High School , Academy Ave. (now site of Academy Ave. School) In June 1895, a special committee reported to the Board of Education that the old Wallkill Academy (featured in last years calender) was no longer safe foe use. Repair of the structure was not practical, so it was decided to demolish the old building and construct a new high school on the site. Architects were Pierce & Brun and Edwin McWilliams the general contractor. Ground for the new school was broken April 17, 1896, and demolition of the Academy was completed in May. The cornerstone was laid with appropriate ceremony June 11, 1896, and the new High School opened for use in September,1897. Two additions were made to the rear of the structure in 1929. Shortly after the opening of the high school on Grand Ave. (now the junior high) September 4, 1940, it was decided to demolish the old high school building on Academy Ave. and connect the 1929 additions by a corridor. The old building was torn down in October 1941.