academy
Quick Summary
An academy is an institution dedicated to learning or a society of individuals organized to advance a specific field, such as art, science, or literature. The term originated from Plato's philosophical school in ancient Greece.1
In the 18th century, a new type of academy emerged in Europe and the United States, focusing on "useful learning" beyond classical studies. These institutions offered subjects like modern languages, history, geography, mathematics, and sciences, preparing students for practical life. Initially for boys, academies later included departments for girls, with curricula reflecting contemporary debates on female education. While often private ventures, some received public support. The term can also refer to specialized secondary schools or colleges, such as military or fine arts academies.21
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
mathematicsInstitutional backgroundThe academy was the predominant institution of science until it was displaced by the university in the 19th century. The leading mathematicians of the period, such as Leonhard Euler, Jean Le Rond dāAlembert, and Joseph-Louis Lagrange, pursued academic careers at St. Petersburg, Paris, and London.
Read MoreThe academy was the predominant institution of science until it was displaced by the university in the 19th century. The leading mathematicians of the period, such as Leonhard Euler, Jean Le Rond dāAlembert, and Joseph-Louis Lagrange, pursued academic careers at St. Petersburg, Paris, and London.
Read More
biologyThe establishment of scientific societiesā¦the establishment in Europe of academies or societies; they consisted of small groups of men who met to discuss subjects of mutual interest. Although some of the groups enjoyed the financial patronage of princes and other wealthy members of society, the membersā interest in science was the sole sustaining force.ā¦
Read Moreā¦the establishment in Europe of academies or societies; they consisted of small groups of men who met to discuss subjects of mutual interest. Although some of the groups enjoyed the financial patronage of princes and other wealthy members of society, the membersā interest in science was the sole sustaining force.ā¦
Read More
Western sculpture19th-century sculptureā¦annual exhibitions organized by the Academies. In post-Revolutionary France, the academy was organized by the government until the early 1880s, when they were taken over by artistsā organization. Great patrons at court or among the nobility could still play a very important part in making an artistās reputation, but publicityā¦
Read Moreā¦annual exhibitions organized by the Academies. In post-Revolutionary France, the academy was organized by the government until the early 1880s, when they were taken over by artistsā organization. Great patrons at court or among the nobility could still play a very important part in making an artistās reputation, but publicityā¦
Read More
educationThe academiesā The beginning of academies for the promotion of philosophy, arts, or sciences can be traced to the early Renaissance, particularly in Italy and France. The Platonic Academy in Florence was one of the most noted of speculative societies. The first scientific academies belong toā¦
Read Moreā The beginning of academies for the promotion of philosophy, arts, or sciences can be traced to the early Renaissance, particularly in Italy and France. The Platonic Academy in Florence was one of the most noted of speculative societies. The first scientific academies belong toā¦
Read More
educationThe new academiesFrom such endeavour emerged the academy. The first school of strictly native provenance, it made its advent in 1751 in Philadelphia (the Philadelphia Academy), the work in the main of Benjamin Franklin. What differentiated it from its Classical antecedent was its promotion of āuseful learning,ā to wit, the vernacular, modernā¦
Read MoreFrom such endeavour emerged the academy. The first school of strictly native provenance, it made its advent in 1751 in Philadelphia (the Philadelphia Academy), the work in the main of Benjamin Franklin. What differentiated it from its Classical antecedent was its promotion of āuseful learning,ā to wit, the vernacular, modernā¦
Read More
educationCanadaAcademies, largely supported by the middle class of nonconformist groups, presented a broad curriculum of liberal arts that spanned the secondary and higher levels of education. In general, instruction relied on a simple chain concept of ātransmission-absorption-mental storage,ā which was kept going by direct applicationā¦
Read MoreAcademies, largely supported by the middle class of nonconformist groups, presented a broad curriculum of liberal arts that spanned the secondary and higher levels of education. In general, instruction relied on a simple chain concept of ātransmission-absorption-mental storage,ā which was kept going by direct applicationā¦
Read More