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
2025-2026 RatesBoarding
$46,700
Day Student
$18,325
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:
Related Schools
Fishburne Military School
Waynesboro, VA
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.
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.
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.
Beyond the Uniform: Sports, Arts, and Extracurriculars
Military schools offer far more than marching and discipline. Discover the robust athletic programs, arts opportunities, and leadership clubs that make cadet life well-rounded.
The Service Academy & ROTC Roadmap
The complete guide to winning appointments and scholarships. Congressional nominations, DoDMERB medical exams, ROTC scholarship timelines—everything you need for the military officer path.





