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In 1785, a small group of Alexandria’s leading citizens, led by Dr. William Brown, a physician trained at the University of Edinburgh, established Alexandria Academy. The Academy was designed as a traditional college preparatory Latin School. George Washington  welcomed the opportunity to become one of the original “Managers” of the school, noting that “Nothing is of more importance than the education of youth.”
General Washington’s support was substantial and his influence significant. He vowed to support the new institution “as far as it is in my powers” and then proceeded to pledge £1,000. (Approximately $200,000 in today's dollars) After paying his pledge over time, Washington’s estate endowed the school with shares of The Bank of Alexandria then valued at £4,000, or approximately $800,000.
At Washington’s urging, Alexandria Academy became coeducational. Through his endowment it became the first “free” school in Northern Virginia—a place where indigent scholars studied alongside paying students. Through his conversations with Head Master William McWhir (1759-1851) the curriculum was expanded to combine classical learning with “reading, writing & arithmetic” and other practical subjects that that would fit ordinary citizens for lives of usefulness in the new republic.
In 2009 a new generation is building a new school on that old foundation. Alexandria Academy: The Washington Latin School in the City of Alexandria will be an independent coeducational academy providing an “Andover” quality education to students—both paying and free.
Alexandria Academy is all about excellence. In the classroom, the athletic field, the concert hall, lectern, studio and stage, Latinians experience the satisfaction that comes from hard work, fair play and real achievement. On the day Latin opens its doors it will be competitive with the nation’s finest private academies. In fact, the General Graduation Requirements (GGR) of The New Classics® curriculum are higher than those of any school in region—public or private.
Latin is not for everyone. It is a very special place for young people who love to study, think, discuss and debate. It is designed for students who want to be stretched to discover their limits and challenged to excel in academics, sports and the arts. For enthusiastic scholars who welcome high standards of personal conduct and long to be part of a community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, Latin is the place to be.
At Alexandria Academy, we are looking for intellectually curious, highly motivated students who are on a quest to discover and fulfill their life's purpose. We are looking for parents who are willing to be full partners. We are looking for citizens who, like General Washington, are willing to invest “as far as it is in [their] powers” to create a school that will serve the youth of our region and become a model for the nation.
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