Tuscaloosa Academy (TA) In 1967 Tuscaloosa Academy was organized by a group of local residents who wanted to form a college preparatory school. There were thirteen original members of the Board of Trustees. They hired a Headmaster, Mr. George H. Bell, and a small faculty. TA did not yet have a building, so they rented space at the old Northington Army Hospital. This building no longer exists but was located near University Mall.