Our History
1774-2024
Since its founding in 1774, Newark Academy has occupied five different locations, overcome difficult challenges and flourished as a leader in independent school education. During its 250th anniversary year, we invite you to learn more about Newark Academy’s past through the following visual historical timeline.
The cornerstone is laid for the second Newark Academy building at the corner of Broad and Academy Streets in Newark.
NA moves to its third location at the intersection of High, William and Shipman Streets in Newark. (Eventually, High Street would be renamed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.) Under the direction of the Reverend Frederick A. Adams, NA establishes a full four-year high school curriculum and continues to enroll boys and girls.
Samuel Farrand serves as Headmaster, doing away with the girls’ division and establishing Newark Academy as a boys’ school. Under his leadership, enrollment increases and the Academy’s reputation flourishes.
“For forming the character of a child it is important that his better emotions be continually called into exercise.”–Samuel Farrand, Headmaster, 1859-1865, 1875-1908
The Class of 1882 is the earliest class picture in the archives.
The Polymnian is first published as an independent yearbook.
Newark Academy moves to its fourth and final Newark location along the historic Morris Canal on First Street.
Students begin a newspaper, The Newark Academy News, later renamed the Minute Man.
Robert M. Butler is named Headmaster.
Newark Academy sells the First Street property and moves to its 68-acre campus in Livingston.
Newark Academy dedicates the football and track field in memory of Medal of Honor recipient Samuel S. Coursen ’45, who was killed during the Korean War.
E. Standish Bradford, Jr. is named Headmaster.
“The attitude and atmosphere prevalent within Newark Academy has taken definite change for the better.” –E. Standish Bradford, Jr., Headmaster, 1967-1977
President Richard Nixon congratulates Newark Academy for its bicentennial celebration.
The new Richard C. Hawkes Memorial Library (officially dedicated in 1982) is completed.
Allan E. Strand is named Headmaster.
Newark Academy becomes the first school in New Jersey to offer the International Baccalaureate diploma as part of the curriculum.
The 20,000-square-foot Elizabeth B. McGraw Arts Center opens with new instrumental and choral facilities, classrooms and studios for ceramics, drawing, printmaking, painting and photography. It is also home to the Lautenberg “Black Box” Theater for acting students and the David Teiger ’47 Gallery for Studio Arts at the center of the wing, to showcase student art and the works of artists-in-residence.
Elizabeth “Penney” Riegelman is named the first female Head of School.
The Simon Family Field House is completed, adding 57,000 square feet to the school, featuring a gymnasium, six–lane pool, fitness center, locker rooms, athletics offices and storage space.
Donald M. Austin is named the Academy’s 49th Head of School.
“A common spirit and purpose bind the Newark Academy community together, as do the traditions we share.” –Donald M. Austin, Head of School, 2007-present
NA institutes the Immersion Experience requirement and kicks off the program with an inaugural trip to Madrid, Spain.
The Petrello Upper School Academic Center is completed, including the addition of Kaltenbacher Hall, an octagonal lecture hall.
Renovation and dedication of Kacur Field is completed.
A new facility for the Wilf Middle School opens.
The Coraci Performance Hall is completed.
The state-of-the-art fencing center opens
Newark Academy celebrates its 250th Anniversary!