MRS. O'BRIEN TAKES CHARGE OF FEMALE ACADEMY, 1826
WILLIAMSBOROUGH FEMALE ACADEMY.
HAVING taken possession of the house recently occupied by Col. Wm. Robards, it is proposed to open, in this place, a Seminary for the instruction of young ladies, which will be principally under the direction of Mrs. Ann O'Brien. In order to require the patronage that is offered the school as well as from choice, I shall feel it incumbent on me to devote such time as I am not actually engaged in my professional pursuits, to the advancement of the best interests of the institution. Independently of this, competent additional assistance will be procured so soon as it shall be discovered that the number of pupils may require it.
The usual branches of female education, useful and ornamental, will be taught.
As it is believed, that the most that can be expected by teachers, in the limited time spent by children at school, is to lay the foundation for future attainments, our efforts will be mainly directed that way. Such studies, therefore, as either the present condition of society does not require, or the successful acquisition of which may be rendered impracticable from circumstances, will not be attempted.
As a rapid progress of the pupils, in the number and quantity of studies is what we design to avoid, no young lady will be advanced to a class, to which proficiency in her previous classes will not entitle her.
Occasional exercises, in the intervals of study, in composition, in reading and commenting on the English Classics, will be resorted to, calculated to inspire a taste for polite Literature.
The prices of board and tuition, including spelling, reading, writing, needle-work, grammar, arithmetic, geography, astronomy, mythology, chronology, belle-lettres, logic, and moral philosophy, will be $60 per session; music $25; painting and drawing $20.
Each young lady will provide herself with a blanket, pair of sheets, counterpane and two towels.
The first session will commence the 12th of June.
Williamsboro', N. C, May 25, 1826. Spencer O'Brien.
—Raleigh Register, May 26, 1826.
(Source: North Carolina Schools and Academies, 1790-1840, By Charles L. Coon 1914)