History

The Academy organization began in Philadelphia 1876, under the leadership of the Rev. Chancellor W. H. Benade. The primary goal was preparation of men for the priesthood of the New Church. After the Academy of the New Church Theological School (www.ancts.org) and a collegiate department (now Bryn Athyn College) were formed, the Boys School was established in 1881. In 1884, a Girls School, privately set up by Sarah DeCharms Hibbard, was incorporated into the Academy, with 27 students on 3 levels.

By the turn of the century the entire family of Academy schools had been moved to their current Bryn Athyn location, in what was then the countryside near Philadelphia, in Montgomery County. During the 1960's the College moved to a separate campus across the street.

The goal for the Secondary Schools was to create curricula to enhance the distinctive gifts of each gender to prepare them for life here on earth and in heaven. Through many years of growth and change, that goal has remained constant. By 1952, all the schools of the Academy were accredited institutions.