Washington Academy is a school that embraces new adventure. Since its founding in 1792, WA has moved locations, constructed new buildings, and opened its doors to students from around the world.

In the beginning, classes were held in Machias at the Burnham Tavern and the Masonic Hall. It wasn’t until 30 years later that the school got its own building. After much deliberating between neighboring towns, the first school building was build in East Machias, opening its doors on September 8, 1823 as an all boys school.

Today Washington Academy welcomes boys and girls (50% of each gender). WA has over 350 day students and about 90 residential students- representing more than 20 surrounding communities and more than 15 countries. This makes WA truly a global campus located in the easternmost corner of the United States.

A new Arts and Music Center, a Health and Wellness Center, and improvements in athletic fields, classroom space, and digital infrastructure are the newest additions to the Washington Academy campus. The school is also strongly committed to being environmentally responsible, and encouraging those values across the entire community.

One thing that is the same as its early days in the Burnham Tavern- Washingon Academy is here to enrich the minds of students. Today, the students just happen to come from all ends of the globe.

The original Academy building at Washington Academy, pictured in the 1800s.
It still stands today.