The curriculum at Marymount Military Academy at 423 152nd Street East in Spanaway encompassed a wide variety of activities including music, shooting and horseback riding. This photograph of the Academy's cadet band appeared in the Tacoma Times in February of 1941. Marymount opened in 1923 as a Catholic military boarding school for boys ages 6-16, the only institution of its kind in the state of Washington. Enrollment began to fall off in the late 1960 and early 1970s and the school closed in 1976. (T. Times 2/26/1941, pg. 41- names in picture caption)

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

This was how Marymount Military Academy appeared from the air on July 28, 1953. The Academy was the only military school in Washington State. Located in what would now be Spanaway, the school was run by the Dominican Sisters, a Catholic teaching order. Young boys aged 6-16 were accepted for enrollment at this boarding school. Ground was broken at the site in July of 1922 and the school was dedicated in May of 1923. Built at a cost of $200,000 on the former "Shangarry" estate of J. Shields, Marymount originally was built in the Lombardine Mission style with modern gym, pool and infirmary. Enrollment was capped at 150 students; however, lessening enrollment and higher operating costs forced closure of the school in 1976. The property was purchased in the 1980's by Harold LeMay, who used much of it to house his antique car collection. TPL-9701

Aerial photographs; Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Portion of east wing extension, Marymount Military Academy, ca. 1963. Marymount was the only military school for boys age 6-16 in the state of Washington. Dedicated in 1923, the school was run by the Dominican Sisters, a Catholic teaching order. Marymount was specifically designed as a small boarding school with enrollment generally capped at 150; however, when enrollment dipped even lower, it was decided to close the school in 1976.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway

1969 Richards stock footage. Color aerial photograph of Marymount Military Academy, the only military school in Washington State; photograph taken in September of 1969. Built in 1922, the school was operated by the Dominican Sisters, a Catholic teaching order, and enrollment limited to boys 6-16. The school closed in 1976 due to insufficient enrollment and higher operating costs. In the 1980's, Harold LeMay would purchase the 80-acre property which would house much of his collection, the largest privately owned collection of automobiles in the world. Each August for the last 25 years, the LeMays have drawn thousands to the car show and open house at the former Marymount Academy. TPL-9104 (www.lemaymuseum.org)

Aerial views; Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;