Bethel Academy was the first Methodist school established in the United States west of the Appalachian Mountains.

In 1789, Methodists in Kentucky (then the western part of the state of Virginia) appealed to Bishop Asbury for assistance in establishing a school.

Founded in 1790 under the name of Bethel Academy,[3][5]: 171  it was the first Methodist school in the United States west of the Appalachians,[3] and the second in the nation.

It hosted a return visit by Asbury in 1792 (during which time he advocated for its support), and the Kentucky Conference met at the school in 1797.

After this time, the original Bethel was reduced to a less significant status; it continued under the oversight of Nathaniel Harris until closure in 1805.