This study is based on the political, economical and social situation in northern Taiwan in Ching Dynasty. The main purpose of this paper is to study the ebb and flow, organizational system and the effect of Hsueh-hai Academy by the local gazette, the official documents, the works of elites, the genealogy（tzu-p''u）in the Ching Dynasty and Archive of the Office of Governor-General and newspapers under the Japanese ruling.
The main findings of this study are as follows:
1. Hsueh-hai Academy was founded in reign Tao- kuang when the development of northern Taiwan had some attainments, but the people scrambled for money, were indulgent in luxurious and expensive habits, acted violently but run short of culture and education. The local officers set into action and elites donated to Hsueh-hai Academy. It has stood on Meng-chia for fifty-two years. Under the Japanese ruling, it has been changed to military dormitory, temporary office and Affiliated School of National Language School and traditional private school. Finally, Hsueh-hai Academy was bought by the Kao’s family as an ancestral temple.
2. According to the purpose and teaching content, Hsueh-hai Academy was a Academy for preparing imperial examination. Its organization tended to be bureaucratic. About the budget, its income came from official subsidy and non-governmental donations, but it’s not steady. On Campus, it was a courtyard with houses on four sides showing the Confucian spirit and ideal. The instruction of this Academy was more positive, and metaphor was used to inspire and advise students. Besides, it sponsored the students to take part in imperial examination. Chu-tzu was worshiped at Hsueh-hai Academy, which expensed most of the budget.
3. The students of Hsueh-hai Academy had contribution on culture, education, society and politics. No matter in Ching Dynasty or under the Japanese ruling, they exerted themselves to culture and education more than other aspects. Hsueh-hai Academy not only promoted dynamic social mobility but also enhanced the rate of literacy in northern Taiwan. In Taipei, the process of development that education was the same as that of economy. The farther location from Meng-chia, the fewer of Confucian scholar passed imperial examination. Hsueh-hai Academy was an important institution that cultivated the elites who changed the customs and habits in northern Taiwan.
Key words: Hsueh-hai Academy, Taiwan Academy, Meng-chia.
