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 about 100 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 school for the student who needs a brotherhood rather than just a student body to thrive.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro is Virginia's oldest private military school (founded 1879) — an all-boys Army JROTC boarding school for grades 6-12 with about 100 cadets.
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesBoarding
$39,114
Day Student
$18,550
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:
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Guides & Resources
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