The Academy of Cardia existed around 5,000 BBY , at which time its logo was inscribed in the Mascot Moon. A Senatorial Mandate around 220 BBY established it as the training grounds for the Ground Defense Forces of the planet and for training the Republic Military.  
 
When the Galactic Empire took the place of the fallen Republic, a large scale military build-up brought the Academy under state control. Renamed the Imperial Military Academy, the Academy became best known as the central training facility for the Emperor's fearsome Stormtrooper Corps. 
 
The Academy was destroyed in 11 ABY when one of the Sun Crusher's resonance torpedoes impacted the Cardia System's primary star. The shock wave eradicated all planetary life and cracked the planetary shell.