A Leading Military School for Boys

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Fork Union Military Academy is a college preparatory boarding military school for boys in grades 6-12 and postgraduate located in Fork Union, Virginia, right in the heart of central Virginia.

We offer high quality academics and athletics within a structure built around discipline, leadership development, and Christian values.

Military School Tradition

Fork Union Military Academy was founded in 1898 and is a military school steeped in the long tradition of "southern military schools."

We use the best aspects of a military-style system to create an environment focused on academic achievement and leadership development. The goal is not to create "soldiers" but to build "solid citizens" who embody the values of integrity, honor, duty, self-discipline, and service to others.

The Academy is not operated by or affiliated with any branch of the military, nor do students become obligated to serve in the military. We are an "independent military school" and do not offer the ROTC or JROTC model. There is no training in military tactics, techniques, or doctrine. We are not a "boot camp" program, nor do we cater to troubled teens in need of a therapeutic school environment.

Learn more about one family's decision to send their son to Fork Union Military Academy to gain the "military school experience" here in this article entitled:

What! You're Sending Him to Military School?

Structure & Discipline

We have identified a set of broadly agreed upon positive military courtesies, such as...

• respect for authority
• punctuality
• self-discipline
• accountability
• personal and corporate hygiene

...and we have superimposed these values on our living and learning environment -- in the classroom, the locker room, the dining room, and the dorm room.

At Fork Union Military Academy, our cadets are expected to tuck in their shirts, to say "Yes, sir" and "No, ma'am", to stand when a lady enters, and to open doors for others. Our cadets learn to look others in the eye, address others with respect, and speak with confidence. Our cadets are taught to "sweep in the corners" -- that is, they are expected to pay attention to detail, to be accountable for their actions, and to set high standards for themselves and others.

Our environment of structure and discipline helps to limit distractions and encourage students to focus on achievement in academics, athletics, and personal growth.

Leadership Development

In other schools, young people might gain status based on their popularity, athletic ability, or the clique they hang out with. At Fork Union Military Academy, rank is earned based on true merit and achievement.

A cadet who shows responsibility, consistent good conduct, and leadership potential can earn rank -- first within his platoon and company, and perhaps later at the battalion level.

Cadet officers lead their platoons and companies under the direct adult supervision of the Commandant and member of his staff, known as Tactical Officer (or TACs). These cadets learn valuable lessons about responsibility, use of authority, discretion, and leading by example.

Fork Union Military Academy offers unique opportunities for young men to develop valuable leadership skills that will be used throughout their lives.

Christian Values

Fork Union Military Academy was founded in 1898 by Dr. William Hatcher, a prominent Baptist minister. Christian values and biblical principles continue to undergird the entire program of Fork Union Military Academy. As our current president Lt. Gen. John Jackson says, "This is the Lord's school, and He's in the life changing business here."

Our cadets are expected to conduct themselves with kindness and respect. This expectation is reinforced and clarified in the chapel services and student assemblies held during the week and on Sunday mornings.

Our goal is to provide young men a framework within which they may apply themselves toward achieving their academic potential while growing as men of character and integrity.

While the Academy is proud of our affiliation with the Baptist General Association of Virginia, our student body reflects the broad diversity of religious belief found in our world.

About 20% of our cadets are Baptist, another 20% are Catholic, approximately 20% are of another Christian denomination, nearly 20% are of another religious faith such as Jewish, Buddhist, or Muslim, and about 20% do not specify any religious affiliation.

Success stories begin here.

One mother's story:

Jeremy was my toughest kid to get through school. Everyday, my adrenaline would go up at 3 o'clock because I knew I'd have to fight until 10 o'clock to get his homework done.

Fork Union has been like a miracle. It has challenged him.

He was a kid with a 99th percentile in math on the achievement tests, but he was making C's because he wouldn't do his homework. Finally he got to a school that challenged him, challenged his energy level, and focused him. It was a life changing decision. He would have been lost at the public school.

I've not only seen academic changes but spiritual changes, growing as a Christian. I've seen that he's taken responsibility. When he came back home on his first leave after just two months, I was shocked. He'd always tried to stay out late or slip by the rules or do whatever he could to get by with anything. He said, "Mom, I'll be home at 11 o'clock, because a man does what he says he's going to do." And he walked in at five minutes to 11. It was like a different kid.

The Lord works miracles here. He does. Kids turn abound and go on to be great successes.

More Testimonials...

Visit our Fork Union Military channel on YouTube to see parents and cadets talk about their experiences at Fork Union Military Academy

Want to learn more about FUMA?

Request our information and admissions packet with brochures and a video about Fork Union Military Academy.