Our History

lux et veritas: light and truth

Though much has changed over the last two centuries, the WRA community continues to embody the same ideals that inspired David Hudson and James Ellsworth. As we consider the future, it’s our history, our traditions and, most critically, our core values that define our path forward: intellectual curiosity and tenacity; transformational growth and wellbeing; belonging, respect and empathy; and citizenship and regional and global engagement. We stay true to these guiding principles, forever in pursuit of light and truth.

For more information about our school's rich history, please visit the blog of our school Archivist & Historian Thomas Vince.

Pioneer roots

After founding the town named in his honor, pioneer David Hudson hoped to leave one final legacy: a New-England style college that would serve as a beacon of excellence and enlightenment amid the Ohio wilderness. In 1803, the General Assembly of the newborn state of Ohio empowered Hudson to establish Western Reserve College and Academy. With 11 students at the college level and eight in the preparatory academy, the institution opened its doors in 1826.

Forward Thinking

As a community of scholars, Western Reserve Academy was founded in the spirit of forward thinking. Like many Ohioans, David Hudson rejected the practice of enslavement. In fact, his house was a frequent stop on the Underground Railroad. In 1854, famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass delivered the commencement address in front of WRA’s Chapel. And in 1888, Margaret Ann Brown was the first African-American woman to graduate from the college.

Perseverance

The century drew to a close, and Western Reserve College migrated to nearby Cleveland. Today known as Case Western Reserve University, that institution and Western Reserve Academy continue to celebrate their shared history.

Economic downturn forced Western Reserve Academy to close its doors in 1903, but thanks to the vision and leadership of one WRA alumnus, industrialist James Ellsworth, the illustrious school reopened its gates in 1916. Recognizing the high caliber of the education provided by his alma mater, Ellsworth gave generously upon his death in 1925, and WRA became a well-endowed preparatory school.