Alderson Academy opened on September 18, 1901, as a coeducational secondary school founded mainly through the efforts of Miss Emma C. Alderson. Closely associated with Greenbrier Baptist Church, it came under the control of the W. Va. Baptist Association after 1910. Designed as a home school, it provided academic work in classics, sciences, and normal studies. Under Dr. M. F. Forbell, the academy grew in size and enrollment and achieved junior college status. After 31 years as a cultural light for large neglected areas of Greenbrier and Monroe Counties, the school was moved to Philippi as part of the consolidated Alderson-Broaddus College.