A school building has occupied the grounds where the current high school stands since the early 1820’s. Originally, it was a two story brick building with the primary school occupying the lower floor and the high school occupying the upper floor.

The locals referred to the building as “The Academy” . In this building were also held all religious meetings, public meetings and law court.

In 1826, the school was incorporated by a special act of legislature under the name of Rensselaer Oswego Academy.

In 1833, the Academy was admitted to the state system by the Education of Regents. This was the first school of secondary grade to be founded in Oswego County.

In 1836, a three story wooden structure was erected in front of the original brick building.

In 1845, by act of legislature, the name was changed to Mexico Academy.

In 1855, with the original brick building needing too much repair and the 1836 building being too small to accommodate increased attendance, a three story brick building with two massive pillars (the pillars of wisdom) was constructed.

From 1893 until 1895, Colonel Melzar C. Richards leased the Academy as a military academy. In 1895, a Union Free School was established at Mexico Academy.

In 1928, the fourth academy was erected and looked very similar to today’s building though it had no cupolas or main portico and it had a flat roof.

On July 24, 1936, Centralization was approved by a vote of 886 to 597. The Centralization was the first in Oswego County and one of the largest in the State of New York and was composed of some thirty-one districts. This Centralized district was also one of the largest from the standpoint of assessed valuation which was over $2.6 million and had a potential student body of 1025.

On June 19, 1937, the cornerstone was laid for the new $500,000 high school building. The architect for the project was Mr. Harold Fullerton from Albany and the project was administered through the Public Works Association. The building is of Georgian Colonial style and was built to house 1500 students and last for 150 years. Substantial materials besides the brick exterior include terrazzo flooring, marble, and brass. Additionally, the original building library is patterned after the reading room of the Boston Public Library and features detailed wood paneling and a fireplace.

The building also houses the “La Guerre d’Independence” mural. This mural depicts five scenes from the Revolutionary War. It is composed of thirty-two panels and was printed in France using 1,650 wooden blocks and 220 different colors in 1930. It is believed that the school’s setting is the only place in the world where the complete set of panels is shown in one setting. (The White House displays this mural but part is upstairs and part is downstairs.)

When built in 1937, the building was state of the art featuring dental and medical suites, science suites, a cafeteria with a small stage, concealed radiative heating, an auditorium seating some 800, Industrial Arts, Home Economics and Future Farmers of America classrooms, and a master communication system that reached every classroom. Over the years several renovations/additions occurred:

1964-1965: The gymnasium doubled in size and a new and larger cafeteria/kitchen was created directly below the gymnasium along with a rear entrance and lobby.

1975-1976: Total replacement of the wooden windows with steel combination windows that closely duplicated the originals. The Avery Skinner Auditorium was completely refurbished with seating for 500. In the balcony, the projection booth was removed, the seats removed and replaced with movable seating, and the area was carpeted. Stage facilities were also upgraded with new curtains, draperies, and lighting. Library space was increased by the renovation of the former main study hall into an adjunct area of the Irene Hungerford Library.

1987-1988: A physical education/athletic wing was added to the northwest corner of the original building; this addition contains a four-station gymnasium, new locker rooms, a multi-purpose room that serves as the Laurence “Sparky” Rector wrestling practice area, a weight room, and a competition sized swimming pool. Outside athletic facilities were improved as well with the resurfacing of the main athletic field, the installation of a paved, all-weather track, and lighting for the field. In the space created by the gym removal, a two-floor plan included a new guidance suite and five classrooms on the first floor while the second floor featured the Elvin Pierce Library and two additional classrooms. At the center rear, a three-story addition filled the area that had separated the east and west wings creating a unified structure. On the ground floor, three modernized technology areas were developed. Located on the first floor are the Sheldon K. Blank Instrumental Music Room, a vocal music room, and a classroom for the German program. Four new science classroom/lab areas occupy the third floor, along with a glass-enclosed greenhouse.

2001: The slate roof and copper edging was replaced with a slate roof and copper edging.

2010-2012: A new three story addition was added to the physical education/athletic wing that included CAD and STEM technology classrooms on the ground floor and new science/lab classrooms on the top two floors. The physical education/athletic wing was renovated to create new locker rooms, a concession stand, and a new fitness center that is open to community. A new indoor track was constructed around the Jack Proud Gymnasium. Like the swimming pool and the fitness center, this track is also available for use by the community. A new concrete bridge replaced the stone bridge over the Black Creek and the wooden, covered bridge was removed due to safety concerns.

2016-2017: Plans are underway to repair the east, main, and west outside porticos as well as the west and main cupolas. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units will be upgraded. The Avery Skinner Auditorium is being renovated with painting, new seating (including the restoration of seating in the balcony) and new curtains and lighting. The athletic stadium will feature an improved drainage system, a new surface, and a new grandstand.

*This history was taken from two publications: “Mexico, the 20th town in the 20th Century” written by Bonnie Shumway, Elsie Farrell, Allie Proud, and Sandra Scott published by the Mexico Historical Society in 1996 and “School Days at Mexico Academy” published by the MACS Alumni Association in 1976.