Prominent men of the Methodist Episcopal Church formed Rockport Academy in 1857. Its cornerstone was laid in 1859, but the Civil War delayed its opening until 1863. The brick building was 50 by 70 feet and three stories high. In 1863, its name changed to Rockport Collegiate Institute. Young ladies graduated in a full college course, and young men were prepared for the higher classes in universities. In 1873, the town of Rockport bought the building and grounds for $9,800 and used them for the public high school. An addition and gym were built in 1924. In 1957, a new high school was built on 5th street, and the old building was then used for elementary students. It was named after the "Edison of Spencer County," A. H. Kennedy, who was Superintendent of Schools from 1878 to 1889.