The header image is the default header image for the site.

First Day of School | September 1, 1999
September 01, 2016

The very first day of school for City Academy was September 1, 1999.  There were 42 students in three classes- junior kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade, who were part of the inaugural celebration. The following is the first day of school speech given by President and Co-Founder of City Academy, Don Danforth III.

First Day of School Speech 1999 by Don Danforth III

Ten years ago, I was talked into volunteering at a place called the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting into and soon got caught up into Mr. Mathews’ philosophy of offering children the best opportunities possible. City Academy is the result of the successes of the Mathews-Dickey educational programs. It takes Martin Mathews’ simple philosophy of offering programs for children that will be the very best. That’s what we’ve set about doing, creating the very best school.

While this is the culmination of so much planning by so many people, it is the beginning of things to come. Our dream was not to just create, but to build and develop a top independent school that can impact children for a long time. To this end, we have only begun.

To be successful, City Academy will need continued support of so many including each of you. So I offer a challenge to each of you.

To the City Academy Board…
I challenge each of you to make you contribution to City Academy meaningful and impactful. City Academy needs your time, energy, knowledge, support, and leadership to assure that we always meet our mission of providing the best educational opportunities.

To all our “Friends”…(Many of whom are here today)
To constantly hold us to the high standards necessary to be the best. Reward us with your encouragement, your enthusiasm, and your generous support that will enable us to sustain City Academy for a long time.

To our Staff, our Teachers, and our Principal…
To continue your dedication, devotion, and high expectations for City Academy students. All of you will make our school great!

To our City Academy Parents…
To form a partnership with City Academy, and to show commitment to your school by becoming actively involved and to help build a school you can be proud to be a part of.

To our City Academy Students…
You are our first students, and it is up to you to be leaders. Your challenge is to set an example for all future students by dedicating yourselves to reaching your full potential and achieving the excellence that we see in you.

Thanks everyone for making the a special day…hopefully the first of many in the life of City Academy!

By Don Danforth III, President & Co-Founder | September 1, 1999