Benedictine College Preparatory
Richmond, VA
"Conscience, Discipline, and Achievement"
The Verdict
Founded in 1911 by Benedictine monks, Benedictine College Preparatory has spent over a century forming young men of conscience, discipline, and achievement. As Virginia's premier Catholic military day school, Benedictine uniquely blends the 1,500-year-old Benedictine monastic tradition with military structure and leadership development.
The school's relocation to its scenic Goochland campus in 2013 marked a new chapter while preserving the traditions that have produced Olympic athletes, NFL coaches, professional players, and military leaders.
About
Benedictine College Preparatory is a private Catholic military high school in Goochland, Virginia, operated by the Benedictine Society of Virginia. The school provides a private military institute model of education for young men, continuing a long-standing tradition of military-style education in Virginia.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesDay Student
$25,650
*Day school only; over 65% receive aid, ~$4M awarded annually
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Completed application with application fee
- Academic transcripts and records
- Standardized test scores (SSAT or similar placement tests)
- Teacher recommendations
- Personal interview
- Shadow day visit encouraged
Admitted Student Profile
100%
Acceptance Rate
1200
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
73 acres
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
523
Student:Teacher
12:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
A Cadet's day runs from 7:30 AM to 4-6 PM depending on activities. The morning begins with formation on the parade deck and prayer broadcast over the intercom. Each class period opens with prayer. Weekly Masses, student-led Lectio Divina, and annual retreats are integral to the schedule. A student-led rosary is held daily after school, and confession is available weekly. Over four years, a Cadet attends approximately 164 Masses and prays with classmates over 7,360 times.
Discipline Model
The military leadership program is woven into every aspect of Cadet life, from morning formation to athletic competition. Modeled on the order, discipline, and hierarchy found in both military and monastic traditions, the Corps of Cadets teaches underclassmen to follow before they lead as upperclassmen. Cadets work together to maintain organization and accountability, developing skills in leadership, discipline, teamwork, and responsibility that prepare them for college and beyond.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Where Graduates Go
Benedictine's former JROTC program held Honor Unit with Distinction status, the highest U.S. Army rating, allowing direct nominations to service academies. Many Cadets have attended service academies and military colleges, most notably Virginia Military Institute. Alumni have achieved senior military leadership positions including Air Force General.
Hall of Fame
Townley Haas
2016 Olympic Gold Medalist (Swimming)
Bobby Ross
College and NFL Head Coach (San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions)
Clelin Ferrell
NFL Defensive End, 4th overall pick in 2019 NFL Draft
John Kuester
Former NBA Head Coach
Ed Davis
NBA Forward
Michael Gbinije
NBA Guard
David M. McCaffrey
Air Force General
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in physical training as part of the Corps of Cadets program. Athletics and physical development are integrated into the military leadership model.
Facilities
McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion (65,000 sq ft, opened 2020) houses Rut Court for basketball and community events, featuring the Joseph '69 and Gene Swedish Memorial Bell Tower with an 1856 Paul Revere III bell. Hyman Bros. Field (renovated 2023) serves baseball with new batting cages. Joe Arnold Field hosts soccer. The Nichols Field House includes locker rooms, training room, coaches' offices, and fitness facility. A dedicated wrestling room supports the state championship program. The Outdoor Athletic Center (16 acres) at Scott Road includes fields, softball diamond, six tennis courts, and walking path.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
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