The school was the forerunner of Brown University, with Hopewell alumni James Manning and Hezekiah Smith both playing major roles in the establishment and early administration of the college.

"[3] The academy was one of a number established on the model pioneered by the Presbyterian Log College in the Province of Pennsylvania.

Two alumni of the school played major role in the establishment early administration of Brown University.

Minister Hezekiah Smith was an early supporter of the university while James Manning served as the college's first president.

[8][9][2] Hopewell Academy's relationship with Brown is analogous to that of the Log College with Princeton University.