Understanding Your Options
Public Military Academies
Franklin Military Academy in Richmond is the first public military school in the United States, founded in 1980. This tuition-free day school serves grades 6-12 within Richmond Public Schools and is open to city residents through the RPS application process.
Private Boarding Schools
Virginia has the highest concentration of private military schools in the nation. Five boarding schools: Fork Union Military Academy (boys, founded 1898), Fishburne Military School (boys, founded 1879), Hargrave Military Academy (boys, founded 1909), Randolph-Macon Academy (coed, Air Force JROTC), and Massanutten Military Academy (coed, Army JROTC). Plus one day school: Benedictine College Preparatory in Goochland (boys, Catholic, founded 1911). All offer military structure, college-prep academics, and strong JROTC programs.
Youth Challenge Programs
Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy in Virginia Beach is Virginia's National Guard Youth Challenge program. This 22-week residential program serves at-risk youth ages 16-18 who have dropped out or are at risk of not graduating. The program is tuition-free and focuses on GED preparation, life skills, and character development.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Franklin Military Academy is open only to Richmond city residents through Richmond Public Schools. Private military boarding schools accept students nationally and internationally. VMI and Virginia Tech accept students nationwide, with in-state tuition rates for Virginia residents. Commonwealth Challenge Academy serves eligible Virginia youth statewide.
The Birthplace of American Military Education
Virginia's military education tradition runs deeper than any other state. When Virginia Military Institute opened its gates in Lexington in 1839, it became the first public senior military college in America. That legacy shaped the state into what it is today: a destination for families seeking structured, disciplined education at every level.
Virginia's Private Military Schools
The Commonwealth is home to six private military schools—the highest concentration in the nation. Five offer boarding; one is a day school. Virginia is the top destination for families seeking a military school for boys, with three all-boys boarding academies (Fork Union, Fishburne, Hargrave) plus two coed options.
Boarding Schools:
- Fork Union Military Academy - An all-boys Baptist school in central Virginia (about an hour east of Charlottesville, 90 minutes from Richmond), known for its "One Subject Plan" where students focus on one course at a time. Grades 6-12 plus post-graduate.
- Fishburne Military School - The oldest private military school in Virginia (1879), a small all-boys Army JROTC school in Waynesboro (near Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C.). Grades 7-12 plus post-graduate.
- Hargrave Military Academy - An all-boys Baptist school in Chatham (near Danville, about 2 hours south of Richmond) offering grades 7-12 and post-graduate, with a strong focus on character development.
- Randolph-Macon Academy - A coed United Methodist school in Front Royal (about an hour from Washington, D.C., at the entrance to Shenandoah National Park) with Air Force JROTC. Grades 6-12 plus post-graduate.
- Massanutten Military Academy - A coed Army JROTC school in Woodstock in the Shenandoah Valley (about 90 minutes from Washington, D.C.), serving grades 8-12 and post-graduate.
Day School:
- Benedictine College Preparatory - A Catholic all-boys military day school in Goochland (Richmond area), founded in 1911. Army JROTC, grades 9-12.
Senior Military Colleges
Virginia is home to two of the nation's six Senior Military Colleges:
- Virginia Military Institute (VMI) - Founded in 1839, VMI is a fully military public university where every student is a cadet. Located in Lexington (in the Shenandoah Valley, about 3 hours from Washington, D.C. and Richmond), it offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with ROTC commissioning paths for Army, Navy/Marines, and Air Force.
- Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets - Established in 1872, the Corps is a voluntary program within Virginia Tech in Blacksburg (in southwest Virginia, about 4 hours from Washington, D.C.). Cadets live in dedicated residence halls and participate in military training alongside their academic studies.
The VWIL Difference
The Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership (VWIL) at Mary Baldwin University in Staunton (near Charlottesville, about 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C.) offers something found nowhere else: a military program exclusively for girls and young women—the nation's only all-female corps of cadets. Founded in 1995, VWIL prepares women for military and civilian leadership through a rigorous four-year program combining academics, physical training, and cadet life.
Public and Challenge Options
Not every family can afford boarding school tuition. Virginia offers alternatives:
- Franklin Military Academy - The first public military school in America, serving Richmond students grades 6-12 at no cost.
- Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy - Located in Virginia Beach (near Norfolk), a free 22-week residential program for at-risk Virginia youth ages 16-18 focused on GED completion and life skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest military school in Virginia?
Virginia Military Institute (VMI), founded in 1839, is the oldest public senior military college in the United States and the oldest military school in Virginia. Fishburne Military School (1879) is the oldest private military boarding school in the state.
Are there any free military schools in Virginia?
Yes. Franklin Military Academy in Richmond is a tuition-free public military school for grades 6-12, open to Richmond residents. Commonwealth Challenge Academy is also free for eligible at-risk youth ages 16-18.
Which Virginia military schools accept girls?
VMI, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Randolph-Macon Academy, Massanutten Military Academy, Franklin Military Academy, VWIL (women only), and Commonwealth Challenge all accept female students. Fork Union, Fishburne, and Hargrave are all-boys schools.
What is VWIL?
The Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership (VWIL) at Mary Baldwin University is the nation's only all-female corps of cadets. It offers women a four-year military-style leadership program with ROTC commissioning opportunities.
Can out-of-state students attend Virginia military schools?
Yes. All private military boarding schools (Fork Union, Fishburne, Hargrave, Randolph-Macon, Massanutten) accept students from any state or country. VMI and Virginia Tech also accept out-of-state students, though tuition is higher.