Zelosophian Academy

The Zelosophian Academy was a coeducational private school founded in September 1892 by James Hugh Blair Hall in connection with the Oak Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Oak Grove.

The academy took its name from the Greek words "zelos", meaning "zeal," and "sophos," meaning "wisdom". It welcomed students from first grade to college level and met initially in the church sanctuary until an academy building was added onto the rear of the church. Enrollment began with 119 students in the first term. Students were taught subjects ranging from Latin and Greek to calculus, religion, music and art. Special focus was given to English and to Alabama history.

The school advertised itself in the pages of Good Housekeeping in 1899. Tuition ranged from $1 to $5 per month and boarding placement was available with families in the area.

The academy building was destroyed by fire in 1920.

References

• Thomas, Grace Powers (1898) Where to Educate. Boston: Brown & Co., p. 2