Hargrave Military Academy
Chatham, VA
"Mens sana in corpore sano"
The Verdict
Hargrave is where potential meets structure. As the only high school in Virginia accredited as a National School of Character, Hargrave transforms "average" students into disciplined scholars with 100% college acceptance since 2003.
Known globally for a basketball program that rivals small colleges, the 7:1 student-teacher ratio and Christian foundation specialize in boys who need a "reset" to unlock their full academic and leadership potential. The motto says it all: Mens sana in corpore sano—a sound mind in a sound body.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
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).
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesBoarding
$45,100
Day Student
$16,175
International
$56,700
Endowment
$8.49 million
*Hargrave is committed to honest and transparent pricing. Tuition rates are inclusive of academic instruction, room and board, initial uniform issue, book rental, laundry, dry cleaning, haircuts, lab fees, infirmary fees (including dispensing of medication), and club and sports activities.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Completed application and $100 fee
- Official transcripts from current and previous schools
- Standardized test scores (if available)
- Two teacher recommendations
- Personal interview (in-person or virtual)
- Medical and immunization records
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
214 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
146
Student:Teacher
7:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Structured military schedule includes morning formation, chapel services, academic blocks, athletics, evening study hall (Call to Quarters), and Taps. Weekends include supervised free time and optional off-campus privileges for cadets in good standing.
Discipline Model
Traditional military merit/demerit system. Cadets progress through ranks based on leadership, academics, and conduct. The cadet chain of command—Battalion, Company, and Platoon leaders—enforces standards with oversight from the Commandant's staff.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Scholarships Earned
$5.4 million
Where Graduates Go
84 service academy appointments since 1999 (57 to Naval Academy, 21 to Military Academy, 3 to Merchant Marine Academy, 2 to Air Force Academy, 1 to Coast Guard Academy); strong pipeline to VMI and The Citadel
Hall of Fame
David West
2x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Champion (Golden State Warriors), 15-year NBA career
Montrezl Harrell
NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2020), 10+ year NBA career
Terry Rozier
'Scary Terry' - NBA starting point guard (Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat)
Josh Howard
NBA All-Star (Dallas Mavericks), 8-year NBA career
Marreese Speights
NBA Champion (Golden State Warriors 2015)
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in daily athletics or physical training. The postgraduate basketball program is nationally ranked and serves as a premier NCAA D1 prep pipeline, regularly placing players at Power 5 programs.
Facilities
214-acre campus features a Marine Corps-style obstacle course, 20-lane competition swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room, athletic fields, outdoor track, and tennis courts. The Hargrave Corps of Cadets conducts drill and ceremonies on the historic parade ground.
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
Fishburne Military School
Waynesboro, VA
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.
Fork Union Military Academy
Fork Union, VA
Fork Union Military Academy is an all-boys Christian military boarding school in central Virginia — grades 7-12 plus post-graduate, founded 1898, known for its One-Subject Plan.
Massanutten Military Academy
Woodstock, VA
Massanutten Military Academy is a coed college-prep military boarding school in Woodstock, Virginia — grades 5-12 plus post-graduate, with an Army JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction and a STEM diploma track.
Randolph-Macon Academy
Front Royal, VA
Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia, is a coed Air Force JROTC boarding school for grades 8-12 plus post-graduate, where cadets can earn a private pilot's license before graduation.
Benedictine College Preparatory
Richmond, VA
Benedictine College Preparatory is a Catholic all-boys military day school in Goochland, Virginia, founded 1911. Grades 9-12, about 520 cadets; day tuition $25,650 (2025-26).
Marine Corps War College
Quantico, VA
The Marine Corps War College (MCWAR) at Quantico is the senior school of Marine Corps University, offering joint professional military education to a class of about 30 senior officers.
Guides & Resources
Virginia Private School Tax Credit: EISTC Cuts Tuition 65%
Virginia's EISTC gives a 65% state tax credit for donations to scholarship foundations — a $10,000 gift can cost ~$2,625 and fund private military school tuition.
How Much Does Military School Cost? Tuition & Financial Aid
Military school costs range from free (public academies and Youth Challenge) to $25,000-$67,000 a year for private boarding. Compare tuition, 529 plans, and state vouchers.
How to Evaluate a Military School Like an Insider
How to evaluate a military school before you enroll: read the Cadet Handbook, eat in the mess hall, and watch for 6 red flags that reveal the real culture.
What Is a Military School?
A military school is a college-prep school that uses military structure — uniforms, rank, and drill — not a boot camp. The 4 types explained, including free options.
Military School vs. Therapeutic Boarding School
Military schools build leaders; therapeutic programs treat crises. Compare purpose, staff, and cost — $30,000-$65,000 a year vs. $10,000-$20,000 a month.
The Parent's Emotional Journey: Drop-Off to Thanksgiving
The three phases of a military school parent's first semester: the silent early weeks, the 3-week 'come get me' call, and the Thanksgiving transformation.