Academy College

Step into the rich history of Academy College, an institution that laid the groundwork for American education and leadership. Though its name has evolved over centuries, its origins trace back to an academy opened for boys on August 13, 1751, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the first president of its board of trustees. Franklin himself authored the academy's constitution, notably emphasizing modern languages and science over traditional Latin and Greek, a progressive approach that set it apart in its era.

This visionary institution quickly grew in prominence. Granted a charter as a college in 1755, it began graduating classes in 1757. Its commitment to innovation continued with the establishment of North America's first medical school, the Medical School of the College of Philadelphia, in 1765 by physicians John Morgan and William Shippen, Sr. This dedication to advanced learning and practical sciences cultivated an environment where future leaders of the United States were educated.

Academy College, through its evolution as the College of Philadelphia, played a pivotal role in the nascent nation's development. It educated numerous members of the Continental Congress, and its alumni and trustees included signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Despite a temporary rechartering during the American Revolution, the institution's enduring legacy led to its restoration and eventual merger in 1791, forming what is now known as the University of Pennsylvania. This storied history underscores its profound impact on American intellectual and political life, offering a unique academic lineage rooted in Enlightenment ideals and forward-thinking education.