Westford Academy (WA) was founded as a private school in 1792, "for children 'of any nation, age, or sex.'" As long as students could read the Bible and pay the required 9 shillings a term, both boys and girls were allowed to attend.

WA became a public school in 1928 after a town meeting vote on April 30, 1928, when "[t]he residents of Westford agreed to purchase the “Westford Academy” from the Trustees of the academy." A group of trustees has been retained to this day, and they bestow scholarships upon graduating seniors at an annual ceremony in May.

There have been four Westford Academy buildings:

First Westford Academy building (1794-1896) on Boston Road. This building currently serves as the Westford Museum.

Second Westford Academy Building (1897-1955) on Main Street. This building is now the Roudenbush Community Center.

Third Westford Academy Building (1956- 1972) on Depot Road. This building is now the Abbot School.

Fourth Westford Academy Building (1973 to present) on Patten Road.

In October 2019, Westford celebrated the 225th anniversary of Westford Academy.