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ALEXANDRIA ACADEMY
As a young man, George Washington paid attention to character and conduct. As a teenager, he penned his famous Rules of Civility. He took his first steps toward greatness by copying out by hand a list of 110 “Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” Based on a 16th-century set of precepts compiled for young gentlemen by Jesuit instructors, the Rules of Civility were one of the earliest and most powerful forces to shape America's first President. Their influence is still felt through the Army’s Honor Code, the Standing Rules of the Senate, and in several universities.
 In 1785—as the leading citizen in his town—George Washington endowed Alexandria Academy, stipulating that his gift be used “for the purpose of educating orphan children or the children of such poor and indigent persons as are unable to accomplish this by their own means.” He allowed that up to one fifth of the scholarships be made available to girls. He insisted that special consideration be given to the children of Revolutionary War veterans and their widows.
Through General Washington’s energy, insight and financial investment (approximately $2000,000 in today’s dollars) Alexandra Academy became northern Virginia’s first “free” school, a co-educational private academy welcoming both paying and non-paying scholars—including several free black children. Through his influence, the Academy’s curriculum was expanded to combine the classical education typical of 18th century college preparatory schools with subjects which would be “useful” for the great mass of citizens in a republic. Washington saw the school as the model for universal education in the new nation.
On June 12th, 2008 the Governors of the Fund for Classical Education met at Mount Vernon to lay the groundwork for local schools in cities and towns throughout the world, each rooted in the character and greatness of George Washington and grounded in his bold vision of universal access to classical education.
In the fall of 2010, The Fund for Classical Education will open its flagship school in Washington’s home town. Alexandria Academy – The Washington Latin School in the City of Alexandria will combine a strong program in Latin, classics and literature with state of the art offerings in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. (STEM) Each school —like the original Alexandria Academy—will maintain a hearty and wholesome school culture that makes character job one.
At Washington Latin, what John Locke called “the principaling of youth” will be accomplished through school masters who are highly qualified in the subjects they teach and prepared to match precept with example. Latin’s distinctive school culture is defined and reinforced through its Mission & Philosophy, Honor Code, and Standards of Conduct & Civility.
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