Rockville Academy

Rockville Academy
Location
103 South Adams Street

Rockville
,
Montgomery County
,
Maryland
20850

United States

39°04′57″N 77°09′18″W / 39.08250°N 77.15500°W / 39.08250; -77.15500
Information
Type
EstablishedOctober 12, 1812 (1812-10-12)
Grades9–12
GenderBoys
Campus type
Large suburban

Rockville Academy was an state funded academy in Rockville, Maryland, founded in the 1800s.[1] It operated for over a hundred years, until after World War I.

History

Rockville Academy was proposed by act of the Maryland Senate on December 30, 1809,[2] and on January 10, 1810, the Maryland General Assembly passed an ACT incorporating the academy.[3] It wasn't until that December, that they began advertising for teachers, searching for people qualified to teach Latin and Greek languages, in addition to mathematics.[4] "The professor in the classical department for the Latin and Greek languages is to be considered as the Rector or principal of the institution," said Secretary J. Elgar, "whose duty it shall be to superintend the general management of the several schools, with authority to insist upon a due observance and execution of the rules, to aid and assist the other teachers by his counsel and advice, and to enforce good order and proper discipline throughout the institution."[5]

To finance the school, Maryland permitted the sale of lottery tickets to raise funds.[6]

Rockville Academy opened for a reception of students in Latin, Greek, and Mathematics, on October 12, 1812, under the care of reverend Samuel Martin.[7] The cost of tuition was £10[a] annually, and to be paid in installments quarterly,[7] for room and board the cost was £30.[7] The Academy utilized the original 1790s Montgomery County Courthouse, as the school building.[8]

By 1917, the cost of yearly tuition was $50.[9] When the school reopened on September 10, 1917, it opened as a military school under the direction of Major George M. Thomas, who relocated from Charlotte Hall Military Academy.[10] At the time, the school uniform were "natty gray suits" produced by New York Clothing House in Baltimore.[11] Enrollment continued to grow that year.[12] That December, the students debated whether the, "government should require military training for all boys over twelve years of age." The resolution was decided in the negative.[13] The first commencement ceremony as a military school was held on June 12, 1918.[14]

Legacy

In 1937, the Rockville Library moved into the former Academy building.[15] By the 1950s, it was still being used for the Library.[16]

Athletics

Rockville Academy featured a number of athletics programs including football.[10] In 1911, a track and field team was established.[17]

Notable alumni

Notes

    1. ↑ The Coinage Act of 1792 created United States currency, but pre-revolutionary terminology like Pound sterling were still used, and were accepted as legal tender until 1857.

    References

    1. ↑ "Rockville Academy: Monument to Julius West". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, Maryland. December 25, 1899.
    2. ↑ "By The House of Delegates". Maryland Gazette and Political Intelligencer. Annapolis, Maryland. January 3, 1810.
    3. ↑ "152. An ACT for Incorporating Rockville Academy". Maryland Gazette and Political Intelligencer. Annapolis, Maryland. January 10, 1810.
    4. ↑ "Teacher Wanted". National Intelligencer. Washington, D.C. December 6, 1810.
    5. ↑ "Extract from the Rules for the Government of the Rockville Academy". Daily National Intelligencer and Washington Express. Washington, D.C. October 1, 1813.
    6. ↑ "Rockville Academy Lottery". National Intelligencer. Washington, D.C. August 15, 1812.
    7. 1 2 3 "The Rockville Academy Will Open". National Intelligencer. Washington, D.C. September 3, 1812.
    8. ↑ "Rockville Academy". Daily National Intelligencer and Washington Express. Washington, D.C. May 6, 1813.
    9. ↑ "The Rockville Academy". Montgomery County Sentinel. Rockville, Maryland. August 24, 1917.
    10. 1 2 "Plans to Boost Athletics". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, Maryland. September 23, 1917.
    11. ↑ "Local and Personal: Town and Country". Montgomery County Sentinel. Rockville, Maryland. November 16, 1917.
    12. ↑ "Local and Personal". Montgomery County Sentinel. Rockville, Maryland. December 21, 1917.
    13. ↑ "Local and Personal: The Rockville Academy". Montgomery County Sentinel. Rockville, Maryland. December 28, 1917.
    14. ↑ "The Rockville Military Academy: Program of the Closing Exercises. The Public Are Invited to Attend". Montgomery County Sentinel. Rockville, Maryland. June 7, 1918.
    15. ↑ "New Quarters For Rockville Library". The News. Frederick, Maryland. August 24, 1937.
    16. ↑ "Rockville Seeks $14,000 County Rebate for Library". Evening star. Washington, D.C. May 22, 1956.
    17. ↑ "Track Team for Rockville". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, Maryland. January 14, 1911.
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