Late Phillips Academy Headmaster Ted Sizer once noted that "this (Andover) is a town that values education."
Excellence in its public schools has combined with passion in the private sector to create a "common commitment that lifts the level of all schooling." For over 250 years, Andover's private school options have come in many forms.
Most familiar is Phillips Academy, founded in 1778 by Samuel Phillips Jr. to educate "youth from every quarter" in the classical tradition. While today the academy educates those of high school age, in its early days students ranged from 7 to over 30! Abbot Academy, the first incorporated school in Massachusetts for girls only, opened in 1829. It merged with the all-boys PA in 1973.
William Foster's Boys School was a private boarding school from 1794-1817. Led by "Master Billy" it existed for boys who did not wish to take classical courses. Mr. Foster lived and worked from his father's estate off Central Street, making a series of additions to accommodate as many as 25 boys. Miss M.E. Slason ran a private preparatory school during the late 1800s. Classes were held in her home at 30 School St.
In 1852, Jerusha Williams Billings Edwards founded The School for Young Ladies at 148 Main St. This small boarding school was dubbed the "nunnery" by the Phillips boys to distinguish its pupils from the female academy. Well-known alumni include the author Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, Harriet Beecher Stowe's daughter, Georgiana, and conservationist Alice Buck. Classes offered a broad range, and included instruction in the English Bible and a course called "Mental Philosophy."
Amy E. Briggs is known for starting the Briggs Allen School in 1908. Located in the downtown ARCO building, enrollment ranged from five to 62 students. With Mrs. Briggs' death in 1933, the school was continued by her daughter, Mrs. Lucy Eaton, at 49 Abbot St., finally closing in 1941. Public service enhanced the school's motto, "Today, I will do my best!"
In 1926, Cynthia E. Pike founded The Pike School. It began on Mrs. Pike's sun porch in her home at 126 Lowell St. and had an enrollment of six students. Classes were later held in the Balmoral building and then, in 1944, at 5 Porter Road. The school moved to its present location on Sunset Rock Road in 1963. Enrollment today for pre-K-9th grade boasts over 400 students.
The Marland School opened in the 1940s by sisters Edna and Charlotte at 8 Elm St., later moving to 106 Main St. Eventually the school evolved into a special education school, as public schools at that time could not accommodate students with disabilities. It closed in 1970.
The Andover School of Montessori opened on South Main Street in 1996 at the former Andover Lodge of Elks property. As yet another private school option for children as young as 2 years, 9 months, Montessori offers a flexible curriculum within a three-year cycle. Student progress is evaluated by means other than the standard grading system.
Parochial schools also have been an important presence in town. St. Augustine's was founded in 1914 by the Sisters of Notre Dame in the former Tyer residence on Chestnut Street. Its present building opened to eight grades in 1918. Sacred Heart opened its doors in the Balmoral building in 1946 for boys in grades 4-8. A top enrollment of 250 was reached in 1961, but a later drop forced the school's closing in 1975.
St. Francis Seminary opened in 1930 for high school boys interested in the monastic life and priesthood. Built on the former Hood farm on River Road, it closed in 1977. Today that property is home to the Franciscan Center, a retreat and education facility.
Andover Stories tell a piece of town history. The column will appear in print and/or online each week in preparation for the Andover Historical Society's 100 anniversary celebration in 2011.
