Staten Island Academy

Staten Island Academy is a school where boys and girls can learn together, getting ready for college. It is found on a big campus with 14 acres in Staten Island, a part of New York City in the United States. The school started in 1884 by a man named Anton Methfessel, making it the oldest school that is not part of the government or tied to a religion on Staten Island.

Students from ages about 3 to 18 go to this school. Right now, 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 is split into three parts: a place for the youngest kids, a middle school, and an upper school for older students. The campus has seven buildings where students learn, play, and do art. The school is approved by groups that make sure 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 set by the University of the State of New York.

History

Founding and early years

Staten Island Academy started on September 5, 1884, when Anton Methfessel and other teachers combined the Methfessel Institute with the original Staten Island Academy and Latin School. The school grew quickly, dropping "Latin School" from its name and becoming well-known for its modern curriculum. By 1885, students in grades 9 to 12 studied subjects like Latin, German, French, English, geography, science, math, history, music, and art. The school also required more advanced learning for higher grades and Latin and Greek for some students.

Many famous people were linked to the school, including 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 architecture was built, and its cornerstone was laid in December 1895. 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 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. Over the years, many others have guided the school, each bringing their own ideas and support. The leaders have changed through the years, helping the school grow and stay strong for students.

Athletics

The mascot of Staten Island Academy is the tiger, and 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 all their games and took first place in both the Catholic High School Athletic Association and PSAA tennis leagues. The Girl's Varsity Basketball team won the Lady Tigers Holiday Tournament and the Fieldston Tip-Off Tournament. The Girl's Varsity Lacrosse team also won the AAIS league.

In 2015, the Boy's Varsity Volleyball team won both the PSAA regular season and playoffs. The Girl's Varsity Basketball team again won the Lady Tigers Holiday Tournament and the Fieldston Tip-Off Tournament. The Girl's Varsity Softball team were the PSAA regular season champions and also won the NYS Federation "B" championship.

Notable alumni

Staten Island Academy shares stories of some of its well-known graduates. These include Chris Agoliati, a professional soccer player from the United States, and Oscar Auerbach, a scientist who showed that smoking causes lung cancer.

Other notable alumni 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 who served in World War II, and Alan Seeger, a famous poet from the time of World War I. He was the uncle of Pete Seeger.