To truly appreciate the Worcester Academy legacy of hard work, determination and outstanding achievement that each student is expected to carry forth, one must first understand our humble beginnings...

Established as the Worcester County Manual Labor High School in 1834, the Academy first opened its doors as "a school for the education of youth in languages, arts and sciences; for promoting habits of industry and economy; and for inculcating the principles of piety and virtue."

In 1846 the school officially became Worcester Academy; twenty-three years later it moved from downtown to our present location on the Union Hill campus. And in 1882, the Academy welcomed principal Dr. Daniel Webster Abercrombie, for whom the head of school's house is named today. Abercrombie served Worcester Academy for 36 years, during which time he pioneered a progressive curriculum parallel to the ones he experienced in Europe.

Over the years Worcester Academy continued to progress: In 1974 we resumed the admission of girls after a hiatus of many decades...1987 saw the opening of the middle school, followed by the addition of sixth grade in 1996...and it was also during 1996 that the school's buildings were connected to the Internet, signifying a remarkable boost to the educational opportunities afforded our students.

Our curriculum both reminds us of our past and keeps a watchful eye on our future. Times have changed since the Worcester County Manual Labor High School, and so have we -- but like our mantra of 1834, Worcester Academy remains committed to providing our students with a solid real-world education.