Hargrave is nationally and internationally recognized as a premier college preparatory boarding school and was the only Virginia School to be selected as a National School of Character in 2016. Our goal is not just to graduate your son but provide him with the tools that will allow him to be successful in life.  Hargrave prepares young men from Grade 7 through Post Graduate with a focus on its Four Pillars: academics, character development, physical fitness and spiritual growth.

Hargrave’s faculty and staff engage the Cadets continuously both in and out of the classroom. Our Instructors are knowledgeable, thoughtful and honestly push young men within their respective subject areas. They care enough to hold the line and raise the bar on your son’s academic effort.

Educational Philosophy

Hargrave faculty and administration approach each student holistically. Students who are physically, morally, and mentally fit are in a better position to make sound decisions, establish personal goals, and become productive citizens. The Academy’s daily schedule is designed to develop each student’s mental, physical, spiritual, and moral qualities. Hargrave’s educational philosophy is anchored in a traditional college preparatory curriculum aimed at enabling critical thinking and inspiring a desire to learn within a diverse student body.

Join the Military? In High School?

Attending Hargrave in no way commits a student to the military. Hargrave is a high school that follows a military model. The initial fear of the unknown can be great with new Cadets, but every Cadet has been there. The anxiety of a different type of school culture plus the adventure of being away from home can be overwhelming at first. This is a shared feeling. But, those Cadets also know that the feeling passes once the military system is learned and the student adapts.

At home, parents want their sons to do their homework and keep their rooms clean. In a military environment, Cadets participate in Study Hall and have room inspections. Mastery of the basics provides the first steps up on the ladder of success.  With patience, understanding and a little tough love, most young men discover more to life than struggling, or sometimes fighting, with those who care about them. This success can be learned. It is not magic.

Beyond the Basics

Hargrave’s mission is to build achievement within each young man. Beyond learning the basics, there is a range of opportunity at Hargrave just waiting for young men to discover.

Seldom is there an opportunity for a young man to lead five, ten, twenty or more peers while in high school. Young men can reach positions of responsibility and learn leadership skills, which often transfer to college and the world beyond.

Engaging academics in a structured environment is often easier for most, and it helps young men see a brighter future in terms of applying to college. Challenging a young man while his thoughts are big and his future is open is a wonderful thing to do at Hargrave.

Christianity is as challenged today as it has ever been, but following the teachings of the Bible has steered many a successful man to a better life with their wife, children, families and themselves. Spiritual life opportunities are designed to meet Cadets at their level of spiritual development, and encourage them to explore the spiritual aspect of life individually and in the community. While Hargrave Military Academy is proud of--and retains--its Baptist heritage and affiliation, spiritual life at Hargrave is considerate of all Christian traditions and teaches respect for all religious faith traditions.

Participation in athletics is strongly encouraged at Hargrave. Sports teach teamwork and camaraderie. These are invaluable interpersonal skills for a world absorbed by computers and gadgets. Knowing how to work with others is a critical skill.

The Simple Path?

Hargrave is not the simple path. For faculty, staff and Cadets, a military school environment is hard work. In the classroom, on the parade field and with the teams, the Hargrave family strives for the betterment of each student, and in so doing makes a great school.