Fishburne Military School
Waynesboro, VA
"Scientia Est Potestas"
The Verdict
Fishburne isn't trying to be a massive institution; it's proud to be the smallest. With a corps of just 150 cadets, there is no "back row" here.
Every boy is known by name, every struggle is noticed, and every success is celebrated. It is the premier choice for the student who needs a brotherhood rather than just a student body to thrive.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Fishburne Military School, founded in 1879, is a small college-preparatory school providing a structured and personalized learning environment for boys. It holds the distinction of being a U.S. Army JROTC Honor Unit, offering a direct nomination path to U.S. Service Academies.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesBoarding
$39,200
Day Student
$18,750
International
$48,500
*All-in cost includes SSA, athletic, and tech fees. Does not include uniforms ($2,500 first year). $1,500 early payment discount available.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Completed application
- Official transcripts from current and previous schools
- Teacher recommendation
- Personal interview (in-person or virtual)
- Medical and immunization records
- Standardized test scores (if available)
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
12 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
106
Student:Teacher
12:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Structured military schedule from reveille to taps includes morning formation, academic blocks, afternoon drill and athletics, evening study hall (Call to Quarters), and supervised free time. The small corps size means every cadet is known by name by faculty and staff.
Discipline Model
Traditional Army JROTC merit/demerit system. Cadets earn rank through demonstrated leadership, academic performance, and conduct. The cadet chain of command enforces standards under the Commandant's supervision. Weekend privileges are earned based on conduct and academic standing.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Scholarships Earned
$2+ million annually
Where Graduates Go
Direct nomination privilege to all U.S. Service Academies as an Army JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction—a designation held for 90+ consecutive years. Strong pipeline to VMI, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, The Citadel, and Norwich University.
Hall of Fame
James M. Gavin
U.S. Army Lieutenant General, youngest division commander since the Civil War (82nd Airborne in WWII), 'The Jumping General'
Gerald L. Baliles
65th Governor of Virginia (1986-1990), transportation reform leader
Vince McMahon
Chairman and CEO of WWE, billionaire entertainment mogul who transformed professional wrestling into a global phenomenon
John Campbell
Bassist for Grammy-nominated metal band Lamb of God
Reno Collier
Stand-up comedian featured on Comedy Central and Last Comic Standing
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in daily physical training and athletics. The compact campus and small corps size ensure personalized coaching attention. The Corps Physical Training program emphasizes Army fitness standards and team sports.
Facilities
12-acre walkable downtown Waynesboro campus—unlike rural competitors, cadets can walk to town (supervised). Facilities include athletic fields, gymnasium, weight room, indoor rifle range supporting the nationally competitive Rifle Team, and historic drill field. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide opportunities for outdoor training and recreation.
External Ratings
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
Photo Gallery
Related Schools
Fork Union Military Academy
Fork Union, VA
Fork Union Military Academy is a private, all-male, college preparatory Christian military boarding school. Its mission is to provide young men a college preparatory education in a residential, Christian environment, focusing on character, leadership, and scholarship.
Hargrave Military Academy
Chatham, VA
Hargrave Military Academy is a private, all-male, military boarding school in Chatham, Virginia. It is a preparatory institution for college and United States service academies, serving boys from around the world for grade 7 through post-graduate (PG).
Massanutten Military Academy
Woodstock, VA
Massanutten Military Academy is a coeducational, college-preparatory military school for students in grades 8-12 and postgraduate. The school offers a STEM Diploma track alongside traditional academics, and its JROTC program is consistently recognized as an Honor Unit with Distinction. MMA's co-ed environment prepares cadets for real-world leadership.
Randolph-Macon Academy
Front Royal, VA
Randolph-Macon Academy is a co-educational, college-preparatory school with an Air Force JROTC military leadership program. The only military boarding school in America with an FAA-certified flight training program, cadets can earn their Private Pilot's License before graduation. Serves grades 6-12 and post-graduate.
Benedictine College Preparatory
Richmond, VA
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.
Marine Corps War College
Quantico, VA
The Marine Corps War College (MCWAR) is the senior school of the Marine Corps University, providing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) to selected United States military officers, civilian Government officials, and international military officers. The college prepares officers for future senior command and staff responsibilities requiring exceptional operational competence, sound military judgment, and strategic thinking.
Guides & Resources
Virginia's EISTC Program: How to Cut Military School Tuition by 65%
How Virginia families can use the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits program to significantly reduce private military school costs through strategic charitable giving.
Military School Costs & Financial Aid
A comprehensive guide to understanding military school tuition, scholarships, 529 plans, and state voucher programs for families.
How to Evaluate a Military School Like an Insider
Tour like a pro. Read the handbook like a detective. Watch the mess hall like a spy. The complete guide to seeing past the polished presentation and finding the right school.
What Is a Military School?
Understanding the different types of military academies in the United States, from private boarding schools to public academies and Youth Challenge programs.
Transferring Credits: Will My Classes Count?
Understand how military school credits transfer to other high schools and colleges. Learn about regional accreditation, transcript evaluation, and how admissions officers view military school academics.
America's Oldest Military Schools
A look at the most historic military academies in the United States, from Norwich University (1819) to the legendary institutions that shaped American military education.