Norfolk Academy (NA) is an independent co-educational day school in Norfolk, Virginia. Chartered in 1728, it is the oldest private school in Virginia and the eighth oldest school in the United States. In 1966, Norfolk Academy merged with Country Day School for Girls in Virginia Beach, Virginia to create the current co-educational school. It serves students in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk. In sports, NA competes in the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS) as well as in the Virginia Preparatory League (males) and the League of Independent Schools (females). History The original Norfolk Academy building was designed by architect Thomas Ustick Walter, who subsequently became the fourth Architect of the Capitol. The Greek-revival building, featured on the school's current seal (at right), was modeled after the Temple of Thesus in Athens. Subsequently, the building was a military hospital during the American Civil War and a Red Cross building during World War I. The building was used from 1920 to 1970 as the City of Norfolk's Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and from 1973 as the headquarters of City of Norfolk's Chamber of Commerce. Originally accessible via downtown Norfolk's Bank Street, the building now sits at the intersection of East Charlotte Street and St. Paul's Boulevard. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. Academics and student life Students are required to research, compose, and deliver to the student body and faculty an original persuasive speech as a graduation requirement. Public speaking skills are integrated into the curriculum starting in the first grade. Athletics Norfolk Academy teams compete in the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools, the League of Independent Schools, and the Virginia Prep League. Athletic venues include multiple gymnasiums, an aquatic facility, tennis courts, baseball and lacrosse fields, and track-and-field facilities. Notable alumni *Hardy Cross (1899), engineer Glenn Youngkin (1985), governor of Virginia (2022–present) References 1728 establishments in Virginia Educational institutions established in 1728 National Register of Historic Places in Norfolk, Virginia Private elementary schools in Virginia Private high schools in Virginia Private middle schools in Virginia School buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia Schools in Norfolk, Virginia Thomas U. Walter buildings Buildings and structures in Norfolk, Virginia