In 1835 an act was passed by the General Assembly of Nova Scotia authorizing the Lieutenant Governor to appoint trustees and to make a grant of land for school purposes in Sydney. The grant dates October 25, 1836. The land conveyed for Sydney Academy was north by DesBarres Street, south by Amelia Street, east by George Street, and west by Charlotte Street.
Sydney Academy went into operation on July 1, 1841. Rev. O.S. Weeks served as the first Headmaster
of Sydney Academy. Campbell Street at that time was opened up through the property and the portion not required for School purposes, divided into lots, some of which were sold to provide funds to pay for the new building.The building eventually ceased to be used as a school, and was turned into a dwelling. Later, a part of this building was moved to 78 George Street, and still stands with alterations.
Demand for a new Sydney Academy building was met in 1864, when the new Education Act provided for the construction of a new school. The Sydney Board selected a site on Pitt Street, where the present telephone office now stands. This building was officially opened on May 1, 1866. This building was used until 1882 when it became necessary to provide larger accommodations for educational work in Sydney. Unfortunately this building was destroyed by fire in 1901.
In 1882, a new eight room building was erected on the corner of George and Dorchester Streets. It was architecturally one of the finest wooden buildings for its purpose in the province. The grounds, containing about three acres, were divided into separate areas for boys and girls. This building served as The Academy until 1901 when it became part of Central School.
With the growth of Sydney a newer and larger Academy was built in 1901 next to the previous Academy. This Academy was a three-storey brick and stone building containing modern facilities such as a Chemical and Physical Laboratory as well as an Assembly Hall capable of seating up to 500 persons.
Overcrowding soon resulted in the need for yet another Academy. This building, which many know as "the old Academy" or Park Junior High, was built in 1911. Located in the Ashby area at the corner of Terrace and Park streets, the building fronted on Townsend Street. Mr. W.A. Creelman was the first principal and was later succeeded by Mr. Russell Ellis in 1922. Mr. Ellis served as principal until 1935 and was in turn succeeded by Dr. George Graham Campbell. Dr. Campbell served as Principal of Sydney Academy for a longer period of time than anyone else, 1935-1968. It is safe to say that under his leadership, Sydney Academy became one of the most outstanding high schools in the Atlantic region.
It was during the Campbell era that the present-day steel and glass Sydney Academy was built. This school was officially opened on Sept. 8, 1959. At the time it was built the gymnasium was said to be the best in the Maritimes with a seating capacity of 2400. Construction of a 16-room addition, known as "the new wing", to accommodate business education students was begun just before Dr. Campbell retired in 1968. It was opened shortly thereafter. It has been estimated that since Sydney Academy began 163 years ago, over 26,000 students have graduated.
Interested in learning more about SA's unique history? We have the Sydney Academy 150th Anniversary - 1841 to 1991 book for sale at a cost of $12.00.
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