The story of Garden State Academy and its predecessors Plainfield Academy and North Plainfield Academy, founded in 1926, is one continual recital of courage and faith through persevering determination by consecrated Christian men and women for over 75 years.

Plainfield Academy began as an institution dedicated to fill a special need in the Columbia Union for young people to gain a Christian education in spite of the difficulties of the economic stress of the times. Graduates from this school have increasingly filled responsible positions in society and in the work of God.

In 1958 important changes were made by the board and people of the New Jersey Constituency. New housing units were purchased and new personnel departments were added. On May 5, 1963, the New Jersey Constituency voted unanimously to support the development of the Academy. Twin-Brooks Acres Estate, near the village of Tranquility, New Jersey, came into our possession on June 14, 1963. Construction of a dormitory and renovation of some existing buildings for classrooms began immediately. Improvements to the school continue.