Opened in 1906 under the auspices of the Dutch Reformed Church, Cordell Academy was a pioneer school that taught the local youth Christian living. Its motto was "Labor omnia vincit." Its presidents until its close in 1911 were Myron B. Keator, Dr. Jacob Poppen, and Rev. C.H Spaan. Its teachers included Harold C. Amos, Laura B. Hilge, and Valonia Corley.