Elgin Academy (Elgin, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elgin Academy |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private, independent |
| Motto | Taking Learning Personally |
| Established | 1839 |
| Head of school | Paul Druzinsky (2023-) |
| Grades | Preschool-12 |
| Enrollment | ~200 (main campus) |
| Mascot | Foxman |
| Team name | Hilltoppers |
|
Elgin Academy
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 350 Park St., Elgin, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1855 |
| Architect | Quigley, James; Reeves, Edwin F. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000713 |
| Added to NRHP | October 08, 1976 |
Elgin Academy is a private school in Elgin, Illinois, USA. It teaches both boys and girls together. The school helps students get ready for college. Elgin Academy is known for its strong academic teams, like Scholastic Bowl.
Contents
A Look Back: Elgin Academy's History
Elgin Academy was started in 1839. It was created to give students a strong, traditional education. The school's first building, called Old Main, was built in 1855-1856. This historic building is now on the United States' National Register of Historic Places. Today, it serves as a museum for the Elgin Area Historical Society.
How It All Began
The idea for Elgin Academy was approved in 1839. This was just four years after the town of Elgin was founded. The school opened its doors to all students, regardless of their background or gender. The Old Main building was finished in 1856. It cost $19,000 to build.
The first student to graduate was Laura Davidson in 1872. She was the granddaughter of James Gifford, who founded Elgin. Her family later became big supporters of the school.
Through the Years
During the American Civil War, many people from the academy served. About 153 Civil War veterans were connected to the school. Their names are carved on the base of two real Union cannons.
By 1874, 274 students were enrolled. The school offered high school diplomas in many subjects. Around 1900, the school started football and basketball teams. They also began a school newspaper.
The academy was linked to the University of Chicago for a short time. Then it was connected to Northwestern University from 1903 to 1927, and again from 1932 to 1943. The Sears family helped build the school's first gym in 1918. Students could live at the school from 1920 to 1987. Girls were allowed to board starting in 1941.
Growing and Changing
The Sears family also helped build the Sears Art Gallery in 1924. Sears Hall was built in 1940. A new gym was added in 1958. North Hall was built as a girls' dorm in 1962. Edwards Hall was built in 1969. Old Main closed in 1972.
In 1973, enrollment dropped to 85 students. But it grew to 425 students by 2012. In 1984, the school started teaching students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Preschool was added in 1997. The Harold D. Rider Family Media, Science, and Fine Arts Center opened in 2008.
In 2023, the number of students was about 200. On November 7, 2023, the school announced it plans to close. It is expected to close at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Exploring the Campus: School Buildings
The school is located on an 18-acre campus. It's about 35 miles northwest of Chicago. Most classrooms are in four main buildings:
- The Harold D. Rider Family Media, Science and Fine Arts Center: This building has the Kimball Street Theatre. It also houses part of the Liautaud-Lyons Upper School program.
- Edwards Hall: This building is also part of the Liautaud-Lyons Upper School program.
- Sears Hall: This is where the Middle School program is located.
- North Hall: This building is home to the Early Childhood and Lower School programs.
Other buildings on campus include:
- Sears Gallery
- The Gymnasium
- Raymond House: This is where the business office is located.
- Penney House: This building holds offices for admissions, marketing, and alumni relations.
- Old Main: This building is mostly a museum for the Elgin Area Historical Society. One classroom is still used by the academy every day.
About half a mile from the main campus, there's a sports complex. It has tennis courts, grass fields, and a track for running.
Old Main: A Historic Landmark
Old Main is the very first building of Elgin Academy. In the early 1970s, the academy sold it to the city of Elgin for just $1. Today, it is mainly used as a museum. It tells the story of the Elgin area. However, one room in Old Main is still used as a classroom for the school.
Life at Elgin Academy Today
Elgin Academy offers a challenging academic program. It helps students get ready for college. The school is part of the National Association of Independent Schools. It is also approved by other important groups. These include the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. The school is also a member of many academic groups.
Sports and Teams
Elgin Academy's sports teams are called the Hilltoppers. This is because the school is built on a hill. Their mascot is Foxman, named after the nearby Fox River. Students can play many sports. These include basketball, soccer, track, cross country, golf, tennis, volleyball, and baseball. The school's sports teams are part of the Illinois High School Association. They also belong to the Independent School League.
Amazing Accomplishments
Elgin Academy has achieved many great things in academics and sports:
- Academic Achievements:
- Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) State Champions
- Scholastic Bowl State Champions (2022 Masonic State 1A)
- Scholastic Bowl Nationals 11th Place (2022 NAQT SSNCT)
- Nationally Recognized Model UN Team
- Athletic Achievements:
- IHSA Regional Basketball Champions, 1983
- Ranked #10 in Illinois for basketball by Chicago Tribune in 1983
- Soccer Regional Champions, 2016
- Cross Country Sectional Qualifiers, 2017
- Baseball 3x ISL Champions (2017-2019)
- Baseball 4x Regional Champions (2016-2019)
- 2022 Tennis Doubles State Champions
- 2023 Tennis Singles State Champion
