The academy's original buildings were first erected for the Visitation Sisters, and were purchased and modified by the Augustinians for educational purposes.[1] The original program of study comprised classical, commercial and grammar courses, and was soon accredited by the University of the State of New York.[1] Among the properties that the academy owned, and founded, was a site in Morrisania, Bronx, on the east side of Andrews Avenue, 200 feet south of Fordham Road.The Grymes Hill property was used as a retreat house until 1983, acquired by Wagner College in 1993, then heavily damaged by fires, and ultimately razed in 2006.[6] In 2012, Good Counsel Church dedicated its Augustinian Academy Historical Monument, including the bell from the school's demolished tower.