George Howland succeeded Dupree in 1860 . He divided the school into two programs : a two-year normal ( teaching preparation ) course or a three-year study in the classics . Students could alternatively take both courses over four years . By the winter term , both programs were extended to four years and pupils were required to study at least one foreign language . By 1866 , the school featured nine faculty , teaching Latin , German , French , Greek , geography , botany , astronomy , history , Cicero , mensuration ( mathematics ) , natural philosophy , and political economy . In 1868 , a special three-year classical course , intended as preparatory school for colleges , was introduced . Age for admission was originally thirteen , but this was reduced to twelve in 1870 . The limestone building was one of the few to survive the 1871 Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Chicago High School