History and Future of Cushing

Let’s take you back to 1850 when Thomas Parkman Cushing (1787-1854), a successful Boston merchant, outlined plans for a school in his last will and testament:

…I am particularly desirous of using a portion of the estate with which God has blessed me, for the promotion of so important an object as that of improving the education, and thus of strengthening and enlarging the minds of the rising and future generations.

...all the scholars of both sexes, should be carefully trained to think rightly and systematically upon the objects and principles which are to influence and govern them during their subsequent lives.

Perhaps this cannot be better effected than by frequently requiring from each of them compositions on all important subjects; thus whilst they are displaying their thoughts freely and unreservedly to, and under the supervision of able and judicious Instructors, they will form opinions and characters which will constitute them intelligent, wise, leading and useful members of society.

Ten years after his death, once his funds had increased as he’d instructed, the Trustees applied for a charter to found a school. This was granted in 1865 and in 1875 Cushing Academy welcomed both boys and girls to begin an academic adventure of achievement.

We have continued to honor Cushing’s wish for over 150 years, shaping our students into curious, creative, and confident learners, ready to take on the world.

Our sesquicentennial commemorative publication, Cushing Yesterday & Today, celebrates Cushing’s History. You can also explore our 150th Anniversary Timeline, and discover recent achievements in our Community Impact Statement.

The Future of Cushing Academy

In 2017, Cushing began a 5-year strategic plan, Embracing Our Legacy and Positioning For Our Future, with the view of developing a stronger and more sustainable future for Cushing Academy.

Nine strategic initiatives were identified in the Plan, organized around Student Experience, ensuring the best possible education and experience for each student, and Institutional Sustainability, focused on building a stronger foundation for the future.

The end of the 2022 academic year signals the completion of this Plan and the progress made would not have been possible without the deep commitment and generosity of all who have supported and invested in Cushing Academy.

Below, we are pleased to share a detailed Final Report outlining the objectives and outcomes for each initiative in our 2017-22 Strategic Plan: