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About Us
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John W. Houghton was a successful leather merchant on Broad Street in Augusta. At his death in 1851, he bequeathed four thousand dollars and a plot of land to the City Council of Augusta for the purpose of building a school for “the poor children of Augusta.” The school was also to be open on Sundays for worship and prayer.
In 1853 the first Houghton School was opened. In the 1890’s it became the first public elementary school. The original structure was burned in the massive fire of downtown Augusta in 1916. The current school building was designed by prominent architect Lloyd Preacher, and erected for a cost of $65,000. From 1916 to 2000, thousands of children in Augusta were educated in the facility. The building was vacant until local businessman and philanthropist Clay Boardman purchased the historic property in 2005, adding a new roof, windows and otherwise bringing to a halt the decay inside the building. Heritage Academy purchased the building from Mr. Boardman and began a 190-day production schedule to completely renovate the first of two floors in the 50,000 square foot facility.
John Houghton cared deeply about his community and the children that are its future. He was a visionary. Heritage Academy is following in his steps to bring educational freedom to all children, especially children from low-income families. We believe it is fitting that the permanent home of our school should be this beautiful building that is historically significant to the city of Augusta. Not only have we returned the building to its original use as a school but also its original intent by its benefactor.