Norfolk Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norfolk Academy |
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1585 Wesleyan Drive
, Virginia
United States
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| Information | |
| Type | Private, Day, College-prep |
| Motto | ου πολλα αλλα πολυ (Greek) (Not quantity, but quality) |
| Established | 1728 |
| Headmaster | Travis Larrabee |
| Grades | 1–12 |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Enrollment | 1200 students in 1–12 |
| Campus | 70 acres (28 ha) |
| Color(s) | Orange & Blue |
| Athletics conference | TCIS |
| Mascot | Bulldog |
| Nickname | Bulldogs |
| Rivals | St. Christopher's School, Cape Henry Collegiate School |
Norfolk Academy (NA) is a private school in Norfolk, Virginia. Boys and girls learn together there. It started way back in 1728, making it the oldest private school in Virginia. It's also one of the oldest schools in the entire United States!
In 1966, Norfolk Academy joined with a girls' school. This created the co-ed school it is today. Students from many nearby cities, like Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, attend NA. In sports, NA teams compete in different leagues, like the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS).
School History
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Norfolk Academy
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Norfolk Academy, 420 Bank Street, ca. 1890
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 420 Bank St., Norfolk, Virginia |
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| Area | 0 acres (0 ha) |
| Built | 1840 |
| Architect | Thomas U. Walter |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000343 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | November 12, 1969 |
The first Norfolk Academy building was designed by a famous architect. His name was Thomas Ustick Walter. He later became the fourth Architect of the Capitol. This means he helped design important buildings in Washington, D.C.
The building was made in the Greek-revival style. This means it looked like ancient Greek temples. It was even modeled after the Temple of Thesus in Athens, Greece. You can see this building on the school's current seal.
Over the years, the building was used for different things. During the American Civil War, it was a military hospital. In World War I, it became a Red Cross building. From 1920 to 1970, it was a court for young people. Later, it became the main office for Norfolk's Chamber of Commerce.
The original building was on Bank Street in downtown Norfolk. Now, it sits where East Charlotte Street and St. Paul's Boulevard meet. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. This list helps protect important places in the United States.
Learning and Student Life
Norfolk Academy helps students become great public speakers. Students start learning how to speak in front of others in first grade. This skill is part of their regular classes.
Before they graduate, students have an important task. They must research a topic and write a persuasive speech. Then, they deliver this speech to their classmates and teachers. This helps them practice speaking clearly and confidently.
Sports and Athletics
Norfolk Academy has many sports teams. They are known as the Bulldogs. These teams compete against other schools in different leagues. Some of these leagues include the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools. They also play in the League of Independent Schools and the Virginia Prep League.
The school has great places for sports. There are several gyms for basketball and other indoor games. They have a swimming pool for aquatic sports. There are also tennis courts and fields for baseball and lacrosse. Plus, they have special areas for track and field events.
Famous Graduates
Many talented people have graduated from Norfolk Academy. Here are a few:
- Hardy Cross (1899) – He was a very smart engineer.
- Glenn Youngkin (1985) – He became the 74th Governor of Virginia. He started this important job in 2022.
- Angela Hucles (1996) – She was a professional soccer player. Now, she works as a sports executive.
- Mark Williams – He is an NBA player for the Charlotte Hornets. He played college basketball at Duke University.
