Randolph-Macon Academy
Front Royal, VA
"Inspire the RISE Within"
The Verdict
Randolph-Macon Academy is where students learn to fly—literally. As the only co-ed military boarding school in America with an in-house FAA-certified flight program, cadets can earn their Private Pilot's License before they get their driver's license.
R-MA's Air Force Academy pipeline is unmatched by any high school in the nation—one recent class achieved 20 service academy appointments, including 16 to the Air Force Academy. The Class of 2024 earned $16 million in college scholarships, and the Falcon Foundation designation provides a dedicated USAFA prep track. If your child dreams of the cockpit, R-MA is the launchpad.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
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.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesBoarding
$48,398
Day Student
$25,860
Endowment
$10 million
*Expense account of $3,000 for boarding and $2,500 for day students.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Completed application and application fee
- Official transcripts from current and previous schools
- Teacher recommendations (English and Math)
- Personal interview (in-person or virtual)
- Medical and immunization records
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international students)
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
135 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
317
Student:Teacher
10:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
Structured military schedule includes morning formation, academic classes, afternoon athletics or flight training, evening study hall (supervised prep), and Taps. The flight program cadets often have early morning or afternoon flight blocks at the Front Royal-Warren County Airport.
Discipline Model
Air Force-style merit/demerit system with cadet ranks and leadership positions. Cadets advance through the corps based on academics, conduct, and leadership performance. The cadet chain of command operates under the Commandant's supervision, emphasizing self-discipline and peer accountability.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Scholarships Earned
Over $87 million (Classes of 2020-2025)
Where Graduates Go
67 U.S. Air Force Academy, 6 U.S. Military Academy at West Point, 1 U.S. Naval Academy, 3 U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 3 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Classes of 2020-2025). The Falcon Scholars program is a prestigious prep pathway specifically for USAFA hopefuls. Strong placement to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, VMI, Penn State, and The Citadel. Flight program graduates have a distinct advantage for ROTC aviation tracks.
Hall of Fame
John Warner
U.S. Senator from Virginia (1979-2009); Secretary of the Navy (1972-1974); one of the most influential defense policymakers in modern history
Gen. Walter E. Boomer
U.S. Marine Corps General; Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps (1992-1994); commanded Marine forces in Operation Desert Storm
Harlan Crow
Billionaire real estate developer; Chairman of Crow Holdings; major philanthropist and collector of American historical artifacts
Edward Alvarez Jr.
U.S. Navy Commander; first American aviator shot down and captured in Vietnam (POW 1964-1973); Silver Star recipient
Joel Shankle
Olympic bronze medalist in track and field (1956 Melbourne Olympics, 110m hurdles)
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in daily athletics or physical training. The Air Force JROTC program includes drill, ceremonies, and physical fitness components. Flight program cadets balance athletic requirements with flight training schedules.
Facilities
135-acre campus at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains features a gymnasium, athletic fields, tennis courts, weight room, and dedicated access to the Front Royal-Warren County Airport for flight training. The flight hangar houses a fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft for the FAA Part 141-certified flight school, plus drone training equipment for emerging aviation technology. Cadets log real flight hours in R-MA's own aircraft—a rare hands-on advantage.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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Photo Gallery
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