Montverde Academy was founded by Hermon Palestine Carpenter in 1912 as the Montverde Industrial School for students of limited means. A native of Boyle County, Kentucky, Carpenter came to Florida in 1912 and decided to found a school at Montverde. Like many educational reformers of the time, he believed there was a need for a practical type of education and established the school to train boys and girls both in the classroom and in a trade. The first day of classes was held on September 23, 1912, in a two-room building. Students were expected to attend classes and work on campus in roles such as tending the school farm or working in the school's broom factory or cannery to help pay their tuition. Over time, the school slowly phased out the work requirement as it grew in recognition as a boarding and day school. In 1921, it became known as the Montverde School, and in 1962 it was renamed Montverde Academy. It is now a prominent college preparatory boarding and day school.