The First School in the Sicily Island Area

From Sicily Island:  A Partial History, compiled by Mickie Smith:

As the land became more settled, the residents desired for their children more education than was being taught in the homes.  The result was an academy built in the hills.

In De Bow's Review, Dr. A. R. Kilpatrick tells of the academy:

The academy of Mr. J. B. Knapp on Sicily Island is deserving of particular mention.  Mr. Knapp is a native of Ohio, and came to Louisiana some years ago, and was assistant in Mr. Digg's academy in Rapides Parish.  In 1849, he established his academy here, and had about fifty pupils.  The house stands in a retired and most romantic spot, ten miles from Harrisonburg, in the lofty hills of the island, where there is plenty of spring water.  The house was built by contribution and the joint labor of the citizens, and is commodious, protected by a veranda on the south side, having shrubbery in the yard.  The course of study embraces all the primary English branches, and at the same time the mathematics and languages usually taught preparatory to a college education.  The cost of board and tuition for the year is from $120 to $130.  The annual income is about $1,500.  Mr. Knapp is principal; Mr. William Reh is teacher of instrumental music and French; and Mrs. Knapp is matron.  During the present year there were twenty students in the male and twenty in the female department.  There is no school near here where better facilities are presented for obtaining a good, substantial education. 

 In the newspaper, The Catahoula Independent, there was this advertisement for the year 1853, and again in 1854.

CATAHOULA INSTITUTE

Located in the pine hills of Sicily Island

Since the resignation of Mr. Knapp, has been under the superintendence of Mr. J. B. Pyle who has endeavored by care and assiduity, to command a share of public patronage:  The buildings are large and commodious.  The situation is healthy.  Every care and attention will be paid to the comfort and health of the pupils and their progress in knowledge will be stimulated by all efficient means.

The first session will commence on the first Monday of Feb. next.  The course of instruction will embrace a knowledge of grammar, Geography, Elements of Astronomy, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Algebra, and Arithmetic - together with the Latin and rudiments of the Greek language.

No deduction will be made for absence unless in cases of protracted illness.  Boarders are expected to come provided with bedding, towels, etc.  Stationery furnished at New Orleans prices.

TERMS

Board and Tuition per. mo. - $12

Day Scholars - $4

Music - $6

For use of piano - $1

Payable 6 mos. in advance / Drawing, Embroidery, etc. are taught free of charge.

J. B. Pyle & Lady
Sicily Island, September 10th, 1853

There are no further records on what became of the academy.