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Notes From The Hill

Elgin Academy 1839-2024 - a Legacy of Excellence!

When Elgin Academy was chartered on February 22, 1839, the world was an entirely different place. There were no cell phones; in fact, the most basic telephone would not be invented until 1849. Until the late 1800’s, there were no cars so students would either walk to school or arrive by horse and buggy (the original carline). There were no iPads, laptops, computers, or calculators. Slates and chalk were the “tablets” of choice. But, what has always been a part of Elgin Academy was a commitment to excellence in education that was non-sectarian and coeducational and a dedication to giving students the best educational experience possible.

Elgin Academy’s founders were among the most prominent citizens of the newly founded city of Elgin, including James Gifford and Dr. Joseph Tefft, the Mayor of Elgin. Elgin Academy officially opened its doors on December 1st, 1856, with a mission to “maintain an institution of moral character and high order of learning.”  The first graduate in 1872 was Laura Davidson Sears, who would later return to her alma mater to teach and eventually become a trustee. Over the years, Laura and her husband Judge Nathaniel Sears would become generous supporters of Elgin Academy, and to this day two buildings on campus are named after the couple. 

Through good and bad times, Elgin Academy continued to teach children from the burgeoning river town of Elgin and beyond, welcoming students from over 25 local communities, students from across the nation and eventually welcoming dozens of international students to campus through its International Studies program.

Elgin Academy quickly developed a reputation as a premiere academic institution with an eye towards innovation, often offering classes and courses of study that were not available anywhere else. The 1863 catalog listed two courses of study offering students the ability to complete either the six year scientific course or the five year classical course of study - either of which allowed graduates to enter as juniors to any college in the West. The 1890s saw the Academy’s expansion of training programs and the establishment of a night school and business program. In 1903, Elgin Academy began an affiliation with Northwestern University with the University helping to shore up EA’s finances by establishing a much larger endowment fund. The Academy would later affiliate with the University of Chicago as well which allowed students to take chemistry and physics classes and saw the addition of well-equipped laboratories.

While the stately “Old Main” once served as the only building on campus, growth continued over the years and several new buildings were added including a gymnasium, Sears Gallery, Sears Hall, North Hall and Edwards Hall. The Harold D. Rider Media, Science and Fine Arts Center was the last building constructed in 2008. This innovative, “green” building added 42,300 square feet of classrooms, a theater, scientific labs and a videography/photography wing. Over the years the school also added numerous extracurricular activities and grades including the addition of the Middle School (1937 - 1974 one grade at a time) and the Lower School (K-4) in 1984 and finally the Early Childhood Program in 1999.

While many things have changed over the last 185 years, what has never changed are the amazing students who have been educated within the school’s walls and who made Elgin Academy their academic home. The thousands of students who have called themselves Hilltoppers have left the Academy to go on and do amazing things, and their experiences at Elgin Academy will never be forgotten. While Elgin Academy will sadly close its doors after the 2023-2024 school year, the impact it has had on the students, alumni, faculty, staff and families who have been a part of its long and storied history will remain. This February as part of the Founders’ Day celebration and throughout the rest of the school year, the Elgin Academy community will continue to celebrate the school’s legacy and its impact on everyone who has been on its campus over the last 185 years. In February, an exhibit will open at the Elgin History Museum allowing visitors to learn more about Elgin Academy’s History and to experience Elgin Academy 1839-2024 - a Legacy of Excellence.


 

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Elgin Academy 1839-2024 - a Legacy of Excellence!

When Elgin Academy was chartered on February 22, 1839, the world was an entirely different place. There were no cell phones; in fact, the most basic telephone would not be invented until 1849. Until the late 1800’s, there were no cars so students would either walk to school or arrive by horse and buggy (the original carline). There were no iPads, laptops, computers, or calculators. Slates and chalk were the “tablets” of choice. But, what has always been a part of Elgin Academy was a commitment to excellence in education that was non-sectarian and coeducational and a dedication to giving students the best educational experience possible.

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