Wilbraham & Monson Academy  

History of the School

Wilbraham & Monson Academy is an institution born on two early 19th century academies devoted from their foundation to the education of the broadest spectrum Wilbraham & Monson Academy is an institution born on two early 19th century academies devoted from their foundation to the education of the broadest spectrum of young men and women. Before the Civil War, African American students were members of their student bodies, and Alumni Chapel was part of the Underground Railroad. Students from around the world traveled to the towns of Wilbraham and Monson to avail themselves of fine teaching in the United States.

Monson Academy, founded in 1804, is the anchor of our history, upon which we based the celebration of our Bicentennial Year 2003-2004. Wilbraham Academy, originally Wesleyan Academy, was founded in New Market, New Hampshire, in 1812 and relocated to Wilbraham in 1825. Although both Wilbraham and Monson were boys schools for many years, coeducation returned with the merger of the two schools in 1971.

In 1947 Charles Stevens, Headmaster from 1935 to 1955, sought a way for graduates of the Academy to leave a reminder of themselves when they graduated. For many years classes had engraved symbols into the foundation of Fisk Hall. Mr. Steven's idea resulted in the creation of the Alumni Wall. The members of the graduating class design their stones to reflect their identities and interests. Originally students soaked the stones in the Rubicon and hand carved them. These days most students have them carved professionally.

In 2000-2001 the Student Senate proposed to change the school mascot from the Coachmen to the Titans.The choice has its roots in classical mythology. The Titans were a family of 6 brothers and 6 sisters. Atlas - a Titan- is a major architectural feature on Rich Hall. The definition of a Titan is also apt - "one that stands out for greatness in achievement." We are the Titans!of young men and women. Before the Civil War, African American students were members of their student bodies, and Alumni Chapel was part of the Underground Railroad. Students from around the world traveled to the towns of Wilbraham and Monson to avail themselves of fine teaching in the United States. Monson Academy, founded in 1804, is the anchor of our history, upon which we based the celebration of our Bicentennial Year 2003-2004. Wilbraham Academy, originally Wesleyan Academy, was founded in New Market, New Hampshire, in 1812 and relocated to Wilbraham in 1825. Although both Wilbraham and Monson were boys schools for many years, coeducation returned with the merger of the two schools in 1971. In 1947 Charles Stevens, Headmaster from 1935 to 1955, sought a way for graduates of the Academy to leave a reminder of themselves when they graduated. For many years classes had engraved symbols into the foundation of Fisk Hall. Mr. Steven's idea resulted in the creation of the Alumni Wall. The members of the graduating class design their stones to reflect their identities and interests. Originally students soaked the stones in the Rubicon and hand carved them. These days most students have them carved professionally. In 2000-2001 the Student Senate proposed to change the school mascot from the Coachmen to the Titans.The choice has its roots in classical mythology. The Titans were a family of 6 brothers and 6 sisters. Atlas - a Titan- is a major architectural feature on Rich Hall. The definition of a Titan is also apt - "one that stands out for greatness in achievement." We are the Titans!