Thevenet first opened its doors in September 1914 as a boarding academy for girls. It was administered by the Religious of Jesus and Mary, an international community whose members are the heirs of an educational tradition born in France more than a century and a half ago.

In the late sixties, it became increasingly evident that a small high school was no longer viable. The last senior class graduated in June 1971 and the building was converted into a retreat house, with the auditorium allocated for the use of a Montessori school.

A group of twelve children constituted the first class in September 1971. The school grew rapidly, quickly attaining distinction and a maximum capacity of fifty pupils. There was a compelling need for enlarged quarters to meet the demand of an ever increasing number of applicants.

Architect Dennis Jurow designed a Children’s House that is as free, open and warm as the philosophy which underlies it. The large unobstructed rooms offer a variety of milieus,, spaces for thinking and places for work, even the easy choice of indoors and outdoors - all work in harmony with Maria Montessori’s theory of a “prepared environment.”

A ground-breaking ceremony for the new facility was held July 22, 1988. The building was completed in time for the beginning of classes in September 1989.
Welch Hall, named in honor of the major donors, Richard and Maureen Welch of Bucks County and Hobe Sound, was dedicated October 15, 1989. Special recognition is hereby given to the members of the Academy alumnae for their generous financial support.

On June 21, 1985 the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York voted to make Thevenet’s provisional Charter Absolute. The school is open to children of all backgrounds, without discrimination in regard to race, sex, religion or economic origins. It has a maximum enrollment of one hundred thirty pupils.