The Oneida Stake Academy is a historic Gothic Romanesque-style sandstone building constructed in the late 1800s in Preston, Idaho. Originally a school run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it served as an educational hub for thousands of students in the Intermountain West. It is one of the last remaining academies still standing.

The Academy represents a unique piece of Idaho and Church history. Its beautiful architecture, hand-cut stonework, and historic significance make it a rare gem. It was a symbol of the community’s commitment to education and values during the pioneer era. Preserving it means honoring those sacrifices and sharing them with future generations.

Once fully restored, the Academy will serve as a community center. It will be available for educational programs, public tours, art exhibits, family events, weddings, local meetings, and more. The goal is to keep the building alive and active, just as it was in its prime.

All donations go directly toward the restoration and maintenance of the Academy. Funds are used for materials, labor, preservation expertise, insurance, and utilities, as well as community programs once the restoration is complete. No funds are used for salaries or profit.

No. The Oneida Stake Academy Foundation has never used — and will never use — public tax funds for the restoration project.
The preservation and restoration efforts are entirely funded through private donations, local fundraising, and grants. It is a project led by the people who care about the legacy, history, and future of this community.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible, meaning your support helps bring history to life — and counts toward a good cause.

Yes! We welcome volunteers who can assist with events, fundraising, historical research, grant writing, or even hands-on labor during approved restoration efforts.  Contact us to learn more!

Visitors are welcome to view the exterior and learn about the project from signs posted on-site. Full public access will be available once the restoration is complete and the building is open.

Restoration is happening in phases as funding and resources allow. Significant progress has been made, but we still need the community’s support to reach the finish line. We will update the public regularly on milestones and next steps through our Restoration Progress page and newsletter.

While the Academy was originally operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the current restoration project is a non-denominational community effort. The Oneida Stake Academy Foundation welcomes support and involvement from all individuals and organizations who value history, architecture, and education.

That is one of our goals! Once restoration and safety inspections are complete, the building will be available for weddings, community meetings, concerts, lectures, and more. We’ll announce availability on our Events page and social media.

In addition to donating or volunteering, you can support us by:

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Sharing our mission on social media

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Attending events

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Becoming a monthly donor

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Adding us to your estate planning

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Inviting others to learn about the Academy

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Want to add or suggest a question?

Email us at office@oneidastakeacademy.org.