The Amherst Academy Catalog is a source of information about history of the school. The academic year of Amherst Academy was divided into three or four terms depending on the time period, and catalogs from 1827 to 1830 are for a specific term. Subsequent catalogs from 1830 to 1858 are primarily for academic years, though on two occasions during this time period there are also catalogs for terms. The catalogs seem to have been issued at the end of the term or academic year which they describe. Catalogs provide lists of names of Amherst Academy trustees, officers of corporation, prudential committee, instructors, and students over the years. Position titles of administrators are included as well as the residences of students. In earlier catalogs, the local lodging of students while studying at the academy are also provided. Some catalogs provide annotations next to names when necessary to indicate if someone was absent, deceased, or in college. Students are listed under their academic departments which, over the years, included a Classical Department, Languages Department, English Department, and School Teacher Department. Later catalogs list students by their gender (male or female) as well as their department of study. Other information provided in catalogs includes details on the location, facilities, academic environment, tuition fees, and room and board options of Amherst Academy as well as specifics regarding instruction, reading and text or grammar book requirements, upcoming term and vacation schedules, Bible lessons, public exercises and lectures, drawing and penmanship lessons, and the course of study by department.
