Hopper Academy was built in 1910 as one of the few schools in Florida for African-American students. Originally serving students through the 10th grade, after construction of Crooms Academy in 1926, Hopper Academy became a grammar school.
Hopper closed its doors in 1962 when Goldsboro and the new Hopper elementary schools opened. In 1989, after years of neglect, community members began efforts to save Hopper.
The City of Sanford designated Hopper Academy as a local historic landmark in 1991. In 1993, the Community Improvement Association acquired the property and in 1994 the school was placed on the Florida Black Heritage Trail.
Initial restoration of the building was substantially completed by 1999 and the building was used as a community and cultural center. In 2008 a fire sprinkler system was installed and in 2010 a new roof was installed.
In 2015 Hopper academy was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.