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Our History
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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 school is founded on his belief that an expansive education is an essential part of a child’s development and should encourage curiosity, open mindedness, and foster a life long love of learning.
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. For over 30 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.