Read more details about Fishburne Military School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
It is a small school, and after just a few weeks everyone pretty much will know everyone else, or at least their last name. That knowledge includes faculty and staff knowing each cadet, even if they do not have him in class that term. The teachers are also the coaches. The teachers really care and often establish lifelong relationships, maintaining contact long after a cadet graduates. I was thrilled to see Fishburne's Senior Army Instructor, present and participating at The Citadel's graduation and commissioning exercises this spring. A Fishburne alumnus was being commissioned as an Army 2nd Lt. Our alumni bridge generations of cadets. You don't have to be classmates to establish relationships. The experiences were so similar, it carries through year after year.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
My best thing - relationships and leadership skills. Because of Fishburne and the leadership roles I had there, I was selected to be a chief of police at age 31. Understand I came up through the ranks in the police department, had earned a degree, etc. Fishburne taught me so much about people and getting along and dealing with stress.Yes, it was stressful. If you go there you will face stress and challenges every day.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
If I had it to do over, I would have tried to go earlier. I was there for my junior and senior years.My advice, learn the rules. Make it a game. Bend all the rules, but don't break them. Relish the friends you will make. You will have them for a long time.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
It was and is small. I needed the structure and I needed to be a fish in a relatively small pond.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Expect it to be the hardest thing you have ever done. It won't be but expect that. Stay long enough until you "get it." I "got it" and I would not trade anything for it.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Teachers at Fishburne can be just as strong-willed as any boy they encounter. If getting attention requires a squirt gun, throwing an eraser, or embarrassing someone, well that is just part of it. Expectations were clearly communicated and my parents were kept in the loop. During my time, via US Mail. Today, I understand that parents get reports via email.I was nominated to attend a service academy. I went elsewhere, but the faculty was very willing to help with letters, practice, extra work, and extra time.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
In two words - "Everybody participates." Each sports season, each cadet is expected to be in a sport. It puts you out of your comfort zone and looking back, that is great.When a team wins, everyone wins, when a team loses, everyone shares the loss.Academics is #1, no doubt but all types of sports - both team and individual are there.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
In my day, I was in the marching band. We were not good - but we could carry a tune.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
In my day, I was able to participate in a local church's youth group. Today, Key Club and Boy Scouts are sponsored right there on the campus.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
At our school, it is called a barracks. Two to a room. All rooms open to the outside. In my day, food in your room was based on the care package that was mailed from home. Standards of cleanliness and inspections are regular. Room assignments are for the most part based on what organization (Company A, B, C or Band) you belong to.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
It is a military school and called a "Mess Hall." Food has been catered for as long as I know. They do a great job, with a great variety.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Waynesboro is small town USA. With the exception of local teenage boys, everyone loves Fishburne. Seriously, the school adds economic well-being. I grew up in a small town. If you like that, you will like Waynesboro. The views, breathtaking. The weather, challenging at times.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
In my day, there was an all girls school in town. There were arranged dances and social events and some relationships started there. I am to this day in contact with both men who attended Fishburne, and ladies who attended Fairfax Hall.
Read more details about Fishburne Military School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
The small size - then as now - makes Fishburne an ideal choice for a structured educational environment for boys 7-12. I came to FMS rom a large public high school where it was difficult. . .
I went to two different military academies during my stint at boarding schools, Massanutten Military Academy and Fishburne. I can say without a doubt that the fact that Fishburne was an all male school had. . .
Army JROTC which has held highest level of distinction for over 20 years due to stellar scores on annual RFI. Outstanding teachers and educational experience. Amazing alumni support. Small classroom and. . .
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