Boarding School Review - Established 2003

Hargrave Military Academy

5.00 (6 reviews)
200 Military Drive Chatham VA 24531
Tel: (800) 432-2480
www.hargrave.edu
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 7-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 195 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $45,100
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $16,175
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #4 - For over 100 Years Hargrave has been in the business of building young men into leaders of character prepared for lifelong success!
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #5 - Hargrave has a culturally diverse and strong international enrollment. The Cadets photographed represent four different countries and seven different languages spoken.
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #6 - Hargrave is known for its comprehensive basketball program. Postgraduate, Varsity, JV and Middle School teams available.
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #7 - Recognized as one of the Top Athletic Academy. Hargrave is competitive at the State and National level and enjoys success in many sports.
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #8 - Physics class conducting an experiment.Our small class and dedicated faculty make a difference in the lives of our students.
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #9 - The corps of cadets seated in chapel pews during a service
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #10 - A Hargrave varsity basketball player driving up court in front of a home crowd
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #11 - Cadets in dress uniform receiving medals at a formal recognition ceremony
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #12 - A Hargrave cadet in dress whites concentrating on written work at his desk
Hargrave Military Academy Photo #13 - Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham, Virginia, since 1909
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About the School

  • Hargrave is a Christian, college-prep leadership academy for boys in grades 712 & Post Graduate, in Chatham, Virginia since 1909.
  • Hargrave develops young men into leaders of character who are prepared for lifelong success.
  • Four pillars - Academics, Character, Faith and Athletics - make one deliberate program: AP and dual-enrollment college-credit courses, five-week marking periods, the "How to Study" program and weekly advisor mentoring; an Honor Code and a cadet chain of command with real responsibility; faith at the center; and more than twenty teams, including nationally championship-winning prep basketball.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 7-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 195 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $45,100
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $16,175
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Hargrave Military Academy ranks among the top 10 schools with < 200 students (out of 79 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Community Size
Large student body (number of students)
Offering Breadth
Most sports offered

School Overview

2026 School Data
Hargrave Military Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College-Prep Military
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
7-12, PG
8-12
School Type
All-boys
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Baptist
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1909
1906
Campus Size
220 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
195 students
319 students
% Students of Color
32%
27%
% International Students
7%
21%
% Students Boarding
80%
65%
Average SAT Score
1030
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Casual
Average Class Size
10 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
50%
73%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Yes
Summer Program Details
View Summer Program Details
Accreditations
Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS)
Cognia (formerly AdvancED / SACS CASI / NCA CASI) (Cognia)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS)
# of AP Courses Offered
8
18
Courses
Algebra 1 (Honors)Algebra 2 Advanced (Honors)
American Literature/Composition (Honors)AP Biology
AP Calculus A/BAP Chemistry
AP Computer ScienceAP English Literature
AP Physics 1AP Statistics
Biology (Honors)Chemistry (Honors)
English Literature/Composition (Honors)Pre-Calculus (Honors)
Spanish 3 (Honors)Spanish 4 (Honors)
Spanish APVirginia/US Government (Honors)
World Studies (Honors)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size
$10 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$45,100
(Hargrave is committed to honest and transparent pricing. Boarding tuition includes room, board, books, laundry, dry cleaning, meals, haircuts, sports and clubs. International tuition: $55,100. Initial uniform cost: $2,750 (first year). Approximately half of Hargrave families receive some form of tuition assistance.)
$71,420
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$16,175
(Hargrave is committed to honest and transparent pricing. Day tuition includes books, meals, sports and clubs. Initial uniform cost: $2,250 (first year). Approximately half of Hargrave families receive some form of tuition assistance.)
$40,400
Tuition international students
$55,100
$58,650
Summer Program Cost
$4,800
(5200 for International)
% Students on Financial Aid
50%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$11,000
(Merit-based financial aid is prioritized.)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
Yes
Weekly

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Admissions

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
70%
64%
Director of Admissions
Christy Lipscomb
Associate Director of Admissions
Ben Wall
Application URL
Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
17
17
Sports
BaseballBasketball
Cross CountryCross Country Running
DivingDrill Team
FootballGolf
MarksmanshipRiflery
SoccerSwimming
Swimming and DivingTennis
TrackTrack and Field
Wrestling
Colors
Black, Orange
School Mascot
Tiger

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
16
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Beta ClubBible Study
Boy ScoutsCamden Rifles Drill Team
Chess ClubColor Guard
Computer Science ClubEye of the Tiger
Live Action Role Play (LARP)Martial Arts
ScubaSpanish Club
TriathlonYearbook


Arts and Music Programs:
ChoirHighlanders

College Matriculation

College Acceptance Rate
100%
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
View Matriculation Data

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.
  • Hargrave cadets have earned 84 service academy appointments since 1999, and Hargrave is one of six schools in the West Point Preparatory Scholarship Program.
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.
    • 100% college acceptance for graduating seniors over the last decade. Average class size of 10. 84 service academy appointments since 1999, and one of six schools in the West Point Preparatory Scholarship Program. Three national prep basketball championships (2004, 2008, 2016). Hargrave uses military structure for organization and discipline; there is no service obligation, and it is not a reform school.
  • 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
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Hargrave Military Academy cost?
Hargrave Military Academy's tuition is approximately $45,100 for boarding students and $16,175 for day students.
What schools are Hargrave Military Academy often compared to?
Hargrave Military Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Fork Union Military Academy by visitors of our site.
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 64%.
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. Hargrave Military Academy is ranked as one of the top boarding schools for most sports offered.
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 Large student body (number of students) and Most sports offered.
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)
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 7-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 195 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $45,100
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $16,175
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
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