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

We are very pleased to share with you Our Common Journey: Strategic Priorities for Cushing Academy 2025-2030.

Formed over 18 months with wide community input — trustees, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, students, and friends— this strategic plan charts a path for the next phase of Cushing’s journey. It builds on the strengths, achievements, and experiences of our school and community, and positions the Academy for continued growth and excellence.

Our Common Journey: Strategic Priorities for Cushing Academy 2025-2030 is anchored by six key pillars:

These priorities are designed to be agile. They grant Cushing the latitude to adjust our daily operations tactically, allowing the Academy to be responsive to the dynamic needs and feedback of our students, faculty, and staff.

Our Common Journey lays the foundation for Cushing Academy's continued success and the bright promise of tomorrow, ensuring that we continue in our student-centered mission for generations to come: Cushing Academy exists for students and develops curious, creative, and confident learners and leaders.