The Classical and Scientific Academy was chartered in 1872 "for the purpose of promoting Christian education, and the more thorough training of the youth in such languages and in such of the arts and sciences as the trustees" should direct. Youth of both sexes attended and it was a high school level boarding as well as day school. Its board of trustees and management, some of them clergymen, were affiliated with the Congregational denomination in Maine. Hallowell secondary level students attended day school.