The Sherman Seminary, described as "an excellent seminary for learning", opened in Sherman in 1857.  The Sherman Seminary was held in the Union church building.

Dallas Herald
This institution will be opened for the reception of Students October 5th, at Sherman, Grayson County, Texas, under the charge of Prof. O. D. Howe, Principle; Mrs. M. A. Howe, Preceptress

The course of instruction will embrace a department of Music, a preparatory course, three years in Mathematics and the natural sciences, and four years in the classics. The Music department will be under the immidate care of the Preceptress.

The scholastic year will consist of three sessions of fourteen weeks each:

• Fall session will commence October 5th
• Winter session will commence January 8th
• Spring session will commence May 3rd

Ample accommodations will be provided for students from abroad.
R. P Smith; W. E. Suanders; T. W. Randolph; W. C. Young; L. Richards; J. T. Shannon; R. D. King
September 26, 1857

Another advertisement lists the following charges:

• Reading, Orthography, Arithmetic, Grammar & Geography --- $8.00
• Algebra, Geometry, Surveying, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Geology & Philosophy, etc --- $13.00
• Latin, Greek & Phonograph --- $18.00
• Incidental --- $0.50
• Music, with the use of the Instrument --- $20.00

Dallas Herald
July 3, 1858
Sherman Seminary to be open for pupils October 15th.  Staff includes Professor O.D. Howe, principal and Mrs. M.A. Howe,  Preceptresss.  Courses of instruction includes department of music, prepatory course; 3 year mathematics and science; 4 years in classics; 3 sessions, 14 weeks each.  Accomodation for students from abroad.

It is believed that the Sherman Seminary operated under the direction of Mr. & Mrs. Howe in 1857-8 and 1858-9.  It appeared that in 1859-60, a successor to their school was in operation, directed by A. J. Wood.  

The following is the bill sent to Judge James G. Thompson on June 23, 1860: To tuition of Daughter Bettie in scholastic Department of S.M. & F. Institute:

It seems that this school was the same as that sponsored by the Odd Fellows the following year and called the Odd Fellows Male and Female Institute.  It was directed by Professor F. D. Piner and teachers were: L. H. Davis, Mrs. Burrell Smith, and Miss Kate Bradley, music teacher.