More Than 50 Years of Excellence
Newberry Academy was founded in the summer of 1966, born from the vision of a dedicated group of parents who sought to establish an independent school for the families of Newberry County. That fall, the Academy opened its doors in the Old West End School, located where the parking lot of West End Baptist Church on Main Street now stands. Initially serving kindergarten through eighth grade, the Academy quickly became a cornerstone of the community.
Guided by its first headmaster, Dr. James Kinard—former president of Newberry College—the Academy laid a strong foundation for academic excellence and character development. As enrollment grew, so did the school’s ambitions. Within a few years, the Academy expanded its programs. It relocated to its permanent home on Smith Road, a beautiful 14-acre campus featuring six buildings designed to support both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Since those early days in West End, Newberry Academy has evolved into one of the region’s most respected independent schools. Today, it offers comprehensive college-preparatory education from early childhood through 12th grade, continuing its mission to inspire curiosity, cultivate leadership, and prepare students for success in higher education and beyond.