Upper School Information

Grades: 9-12 and postgraduate

Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1

Graduation Requirements          Course Offerings

DIPLOMA OPTIONS

Cadets at Massanutten have two main diploma options, the Advanced Studies Diploma and the College Preparatory Diploma. 

The Advanced Studies Diploma, in addition to the Academy’s transcript, may include a transcript of courses taken through Shenandoah University.  This option provides the Academy's most challenging course load.  Generally, ten to fifteen percent of each graduating class will earn this diploma.

The College Preparatory Diploma is an additional Academy diploma option.  Course requirements prepare cadets for acceptance to and success in college.  Most MMA cadets pursue this choice.

ADDITIONAL DIPLOMA TYPES

Some cadets opt for the Standard Diploma, which provides greater flexiblity in the electives requirement area.  Although students must initially pursue one of our main diploma options (the Advanced Studies and the College Preparatory Diplomas), those who matriculate later in their high school work may apply for the exception of the Standard Diploma.  This course path is congruent with minimum high schoool graduation requirements in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Students from other countries may choose to pursue the International Diploma, as well.  This course path features our recently updated English Language Learners program, which focuses on building both improved English language skills and an understanding of American culture and society.  Students receive TOEFEL preparation support.  Academic goals include mainstreaming for high school course work and assistance in gaining admissions and successful matriculation in an American college or university. 

HONORS, AP & DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES

Upper School cadets may apply for honors course credit in any high school course in a core discipline (math, English, science, or social studies).  Some honors course options are also available in foreign languages. 

AP courses are available, as well. Some recent examples have included Calculus AB; U.S. Government & Politics; English Language and Literature; and U.S. History. MMA is an official College Board AP Testing Site.  National testing takes place each year in early May.

Students who succeed in honors and AP courses earn extra weight in their GPA. 

Since 1994 MMA has enjoyed a dual enrollment agreement with Shenandoah University whose main campus is located in nearby Winchester, Virginia.  Course offerings vary each year but are facilitated by MMA faculty on the MMA campus.

COLLEGE PLACEMENT

Cadets receive guidance and support throughout the college search, selection, application, acceptance, and registration process.   In addition to attendance at college fairs, MMA typically hosts several college admissions counselor presentations each year.  Because MMA employees faculty and staff members with superb and diverse collegiate backgrounds, cadets have the opportunity to receive support and advice from many individuals in addition to the College Placement Officer.

Typically, about 85% of the MMA graduates will pursue traditional public and private college education; whereas, approximately 10-15% of graduates will transition to a military academy or college.  Because MMA is a military-style boarding school, many of our cadets find the Academy to be a great place to prepare for college instruction in the nation's great two and four-year service academies. In recent years, all cadets seeking opportunities in higher education have been accepted to a college or university. 

Cadets are required to take the PSAT in preparation for the SAT.  The PSAT is faciliated on campus each fall on the national test date.  Cadets are expected to take the SAT at least once during junior year and the SAT and/or ACT at least once (again) during senior year.  MMA's SAT/ACT course features the Kaplan Advantage program.  MMA is an official College Board-approved SAT/ACT testing site.