St. John's Military Academy was founded in 1884 by Dr. Sidney T.
Smythe, whose vision and principles in educating young men was applied in a
program of physical, moral, and religious education that trained student
character as well as mind. The principles are echoed in the Academy's motto,
"Work Hard, Play Hard, Pray Hard." Smythe believed that the way to get the most
out of a boy is to challenge him, to make him reach just a little farther than
he had supposed his arms could stretch. From its small beginnings, St. John's
Northwestern grew steadily as it became recognized as one of the leading
schools of its kind in the nation.
Northwestern Military Academy was established in 1888 in Highland Park,
Illinois, by Harlan Page Davidson, whose philosophy of education was remarkably
similar to Sidney Smythe. Soon after the turn of the century, the Academy moved
to new quarters in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The Academy was renamed Northwestern
Military and Naval Academy, and gained national recognition as an educational
experience with a military emphasis.
In 1995 the schools joined on St. John's 150-acre campus. Though
the emphasis has shifted away from the military arts of an earlier day, the
discipline, self confidence, loyalty and camaraderie remain just as strong
today. Shaped by their strong histories, common goals, and similar
philosophies, the Academy continues their long tradition of education and
leadership with honor.