Hargrave Military Academy Photo #7 - Physics class conducting an experiment.Our small class and dedicated faculty make a difference in the lives of our students.

Hargrave Military Academy

200 Military Drive
Chatham, VA 24531
Hargrave makes a boy's development personal by investing in skills and relationships that will last a lifetime. Your son will be exposed to our "How to Study" program and build relationships with everyone who interacts with him, including classmates, staff, coaches, teachers, and TACs.
We turn potential into opportunity while challenging a student to give his best effort in all things. Upon graduation, our cadets feel a genuine sense of accomplishment and are well prepared to face the challenges of college and life.
"Character Matters Here" is more than a slogan. It's a calling. The Hargrave man is one who will lead his family, church, community, and profession with integrity, commitment and resolve.  A Hargrave man makes his family proud.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: 7-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 195 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $45,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $17,850
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Hargrave Military Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 280 schools) for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2024 School Data
Hargrave Military Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
7-12, PG
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1909
1906
Campus Size
214 acres
125 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
195 students
315 students
% Students of Color
32%
26%
% International Students
7%
20%
% Students Boarding
80%
70%
Average SAT Score
1030
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
9
18
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
50%
71%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$10 million
$28 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$45,000
(Hargrave is committed to honest and transparent pricing. All prices are BEFORE tuition assistance; you will never pay more than the price you see. 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.)
$66,250
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$17,850
(Hargrave is committed to honest and transparent pricing. All prices are BEFORE tuition assistance; you will never pay more than the price you see. 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.)
$35,600
Tuition international students
$55,000
$57,650
Summer Program Cost
$4,800
(5200 for International )
% Students on Financial Aid
60%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$11,000
(Merit-based financial aid is prioritized.)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
70%
60%
Director of Admissions
Christy Lipscomb
Associate Director of Admissions
Ben Wall

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
9
18
Courses
Algebra 1 (Honors), Algebra 2 Advanced (Honors), American Literature/Composition (Honors), AP Biology, AP Calculus A/B, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP English Literature, AP Physics 1, AP Statistics, Biology (Honors), Chemistry (Honors), English Literature/Composition (Honors), Pre-Calculus (Honors), Spanish 3 (Honors), Spanish 4 (Honors), Spanish AP, Virginia/US Government (Honors), World Studies (Honors)

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
16
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Beta Club, Bible Study, Boy Scouts, Camden Rifles Drill Team, Chess Club, Color Guard, Computer Science Club, Eye of the Tiger, Live Action Role Play (LARP), Martial Arts, Scuba, Spanish Club, Triathlon, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Highlanders

College Matriculation

Year: 2013 - 2019
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
The Citadel
16
Virginia Tech
15
Norwich University
14
Virginia Military Institute
12
Ferrum College
10
North Carolina State University
9
Longwood University
7
United States Naval Academy
7
West Virginia University
7
United States Military Academy
6

School Notes

    Academics
  • How To Study Program - A deliberate curriculum that teaches students from day-one the methods to make study time effective and efficient. Cadets learn how to take notes in class, read text correctly, organize materials for homework, prepare for tests, and establish surroundings conducive to study. These methods are reinforced in study halls, homework sessions, group study, and peer tutoring.
  • We offer challenging core classes and dual enrollment (high school and college credit), Advanced Placement and Honors courses
  • More than 50% of our faculty have advanced degrees
  • We are endorsed by both the US Military Academy (West Point) and US Naval Academy (Annapolis) as a preparatory school for their respective academies
  • The Academic Learning Center provides assessment and proper placement in Math, Reading and English classes, faculty to facilitate online learning, help when a student struggles or requires accelerated learning, and offers tutoring via faculty, peer, group and collaborative study.
  • Advanced and enhanced learning through available online courses 
  • The low teacher-to-student ratio (1:10 or better) means smaller classes and more individual attention.
  • Study hall time is built into the schedule; additional Individual Instruction Time (IIT) is built into the schedule allowing more 1-on-1 time between students and teachers.
  • We consistently achieve 100% college acceptances, averaging over $4 million in scholarships annually.
  • We have over 75 current and former students accepted into US Service Academies.
Athletics
  • 12 Varsity sports, daily physical fitness and conditioning for all students
  • Coaches are trained through Positive Coaching Alliance.
  • Coaches are a positive role model, mentor, guide and teacher
  • We have an Olympic-sized pool with three diving boards
  • Three basketball courts and a premier tennis facility with six lighted tennis courts offer great access to all students
  • We have a new strength and conditioning facility complete with free weights, CrossFit, and cardio equipment. 
  • A Marine Corps certified obstacle course and leader reaction course promotes teamwork and develops decision-making skills.
  • A trap and skeet range, paintball course, climbing wall and rappel tower complete provide more opportunities for physical development.
  • The campus has 200+ acres to roam and be outdoors.
Character
  • Since 2016, Hargrave is the only Virginia military high school certified as a National School of Character through Character.org
  • In an integrated approach to character development, character trait learning is reinforced in every aspect of student life: across academics, in sports, in residential life, and through Biblical application. 
  • Students learn and live out our core values along with other character traits such as commitment, trustworthiness, and loyalty.
  • Our Center for Leadership and Ethics spearheads our Character Across the Campus program and provides the leadership curriculum.
  • All students are required to take Leadership 1 as an elective and are offered Leadership 2 as a continuation. 
  • Each leadership course is specifically designed for lower school (7th 9th grades) and upper school (10th 12th grades).
  • Character matters here.
Faith      
  • Hargrave uses a variety of tools to develop a cadet spiritually regardless of his individual faith background.
  • Hargrave makes spiritual development a real and deliberate opportunity for cadets to grow in their faith, develop an ethical decision-making foundation and develop a lifelong passion for spiritual growth.
  • Chapel services are held twice a week led by our youth minister/chaplain
  • Time for individual, small-group or large-group devotion; personal reflection; and quiet time is scheduled every evening.
  • Cadets can participate in our Fellowship of Christian Athletes program
  • Cadets are able to attend Sunday services at local churches.
  • A weekly group Bible study is offered. Cadet leaders are taught how to lead a devotion.
  • Spiritual Emphasis Week entails guest speakers, preachers, special music and group-bonding experiences
  • Cadets have opportunities in class to share thoughts and perspectives stemming from devotions or personal reflection time.
  • Hargrave Military Academy accreditations: Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS): National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS); The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Ward Burton '82 - 2002 Daytona 500 Champion; NASCAR Winston Cup Driver
    • Walter B. Jones '61 - Congressman (R), 3rd District North Carolina
    • Dr. Art Chandler, Jr. '49 - Ophthalmologist; Voice of Duke Basketball
    • MG William Caldwell, IV '72 - Major General, USA - As seen commanding in Iraq
    • Larry Brown '59 - Former NBA Detroit Pistons Head Coach
    • Torry Holt '95 - NFL Player - St. Louis Rams
    • R. Kirk Landon '46 - Former CEO American Bankers Insurance Corp.
    • David West '98 - NBA Player - New Orleans Jazz
    • Scott Street '61 - Attorney - Former president of the Virginia Bar Assosciation
    • Joshua Howard '99 - NBA Player - Dallas Mavericks
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Hargrave Military Academy cost?
Hargrave Military Academy's tuition is approximately $45,000 for boarding students and $17,850 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Hargrave Military Academy?
The acceptance rate of Hargrave Military Academy is 70%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 60%.
Who are famous alumni from Hargrave Military Academy?
Hargrave Military Academy famous alumni include: Ward Burton '82, Walter B. Jones '61, Dr. Art Chandler, Jr. '49, MG William Caldwell, IV '72, Larry Brown '59, Torry Holt '95, R. Kirk Landon '46, David West '98, Scott Street '61 and Joshua Howard '99.
What sports does Hargrave Military Academy offer?
Hargrave Military Academy offers 17 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Diving, Drill Team, Football, Golf, Marksmanship, Riflery, Soccer, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Wrestling.
Does Hargrave Military Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Hargrave Military Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Hargrave Military Academy's ranking?
Hargrave Military Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of students on financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Hargrave Military Academy?
The application deadline for Hargrave Military Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2001
5.00
Virginia Military Institute
Hargrave is first and foremost, a military school. Cadets are taught military routines, discipline, and accountability. It is the cornerstone of the educational environment. Uniforms, room inspections, formations, and parades teach accountability. . .

Class of 2022
5.00
Texas A&M University
The school is unwavering when it comes to meeting their mission statement of Building Young Men into Leaders of Character Prepared for Lifelong Success. The faculty and staff are deeply invested and it is clear. . .

Class of 2020
5.00
The Citadel
This school is huge in developing personal growth. The faculty and staff are all involved and together, make a positive impact on each you man. Through perseverance, focus, encouragement, guidance, leadership, humility and patience. . .
Show more reviews (3 reviews)
Submit Review for Hargrave Military Academy
Earn $20 by submitting your alumni review!

Recent Articles

Boarding School Myths
Boarding School Myths
This article debunks common myths about boarding schools, addressing misconceptions about wealth requirements, diversity, student life, school types, and family communication. It provides valuable insights for families considering boarding school education and highlights the modern realities of these institutions.
A Partnership of Three
A Partnership of Three
This article explores the three-way partnership between the school, parents, and students in boarding school education. It outlines the obligations and responsibilities of each party, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and commitment to ensure a successful boarding school experience.
Admissions Checklist For Boarding School Applicants
Admissions Checklist For Boarding School Applicants
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed checklist for boarding school applicants, covering key aspects of the admissions process such as testing, recommendations, interviews, and financial aid. It also includes additional information for international students applying to U.S. boarding schools.

Featured Schools

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: 7-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 195 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $45,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $17,850
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Quick Links