the academy and college of philadelphia

The Academy and College of Philiadelphia was the first American academy. It was founded in 1749 by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin drew up the constitution for the academy, and on November 13, 1749, he was appointed its president. The academy opened August 13, 1751. Seven men graduated May 17, 1757, at the first commencement. Six graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and one with a Master of Arts. On September 13, 1791, State legislation united the University of the State of Pennsylvania with the College Academy and Charitable School of Philadelphia, under the name of the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Note--Since many of the academies were elementary schools and the title "academy" was used indiscriminately, there is considerable confict as to which was the first academy.

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