Halifax Academy’s roots are an outgrowth of Center Academy, a school began in 1968. Seeing the need for a specialized, full-day school for students who were falling through the cracks in traditional schools, Center Academy was established as one of the first schools in the United States to focus on the needs of students with learning disabilities and other neuropsychological processing difficulties.
In 1988, Center Academy developed individualized remedial programs for students with a wide range of learning disabilities including Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Dyslexia. As Center Academy expanded to locations around Florida, it stayed true to its mission and kept its focus on addressing the unique needs of each individual student. These one-on-one teaching methods and programs were further developed; and today we offer individualized study programs for gifted and accelerated students as well.
Halifax Academy Today
In 1996, Center Academy opened a school in Ormond Beach under the leadership of Principal Joseph (Jay) P. Dougherty. Mr. Dougherty, father of four grown children, has more than 30 years experience in education as an administrator, high school teacher, and coach. After several very successful years, enrollment quickly forced our school to move to a larger facility; and along with the move, our name was changed to Halifax Academy. Since 2003, we have expanded our facility to include a new campus library, a multi-station computer lab with full Internet access, a weight-room and fitness center a cafeteria/meeting room, and snack area. The most recent changes would be additional classrooms, including an art room.
