Marshall H. Lombardo founded The Academy in 1969 at its present location. He earned his Bachelors of Science degree in sociology with a minor in psychology from the University of California at Berkeley. After discovering his passion for philosophy at an early age, he spent many hours reading and discussing the lives and ideas of philosophers. The Academy was founded on his value of an expansive education, one that guides students to think critically and question information, and above all, realize the very best within themselves.

The Academy is housed in a historic Berkeley landmark designed by Ernest Coxhead at the turn of the 20th century. It has always been an innovative place for learning. Founded on Marshall H. Lombardo's belief that future generations would be served best by an alternative to the open educational system prevalent in the 1960s, the school's classic and academic approach is based on the European system. After Marshall passed away in 1981, his wife Gloria Lombardo and their daughter Gina Claudeanos maintained the school's commitment to a rigorous and stimulating curriculum.

Gina Claudeanos, now director of The Academy, continues the family's longstanding commitment to educational excellence with help from her sister Sarah and brother Marshall Lombardo. For the past 26 years Gina has played a key role in nurturing students' curiosity and enthusiasm, encouraging their creativity and originality, and above all, ensuring that young learners are treated with the utmost respect.