In 1966 a group of approximately 100 parents organized a private elementary school in Suffolk, Virginia serving grades 1 through 7. Located in a former factory on Newport Street, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (NSA) opened with 128 students, six teachers and a principal, Mrs. Ruth Watts, formerly with the Chesapeake public school system. The school quickly outgrew its makeshift facilities and, in 1970, moved to a 50-acre site on Rt. 460 west of downtown. A Lower School building was erected in 1970 followed by an Upper School building to house grades 8-12 in 1971. The school held its first graduation with the class of 1972.

Under the leadership of Headmaster Arthur E. Jones (1971-1984), the school developed a full range of academic, athletic and extracurricular programs and began to draw students from Portsmouth, Chesapeake and surrounding areas, as well as from Suffolk. Upon Mr. Jones’ retirement, J. Albert Barrett (1984-1989) became President and the school adopted an exclusively college preparatory curriculum. During Mr. Barrett’s tenure, enrollment grew to 850, a pre-school was established, expansion of the Lower School took place, and the school became a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Dr. Douglas C. Naismith (1989-2005), the Academy's longest serving President, continued to pursue a course of academic and extra-curricular excellence. Through his leadership, enrollment grew to approximately 1045 making NSA one of the largest independent schools in the Commonwealth. In addition to continued expansion and improvement of facilities, the Academy adopted programs for financial aid, foreign student exchange, minority recruitment, character education, classroom technology, and an expanded array of athletic offerings for boys and girls.

Mr. Shane A. Foster (2005-2008) assumed the President position, renamed the Head of School, in July 2005. Prior to becoming Head of School, Mr. Foster served as the Upper School Headmaster for seven years. Under his leadership, NSA purchased 47 acres of land adjacent to the school's existing property, renovated the Thomas W. Johnson gymnasium and secured the largest foundation grant in the school’s history from the Beazley Foundation.

The Academy’s fifth and current Head of School, Mr. Colley W. Bell III began his tenure in July 2008. Recognizing the significance of the Academy’s place in serving the Hampton Roads region, the Board of Trustees found in Mr. Bell an experienced visionary whose record has shaped curriculums, student leadership and development efforts from New England to the Midwest. Presently, Bell is advancing the Academy to serve Hampton Roads families for decades to come.