The Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy is housed in the John Kerr Building, named after John Kerr. Born in England in 1797, Kerr immigrated to the United States where he became a cabinet maker. During the Civil War, his cabinet business turned into a coffin making service for the soldiers of Winchester. In 1875, John Kerr died and left $7,000 to Winchester for “the education of the poor, white children” of the city. By 1883, the John Kerr Building was built and its doors opened to students in 1884. The school was co-educational and served all the children in Winchester and the surrounding area. It became the first endowed public education facility in the city. In 1908, the school was expanded by six rooms and by 1917, the school expanded into temporary school buildings on the soon to be property of John Handley High School. In 1962, efforts to integrate Winchester Public Schools began after a federal judge ordered black pupils to be transferred to predominately white schools. By 1965, at least 8 black students were enrolled in the John Kerr Elementary School. In 1966, all Virginia schools were integrated. After a long life of serving students of Winchester, a new John Kerr Elementary school was built in 1972. The old John Kerr Building continued as a school for sixth graders while Daniel Morgan Middle School was being built. 

In 1974, the John Kerr Building closed its doors as a public school. The building remained abandoned while the city tried to find new life and buyers for the historic property. Meanwhile, in 1977, the Community Arts Program (CAP) was introduced on the College’s main campus.  In 1982 after a long battle, Shenandoah College and Conservatory acquired the property and converted it into the Eleanor Wade Custer Nursing Center and Gallagher Community Arts Center dedicated in 1983. By 1996, the nursing program had expanded out of the John Kerr Building and the Shenandoah Conservatory Community Arts Program became the main program in the space. In 1998, the name was changed to what it is known as today, the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy (SCAA). Since then, it has served as a thriving hub for arts education in the Winchester community offering year-round programs and instruction in dance, music, theater, and more.