History of private schools

Only private academies in Newton County through first half-century

By TOM SPIGOLON

tspigolon@covnews.com

During the first 50 years of Newton County’s existence, education was not seen as a public responsibility.

There were 11 private academies incorporated in the county by 1850, with some being Palmyra Academy in Newborn; the Male Academy in Covington; Mt. Pleasant Academy in the Brickstore community; and Starrsville Academy .

Today, a number of private schools operate, with many tied to religious instruction as an alternative to public schools.

Piedmont Academy is located in Monticello and was founded in 1889. Students come from seven counties including Butts, Henry, Jasper, Morgan, Newton, Putnam and Rockdale.

Peachtree Academy was founded by JaNice VanNess in 2001 and has grown into a Christian-based college preparatory school, encompassing four unique campuses.

Providence Classical Christian School (PCCS) was established in 2005 on the northern outskirts of Oxford.

Grace Christian Academy in Covington has about 80 students.

Alpha Omega Preparatory Academy is located on Salem Road in the Kroger shopping center.

Pictured are numerous students outside a school in Starrsville, belived to be take in the early 1900s.

The Historical Society of Newton County

Happy 200th Birthday Newton County!