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How Military School Can Help Kids Struggling in Public School

The impact a student’s environment can have on their education is profound. Indeed, unfavorable circumstances can result in poor well-being, unhealthy habits, and disappointing academic performance. Yet a military boarding school for girls and boys may provide the environmental change necessary for struggling students to achieve social and academic success. Specifically, such an institution can inspire positive habits, a sense of belonging, and strong character development.

Massanutten Military Academy is a co-educational military boarding school near Waynesboro, VA. Our academy offers a holistic learning environment that helps cadets reach their maximum potential. Moreover, our curriculum and environment cultivate academic excellence, strong character, and a driven sense of purpose that prepares cadets to thrive inside and outside the classroom. To schedule a tour or request more information, call (540) 459-2167 today!

Constructive Habits 

Every public school student enjoys some daily routine thanks to their classes, but those benefits cease when class ends. However, military school cadets’ entire days are structured to help them cultivate habitually positive behavior. At Massanutten Military Academy, cadets understand the expectations, strengthening their time management skills and sense of stability. These dependable factors lay the groundwork for academic excellence. 

Yet despite their emphasis on structure, military boarding schools provide breaks similar to those on the public school calendar. At Massanutten Military Academy, these breaks or furloughs occur for summer and around the holidays, allowing cadets to rest and enjoy time with their families.  

Support System 

In a large public school student body, it’s easy for a struggling student to become lost in the crowd. Military boarding schools offer smaller, tighter-knit communities than public schools. This setup facilitates individualized academic support and attention from teachers. Massanutten retains a student-to-faculty ratio of only 10:1 to ensure such an environment.

Military boarding school communities also foster peer-to-peer support. Living and learning among fellow cadets allows individuals to build social skills and long-lasting bonds. This sense of belonging encourages struggling students to increase engagement, which boosts well-being and academic performance. Moreover, most military boarding schools have strong alumni networks, offering valuable connections for cadets as well as additional support in and beyond their education.

Character Development 

In addition to its academic pedigree, a military education fosters a unique focus on character development. Values upheld by military tradition—such as courage, compassion, and honesty—can predict future well-being and motivation. This robust focus on personal character encourages those struggling to overcome academic challenges and gain independence.

Military Boarding School Accepting Waynesboro, VA, Students!

Military boarding schools provide much-needed direction for struggling students, instilling skills they will need for a successful educational and personal life. At Massanutten Military Academy near Waynesboro, VA, we provide cadets with the framework necessary for them to flourish. To learn more about our programs or start the admissions process, call our admissions team at (540) 459-2167.
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Every Student Deserves to be Known
At Massanutten Academy, every student matters.  We develop honorable young people of character through an intentionally personal educational experience in which students are known, challenged, encouraged, and supported.

Here, education is purposeful.  Through academics, athletics, leadership opportunities, mentorship, service, and community, students discover their strengths, develop confidence, and learn to accomplish hard things.

We develop young people of character and competence prepared for college, leadership, and life. Honor in Character. Excellence in Purpose. Leadership in Service. 

This is The Massanutten Way.


Massanutten Academy is a co-educational, non-profit military boarding and day school in Virginia for students in 8th-12th grades with postgraduate studies. We welcome all faiths and live by our motto: Non Nobis Solum (Not For Ourselves Alone).

Massanutten Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. Massanutten Academy is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. 
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