Saint Walburgas Academy

Gazing at Saint Walburgas Academy, can you imagine the secrets held within these castle-like walls? Saint Walburgas Academy isn’t your typical academy. It stands at 630 Riverside Drive, a Gothic Revival masterpiece designed by John W. Kearney. Construction began in 1911, opening its doors to girls as both a boarding and day school in 1913. The academy was originally part of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. The schist used in its construction came from the excavation of New York City’s first subway line, the Interborough Rapid Transit subway. Imagine the bustling activity just beyond these walls as workers unearthed the very stones that shape this magnificent building. Saint Walburgas Academy wasn’t always silent halls. It once echoed with the laughter and learning of young girls. The sisters who taught here held a fete in 1929 to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary. Can you picture them, gathered in these very spaces, commemorating their dedication to education? The academy’s story took an unexpected turn in 1957. The school relocated to Rye, New York, becoming the School of the Holy Child. The building transitioned briefly into a Yeshiva, an Orthodox Jewish school. Then, it stood vacant for decades, a silent sentinel overlooking Riverside Drive. The Fortune Society, dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society, purchased the building in 1998. After extensive renovations, it reopened in 2002 as the Fortune Academy, providing housing and support for homeless ex-prisoners. Saint Walburgas Academy, now the Fortune Academy, stands as a testament to transformation and resilience. This building has witnessed changing times and diverse purposes. It stands as a symbol of hope and second chances, offering a new beginning to those who seek it within its historic walls. It’s also a poignant reminder of the hidden histories woven into the fabric of New York City.