medicine, law, civil service, military service, athletics, scholarship, writing and teaching. It is an urban public high school serving a diverse population of immigrant, low-income families. South Philadelphia High School’s history is a testimonial to what is possible when educators provide positive guidance and support to their students.