Norfolk Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norfolk Academy |
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| Address | |
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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) |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Nonsectarian |
| 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 | Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS) |
| Mascot | Bulldog |
| Nickname | Bulldogs |
| Rivals | St. Christopher's School, Cape Henry Collegiate School |
| Accreditation | National Association of Independent Schools |
| School fees | Transportation: $1,400–$1,800 Late activity bus: $475 |
| Tuition | $22,800–$28,200 (2024-25) |
Norfolk Academy (NA) is a private school in Norfolk, Virginia. It welcomes both boys and girls. The school was officially started in 1728. This makes it the oldest private school in Virginia. It is also the eighth oldest school in the entire United States.
In 1966, Norfolk Academy joined with the Country Day School for Girls. This created the co-educational school we know today. Students from many nearby cities attend NA. These cities include Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk.
In sports, Norfolk Academy teams are called the Bulldogs. They compete in the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS). Boys' teams also play in the Virginia Preparatory League. Girls' teams compete in the League of Independent Schools.
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 very special. It was designed by a famous architect named 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 built 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 old building was used for many things. It was a military hospital during the American Civil War. It also served as a Red Cross building during World War I. From 1920 to 1970, it was a court for the City of Norfolk. Later, it became the headquarters for the City's Chamber of Commerce.
The original building was once on Bank Street in downtown Norfolk. Now, it is located at the corner of East Charlotte Street and St. Paul's Boulevard. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
Student Life and Learning
Norfolk Academy helps students become great public speakers. Starting in first grade, students learn how to speak in front of groups. This skill is part of their everyday lessons.
To graduate, students must give a special speech. They have to research a topic and write their own persuasive speech. Then, they deliver it to their classmates and teachers. This helps them practice speaking clearly and confidently.
Sports and Athletics
Norfolk Academy has many sports teams. They compete against other schools in different leagues. These include the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools. They also play in the League of Independent Schools and the Virginia Prep League.
The school has excellent facilities for sports. There are several gymnasiums for indoor games. They also have a swimming pool for aquatic sports. Outside, you can find tennis courts and fields for baseball and lacrosse. There are also special areas for track-and-field events.
Famous Alumni
Many successful people have graduated from Norfolk Academy. Here are a few:
- Hardy Cross (graduated 1899), a well-known engineer.
- Glenn Youngkin (graduated 1985), who became the 74th Governor of Virginia in 2022.
- Angela Hucles (graduated 1996), a sports executive and former professional soccer player.
- David McCormack (attended until 2018), a basketball player who now plays professionally in Germany.
- Mark Williams (attended until 2020), a basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets.
