our History
A Legacy of Faith and Learning
Collegedale Academy has a rich history that dates back to 1892, when it was established as the Graysville School in Graysville, Tennessee. Over the years, the school evolved, becoming the Southern Training School before relocating to Collegedale in 1916, where it reopened as Southern Junior College.
During this time, grades nine through twelve were integrated into the Junior College program, establishing the foundation for the exceptional secondary education we offer today.
In 1936, the high school gained its own distinct identity and was renamed Collegedale Academy, reflecting its growing role in the community and commitment to nurturing young minds.
A.W. Spalding Elementary School
Founded in 1928 as a demonstration school for Southern Junior College, A.W. Spalding Elementary (AWS) has long served students in grades 1-8. In 1958, AWS moved into its current location, where it continues to inspire young learners to this day.
The Formation of Greater Collegedale School System
In 1968, Collegedale Academy became independent from what was then known as Southern Missionary College. Under the leadership of board chair Fred Fuller, the Greater Collegedale School System (GCSS) was formed, uniting Collegedale Academy with A.W. Spalding Elementary under one governing board. This partnership ushered in a new era of growth, innovation, and academic excellence for both schools.
Over the years, we’ve expanded to meet the needs of our growing community. In the late 1970s, AWS underwent renovations, and in 2005, Collegedale Academy added a cutting-edge Science and Technology Building. The Collegedale Adventist Middle School was completed in 2010, further enhancing our facilities.
In August 2025, we will open the doors to a brand-new elementary school, relocating it adjacent to the middle school. This modern, purpose-built facility is made possible through the Inspire Now and for Eternity Capital Campaign, a $27 million effort dedicated to ensuring future generations have access to exceptional Christ-centered education in an innovative learning environment.
With a legacy spanning over a century, Collegedale Academy remains steadfast in its mission to educate, equip, and inspire students for a lifetime of learning and service.
Consolidation and Growth
In 2019, we officially united under one name—Collegedale Academy—while maintaining our familiar locations. Now, as we look ahead to August 2025, we prepare for an exciting new chapter. Our elementary school will join the middle school on a shared campus, further strengthening our commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth as one cohesive school community.
1892
Collegedale Academy was founded as the Graysville School.
1916
The name was changed to Southern Training School, and moved to its present location in Collegedale, Tennessee, where it reopened as Southern Junior College. Grades nine through twelve were organized as an integral part of the Junior College program during those early years.
1928
A.W. Spalding Elementary School was founded as a demonstration school for the college.
1936
The secondary school was
given separate status and
was renamed Collegedale
Academy, (CA).
1938
CA was accredited by the TN State Department of Education and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
1944
Southern Junior College became a senior college.
1946
The first four-year students graduated.
1958
A.W. Spalding (AWS) Elementary moved into a new building where it remains today.
1968
Collegedale Academy separated from Southern Missionary College and joined with AWS. Under the leadership of the first chairperson of the board, Pastor Fred Fuller, the Greater Collegedale School System was organized. This single board oversaw the school operations at AWS and CA to form the Greater Collegedale School System (GCSS).
1969
The primary wing was added along with a central library.
1975
The 7th- and 8th-grade wing was added to AWS.
1977
A fire destroyed part of AWS.
1978
Areas were rebuilt after fire and a gymnasium was added during the renovation. AWS became independently accredited by the Tennessee State Department of Education.
2005
CA added the Science and Technology Building.
2009
Construction began on Collegedale Adventist Middle School, and it was completed in July 2010.
2011
AWS opened an Early Childhood Education Center.
2019
Constituents voted to consolidate and rename all GCSS entities to one name: Collegedale Academy.
2021
The Feasibility Study for Elementary Building Completed.
2022
CA Board Approves plans for a new elementary building and initiates the planning for the Inspire Now and for Eternity capital campaign.
2023
On September 13th, we held the official groundbreaking for new elementary building.
1892
Collegedale Academy was founded as the Graysville School.
1916
The name was changed to Southern Training School, and moved to its present location in Collegedale, Tennessee, where it reopened as Southern Junior College. Grades nine through twelve were organized as an integral part of the Junior College program during those early years.
1928
A.W. Spalding Elementary School was founded as a demonstration school for the college.
1936
The secondary school was
given separate status and
was renamed Collegedale
Academy, (CA).
1938
CA was accredited by the TN State Department of Education and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
1944
Southern Junior College became a senior college.
1946
The first four-year students graduated.
1958
A.W. Spalding (AWS) Elementary moved into a new building where it remains today.
1968
Collegedale Academy separated from Southern Missionary College and joined with AWS. Under the leadership of the first chairperson of the board, Pastor Fred Fuller, the Greater Collegedale School System was organized. This single board oversaw the school operations at AWS and CA to form the Greater Collegedale School System (GCSS).
1969
The primary wing was added along with a central library.
1975
The 7th- and 8th-grade wing was added to AWS.
1977
A fire destroyed part of AWS.
1978
Areas were rebuilt after fire and a gymnasium was added during the renovation. AWS became independently accredited by the Tennessee State Department of Education.
2005
CA added the Science and Technology Building.
2009
Construction began on Collegedale Adventist Middle School, and it was completed in July 2010.
2011
AWS opened an Early Childhood Education Center.
2019
Constituents voted to consolidate and rename all GCSS entities to one name: Collegedale Academy.
2021
The Feasibility Study for Elementary Building Completed.
2022
CA Board Approves plans for a new elementary building and initiates the planning for the Inspire Now and for Eternity capital campaign.
2023
On September 13th, we held the official groundbreaking for new elementary building.