A History of Massanutten Military Academy

A Woodstock Beginning
In May 1898, members of the Virginia Classis, the governing board of the Reformed Church─formerly the German Reformed Church─assembled in Lovettsville, Va., for their annual meeting. One accomplishment of this gathering was the appointment of a committee to explore the possibility of establishing a "high academy," under the auspices of the Reformed Church, [and located] in Woodstock, . . . in Shenandoah County, Va. The school that was eventually to emerge is known today as Massanutten Military Academy.

The school was first known as Massanutten Academy and did not take on a military format until 1917. Massanutten Academy was successful because since the end of the Civil War, Virginians had been clamoring for education beyond the three Rs of grammar school for their children.

It was decided that the estate of the deceased U.S. Senator Harrison H. Riddleberger would be acquired by mortgage, renovating the existing mansion (still standing today and known as Riddleberger Hall).

The Rev. J. Silor Garrison was chosen as the first president. On September 12, 1899, the school officially opened with a gala ceremony.

Today's president, Colonel Roy F. "Rick" Zinser, leads an institution that has a long and glorious history. Although, the school is no longer affiliated with the Reformed Church or its successor the United Church of Christ, that glorious beginning and the academic standards of the early days are still felt in the hallways and classrooms today.

The Academy adopted a military program in 1917. Today, the military structure plays a crucial role in the education of each cadet by creating a stable environment that is conducive to learning. The Academy's goal is to maintain an environment that is free of distractions and develops each cadet to fulfill his or her potential. Students are taught that learning is a lifelong process to be appreciated and enjoyed. MMA’s Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is consistently recognized as an Honor Unit with Distinction. This enables the JROTC unit  to make nominations to our nation's service academies.

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This history was excerpted from An American Century─The History of Massanutten Military Academy, by Robert Mallory Klein. If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, contact Kelli Penstock by calling 540-459-2167, ext. 247.