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.