Staten Island Academy

Staten Island Academy is a school where boys and girls can learn together and get ready for college. It is on a large 14-acre campus in Staten Island, part of New York City in the United States. The school began in 1884 by a man named Anton Methfessel, making it the oldest non-government, non-religious school on Staten Island.

Students from about ages 3 to 18 attend the school. Today, about 390 students go there, and each teacher helps only 7 students, so they get lots of attention. Eileen Corigliano is the leader of the school.

The school has three parts: a place for the youngest children, a middle school, and an upper school for older students. The campus has seven buildings for learning, playing, and art. The school is approved by groups that check if schools are good, like the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the New York State Association of Independent Schools. It also follows rules from the University of the State of New York.

History

Founding and early years

Staten Island Academy started on September 5, 1884. It was created when Anton Methfessel and other teachers joined the Methfessel Institute with the original Staten Island Academy and Latin School. The school grew fast, dropping "Latin School" from its name. It became known for its modern lessons. By 1885, students in grades 9 to 12 studied Latin, German, French, English, geography, science, math, history, music, and art. The school also asked higher grades to study more, and some students studied Latin and Greek.

Many famous people were linked to the school. These included an actor, an explorer who reached the North Pole, Admiral Perry, Booker T. Washington, members of the Vanderbilt family, Jacob Riis, and George William Curtis, who helped lead the school’s board.

In 1891, the school bought land at the corner of Wall Street and Academy Place in Staten Island. A new building with English-style design was built. Its cornerstone was laid in December 1895, and the building was finished in June 1896. Today, the original cornerstone is outside Alumni Hall, and the old building is now the Staten Island Museum.

21st century

In fall 2002, Diane J. Hulse became the 15th leader of the school. In 2003, the school updated its library, dining hall, playgrounds, and added outdoor seating and a fitness center. In 2004, the sports fields were improved, thanks in part to a gift from the Alexander Robbins Steinman Foundation in memory of Alex Steinman, Class of 1986.

In spring 2018, the school began a five-year plan called the Renaissance Campaign. This plan aimed to make big changes and raise $10 million. Some of the money will help students who need financial aid. The plan includes updating and expanding Crowe Hall with new classrooms. Work on this project was planned to start in early 2019.

Heads of School

Staten Island Academy has had many leaders since it began. Anton Methfessel started the school in 1884 and was the first head. Since then, many others have helped guide the school. Each leader brought new ideas and support, helping the school grow and stay strong for its students.

Athletics

The mascot of Staten Island Academy is the tiger. The school colors are maroon and gold. Students can play many sports, including Cross Country, Baseball, Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, and Lacrosse.

In 2014, the Girl's Varsity Tennis team won first place in the Catholic High School Athletic Association and PSAA tennis leagues. The Girl's Varsity Basketball team won two tournaments. The Girl's Varsity Lacrosse team won the AAIS league.

In 2015, the Boy's Varsity Volleyball team won the PSAA regular season and playoffs. The Girl's Varsity Basketball team won two tournaments again. The Girl's Varsity Softball team were PSAA regular season champions and won the NYS Federation "B" championship.

Notable alumni

Staten Island Academy has many famous graduates. Some of them are Chris Agoliati, a professional soccer player from the United States, and Oscar Auerbach, a scientist who showed that smoking causes lung cancer.

Other famous graduates are Donald Davidson, a philosophy professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and John Peoples Jr., who led important science projects. The school also honors O.J. Buck, a pilot from World War II, and Alan Seeger, a famous poet from World War I. He was the uncle of Pete Seeger.