At Fishburne, there`s a mindset and a mission to elevate every boy. We see what`s great in you.
Founded in 1879, FMS is the oldest and smallest of Virginia`s Military Schools100% college acceptance for graduates
Small class sizes = bigger success As an Army JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction (since the 1928-29 school year), Fishburne can nominate qualified Cadets to any of the US Service Academies
With twelve different varsity sports, extra-curricular activities, weekend trips, and social events, our cadets never fall under the radar Offer 7-day boarding or day student attendance options
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: (Boarding Students) 8-12
- Grades: (Day Students) 6-12
- Enrollment: 95 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $38,400
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $16,400
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Fishburne Military School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 280 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Student Attention
School Overview
Grades Offered (Boarding)
8-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
6-12
6-12
Year Founded
1879
1907
Campus Size
9 acres
125 acres
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
95 students
319 students
% Students of Color
23%
27%
% International Students
3%
21%
% Students Boarding
75%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Monthly
Less than once a month
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
5
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
50%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$38,400
(Various scholarships and considerations)
(Various scholarships and considerations)
$66,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$16,400
(Tuition consideration for sons of military. Single Payment. Alumni. Band.)
(Tuition consideration for sons of military. Single Payment. Alumni. Band.)
$35,500
Tuition international students
$41,900
$58,300
Summer Program Cost
$4,000
(Includes uniforms, room & board, academics and athletics, laundry, haircuts.)
(Includes uniforms, room & board, academics and athletics, laundry, haircuts.)
% Students on Financial Aid
75%
40%
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
85%
64%
Director of Admissions
Mr. Mike Payne
Associate Director of Admissions
Nelson Davis
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
5
18
Courses
Advanced Trigonometry Functions, Algebra II, Biology, Calculus, Calculus II, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Government, History 10, Pre-Calculus
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
15
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Boy Scouts, Color Guard, CyberPatriot, Drill Team, Raiders, Robotics Club, Rocketry Club, Saber Club, Swift Water Rescue
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Student Newspaper, Yearbook
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Airsoft, Proctors (student leaders), Rock/Ice Climbing
Boy Scouts, Color Guard, CyberPatriot, Drill Team, Raiders, Robotics Club, Rocketry Club, Saber Club, Swift Water Rescue
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Student Newspaper, Yearbook
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Airsoft, Proctors (student leaders), Rock/Ice Climbing
School Notes
- School Mascot: Caisson
- You see it. And we do, too. Maybe your son just needs a fresh start. Perhaps he simply needs a school where he can focus on learning without public school distractions. Choosing Fishburne isn`t about "sending him away to military prep school in Virginia" or commenting on your parenting. It`s about giving him all the possibilities wrapped in our traditions of fairness,structure and hard work. With a serving of camaraderie, encouragement, and support that will stick with him his whole life.
- Fishburne Military School (FMS) is a private, military boarding school for boys in Waynesboro, Virginia, United States. It was founded by James A. Fishburne in 1879 and is one of the oldest military schools in the country.
- Accreditations matter. Basically, an objective third party takes a thorough look at an institution (Fishburne, in this case) and validates that the institution is doing what it claims to do. Beyond that, an accredited institution has met standards that cross state lines, which means they have value everywhere.
- What does that mean for you? The simple truth is that students from accredited military academies have greater access to federal loans, scholarships, post-secondary education, and military programs that require students to attend an accredited institution. So we`re proud of our accreditations. And we`re glad they improve the fortunes of our cadets.
- Not only is Fishburne`s JROTC one of the oldest in the country, but as an Honor Unit with Distinction, Fishburne is one of only a few schools anywhere that can nominate qualified candidates to ANY of the U.S, service academies. If your son wants to attend a service academy, Fishburne offers advantages other Virginia military academies can`t equal.
- At Fishburne, Grades 9-12 are automatically enrolled in our JROTC (Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps) program every academic year, making it an integral part of the FMS experience. In addition, our summer program is one of only four summer programs in the nation that is fully accredited by the 4th Brigade, U.S. Army Cadet Command, making it a more valuable experience for our cadets.
- Fishburne Military School accreditations: SACS, VAIS, AdvancED, TABS, AMCSUS
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Fishburne Military School cost?
Fishburne Military School's tuition is approximately $38,400 for boarding students and $16,400 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Fishburne Military School?
The acceptance rate of Fishburne Military School is 85%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
What sports does Fishburne Military School offer?
Fishburne Military School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Drill Team, Football, Golf, Intramural Sports Only, Lacrosse, Marksmanship, Riflery, Soccer, Swimming, Track, Track and Field and Wrestling.
Does Fishburne Military School offer a summer program?
Yes, Fishburne Military School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Fishburne Military School's ranking?
Fishburne Military School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of students on financial aid and Small average class sizes.
When is the application deadline for Fishburne Military School?
The application deadline for Fishburne Military School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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. . .
Show more reviews (4 reviews)
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