Marine Military Academy

320 Iwo Jima Blvd
Harlingen, TX 78550
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Marine Military Academy Photo #2 - MMA’s College Placement Office is staffed by a full time instructor whose sole purpose is to provide Cadets with individualized guidance on educational planning, scholarship and financial aid guidance, career counseling, and complete college application processing. With hundreds of catalogs and brochures from colleges and universities, over 150 on-campus video tours, dozens of reference books filled with college related information, internet connection for on-line research and applications, the college room provides Cadets complete college processing services. In addition, many college representatives visit the school each year to visit personally with the Cadets. The college placement program provides for class and group counseling during the eighth, ninth and tenth grades and intensive individualized scheduled counseling in the junior and senior year.
Marine Military Academy Photo #5 - MMA’s Academic Department includes 29 full-time faculty members—19 men and 10 women. All faculty members meet or exceed Texas state teacher requirements, and several members of the faculty hold advanced degrees. Drill Instructors are considered adjunct faculty members and work closely with the Academic Department. DIs are all retired Marine chief warrant officers or senior staff noncommissioned officers who live in an apartment in the barracks with their families. The Dean, John D. Butler, has a MBA from University of Texas at Pan Am, a B.S. from Texas A&M University, a M.Ed. in educational administration from the University of Texas at Brownsville, and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston. Dr. Butler joined MMA in 1996 and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. With the 2011-2012 academic year Environmental Science, Cinematography Arts, and Mandarin IV have been added to MMA’s curriculum to provide high quality, educational choices for our cadets as they prepare for higher education. Of course, the cadets, faculty, and staff continue to be the key to MMA’s ongoing success. As we are all aware, technology and discovery create new knowledge at a near exponential rate. What is found between the covers of a textbook today is likely incomplete or incorrect by the time it reached publication. Marine Military Academy cadets are prepared to deal with this phenomenon successfully because they have developed within themselves the ability to think…problem solve…and convert data into useful information. They do not rely on rote memorization and the recitation of facts to succeed. The Marine Military Academy faculty understands that the material presented, the presentations made, and the assignments collected are merely toolsfor developing those qualities within our cadets required to negotiate a rapidly changing environment and lead those less fortunate in the process. The faculty stand at the front of the class, not as lecturers so often encountered within schools, but as examples of integrity, responsible citizens, and leaders. Cadets are not passive vessels in the classroom but an active and integral part of the educational process. Marine Military Academy cadets take responsibility for themselves and their classmates as they navigate their way to the college of their choice.
Marine Military Academy Photo #6 - 2011-2012 marks Marine Military Academy Corps of Cadets’ second year of competition in CyberPatriot action following last year’s advancement to national semi-final standing. CyberPatriot is a premier national high school cyber defense competition created to inspire high school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines deemed critical to United State’s future. The competition is the ‘brainchild’ of the Air Force Association, and national outreach was made possible by Northrop Grumman, sponsor of the CyberPatriot Program. Students compete in two parallel competitions: Open Division and All Service JROTC/CAP Division. MMA is represented in the All Service JROTC, among 661 other national schools. Every Monday through Friday the MMA CyberPatriots are hard at it, learning the latest ins and outs of Network Management…what types of irregularities and ‘hacking’ techniques to investigate in their quest to identify and eliminate intrusive threats to computer networks and resultant devastation to corporations and human life.
Marine Military Academy Photo #7 - Efficiency experts, business executives and even Inc. Magazine have touted the U.S. Marine Corps as one of the best examples of organizational leadership in the country. The heritage and ideals of the Marine Corps are passed on to the Cadets at the Marine Military Academy by a staff of former Marines who live their lives by these principles. Honor, courage and commitment are but three core values the staff and faculty preach to the young Cadets at MMA. The military setting eliminates distractions, improves personal accountability and enables Cadets to establish and focus on their future goals. The Marine Corps JROTC program develops informed citizens, strengthens character by teaching discipline and develops an understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship.
Marine Military Academy Photo #8 - Marine Military Academy offers more than just academic classes and military instruction. Cadets are involved in a host of extracurricular and community service activities such as Boy Scouts, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Rotary Interact, Key Club, National Honor Society, a weekly non-sectarian vesper's service, bible study, and tutoring elementary school students through the HOSTS program (Help One Student To Succeed). Weekends may be spent at the Cadet Activities Center watching a movie in the 135-seat movie theater or catching a game on one of the televisions. Cadets can also get a bite to eat at the concession stand or shoot a game of pool. Dances are also held at the Cadet Activities Center and girls (Yes, Girls!) from the local high schools are invited to attend.
Marine Military Academy Photo #9 - Nearly all MMA graduates earn acceptance at the college level or appointment to the service academies. Many matriculate to top-tier universities throughout the United States and the world: Arizona State University; Auburn University; Babson College; Baylor University; Berklee College of Music; Boston College; California Maritime Academy; California Polytechnic State University; California State: Chico; California State: Fullerton; California State: Sacramento; Carnegie Mellon University; Chaminade University of Hawaii; Clemson University;College of the Ozarks ; Colorado School of Mines; Colorado State University; Cornell University; Daniel Webster College; DePauw University; Delta State University; Duquesne University; East Carolina University; Embry Riddle University ; Florida Atlantic University; Florida International University ; Florida State University; Great Lakes Maritime Academy; Hawaii Pacific University; Houston Baptist University; Johnson & Wales University; Incarnate Word University; Illinois Institute of Technology; Indiana University; Lehigh University; Louisiana State University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Massachusetts Maritime Academy; McMurray University; Michigan State University; Montana State University; Murray State University; New Mexico Institute of Technology; New Mexico State University; North Carolina State; North Georgia State College; Northern Arizona University; Northeastern University; Norwich University; Ohio State University; Oklahoma State University; Otterbein College; Penn State; Purdue University; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Rice University; Rochester Institute of Technology; Sam Houston State University; San Diego State University; San Francisco State University; San Jose State University; Santa Clara University; Sarah Lawrence College; Sonoma State University; Southern Methodist University; Southern New Hampshire University ; Southwestern University; St. Edward’s University; St. Louis University; St. John’s University; St. Mary’s University; Stephen F. Austin University; Swarthmore; Texas A & M University; Texas A & M at Commerce; Texas A&M at Corpus Christi; Texas A & M at Galveston; Texas A & M at Kingsville; Texas Christian University; Texas Lutheran University; Texas State University; Texas Tech University; The Citadel; Trinity University; Tulane University; United States Air Force Academy; United States Merchant Marine Academy; United States Military Academy; United States Naval Academy; University of Alabama; University of Alaska: Anchorage; University of Arizona; University of California: Davis; University of California: Northridge; University of Central Florida; University of Chicago; University of Cincinnati; University of Colorado; University of Denver; University of Georgia; University of Houston; University of Louisiana at Lafayette; University of Massachusetts: Boston; University of Miami; University of Mississippi; University of Missouri: Rolla; University of Nebraska; University of Nevada: Las Vegas; University of North Carolina: Charlotte; University of North Dakota; University of North Texas; University of Oklahoma; University of Oregon; University of Puget Sound; University of Southern California; University of St. Thomas; University of The South (Sewanee); University of Texas at Austin; University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Dallas; University of Texas at San Antonio; University of Tulsa; University of Washington; University of Wyoming; Villanova University; Virginia Military Institute; Virginia Tech University; Wabash College; Webster University; West Virginia University; Westminster College; Yale University; London School of Economics (UK); University of Manchester (UK)…just to name a few!
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Marine Military Academy Photo #1 - All Marine Military Academy (MMA)Cadets participate in public parades held throughout the year. All parades are held on the MMA Parade Grounds directly adjacent to the Iwo Jima Monument, located at 320 Iwo Jima Boulevard in Harlingen, next to Valley International Airport. MMA’s Honor Band and Silent Drill Team performs at most parades with the exception of summer camp and introductory training graduations.
Marine Military Academy Photo #2 - MMA’s College Placement Office is staffed by a full time instructor whose sole purpose is to provide Cadets with individualized guidance on educational planning, scholarship and financial aid guidance, career counseling, and complete college application processing. With hundreds of catalogs and brochures from colleges and universities, over 150 on-campus video tours, dozens of reference books filled with college related information, internet connection for on-line research and applications, the college room provides Cadets complete college processing services. In addition, many college representatives visit the school each year to visit personally with the Cadets. The college placement program provides for class and group counseling during the eighth, ninth and tenth grades and intensive individualized scheduled counseling in the junior and senior year.
Marine Military Academy Photo #3 - What kind of young man belongs at the Marine Military Academy? Acceptance to the Academy is based on a number of factors — prior academic history and curriculum, health history and potential. Because of the nature of this challenging academic setting, the Admissions Committee looks for a young man who has the potential to adapt to our program. He must be physically fit, emotionally strong and capable of meeting the demands of MMA’s tough college prep program.
Marine Military Academy Photo #4 - Early morning Colors are an honored tradition observed by MMA Corps of Cadets, staff and faculty. Every Monday through Friday morning, the Corps of Cadets march to the front of the military headquarters, coming to attention in front of the flag pole. To see Old Glory unfurl in the early morning sunshine against a brilliant blue Texas sky; and MMA’s Corps of Cadets - all at attention dressed in U.S. Marine Corps crisp, clean uniforms; staff and faculty standing erect with right hand over heart or in salute as appropriate…all in unison, in patriotic salute…oh, what a feeling, and what an awesome beginning to each day here at the Academy!
Marine Military Academy Photo #5 - MMA’s Academic Department includes 29 full-time faculty members—19 men and 10 women. All faculty members meet or exceed Texas state teacher requirements, and several members of the faculty hold advanced degrees. Drill Instructors are considered adjunct faculty members and work closely with the Academic Department. DIs are all retired Marine chief warrant officers or senior staff noncommissioned officers who live in an apartment in the barracks with their families. The Dean, John D. Butler, has a MBA from University of Texas at Pan Am, a B.S. from Texas A&M University, a M.Ed. in educational administration from the University of Texas at Brownsville, and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston. Dr. Butler joined MMA in 1996 and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. With the 2011-2012 academic year Environmental Science, Cinematography Arts, and Mandarin IV have been added to MMA’s curriculum to provide high quality, educational choices for our cadets as they prepare for higher education. Of course, the cadets, faculty, and staff continue to be the key to MMA’s ongoing success. As we are all aware, technology and discovery create new knowledge at a near exponential rate. What is found between the covers of a textbook today is likely incomplete or incorrect by the time it reached publication. Marine Military Academy cadets are prepared to deal with this phenomenon successfully because they have developed within themselves the ability to think…problem solve…and convert data into useful information. They do not rely on rote memorization and the recitation of facts to succeed. The Marine Military Academy faculty understands that the material presented, the presentations made, and the assignments collected are merely toolsfor developing those qualities within our cadets required to negotiate a rapidly changing environment and lead those less fortunate in the process. The faculty stand at the front of the class, not as lecturers so often encountered within schools, but as examples of integrity, responsible citizens, and leaders. Cadets are not passive vessels in the classroom but an active and integral part of the educational process. Marine Military Academy cadets take responsibility for themselves and their classmates as they navigate their way to the college of their choice.
Marine Military Academy Photo #6 - 2011-2012 marks Marine Military Academy Corps of Cadets’ second year of competition in CyberPatriot action following last year’s advancement to national semi-final standing. CyberPatriot is a premier national high school cyber defense competition created to inspire high school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines deemed critical to United State’s future. The competition is the ‘brainchild’ of the Air Force Association, and national outreach was made possible by Northrop Grumman, sponsor of the CyberPatriot Program. Students compete in two parallel competitions: Open Division and All Service JROTC/CAP Division. MMA is represented in the All Service JROTC, among 661 other national schools. Every Monday through Friday the MMA CyberPatriots are hard at it, learning the latest ins and outs of Network Management…what types of irregularities and ‘hacking’ techniques to investigate in their quest to identify and eliminate intrusive threats to computer networks and resultant devastation to corporations and human life.
Marine Military Academy Photo #7 - Efficiency experts, business executives and even Inc. Magazine have touted the U.S. Marine Corps as one of the best examples of organizational leadership in the country. The heritage and ideals of the Marine Corps are passed on to the Cadets at the Marine Military Academy by a staff of former Marines who live their lives by these principles. Honor, courage and commitment are but three core values the staff and faculty preach to the young Cadets at MMA. The military setting eliminates distractions, improves personal accountability and enables Cadets to establish and focus on their future goals. The Marine Corps JROTC program develops informed citizens, strengthens character by teaching discipline and develops an understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship.
Marine Military Academy Photo #8 - Marine Military Academy offers more than just academic classes and military instruction. Cadets are involved in a host of extracurricular and community service activities such as Boy Scouts, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Rotary Interact, Key Club, National Honor Society, a weekly non-sectarian vesper's service, bible study, and tutoring elementary school students through the HOSTS program (Help One Student To Succeed). Weekends may be spent at the Cadet Activities Center watching a movie in the 135-seat movie theater or catching a game on one of the televisions. Cadets can also get a bite to eat at the concession stand or shoot a game of pool. Dances are also held at the Cadet Activities Center and girls (Yes, Girls!) from the local high schools are invited to attend.
Marine Military Academy Photo #9 - Nearly all MMA graduates earn acceptance at the college level or appointment to the service academies. Many matriculate to top-tier universities throughout the United States and the world: Arizona State University; Auburn University; Babson College; Baylor University; Berklee College of Music; Boston College; California Maritime Academy; California Polytechnic State University; California State: Chico; California State: Fullerton; California State: Sacramento; Carnegie Mellon University; Chaminade University of Hawaii; Clemson University;College of the Ozarks ; Colorado School of Mines; Colorado State University; Cornell University; Daniel Webster College; DePauw University; Delta State University; Duquesne University; East Carolina University; Embry Riddle University ; Florida Atlantic University; Florida International University ; Florida State University; Great Lakes Maritime Academy; Hawaii Pacific University; Houston Baptist University; Johnson & Wales University; Incarnate Word University; Illinois Institute of Technology; Indiana University; Lehigh University; Louisiana State University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Massachusetts Maritime Academy; McMurray University; Michigan State University; Montana State University; Murray State University; New Mexico Institute of Technology; New Mexico State University; North Carolina State; North Georgia State College; Northern Arizona University; Northeastern University; Norwich University; Ohio State University; Oklahoma State University; Otterbein College; Penn State; Purdue University; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Rice University; Rochester Institute of Technology; Sam Houston State University; San Diego State University; San Francisco State University; San Jose State University; Santa Clara University; Sarah Lawrence College; Sonoma State University; Southern Methodist University; Southern New Hampshire University ; Southwestern University; St. Edward’s University; St. Louis University; St. John’s University; St. Mary’s University; Stephen F. Austin University; Swarthmore; Texas A & M University; Texas A & M at Commerce; Texas A&M at Corpus Christi; Texas A & M at Galveston; Texas A & M at Kingsville; Texas Christian University; Texas Lutheran University; Texas State University; Texas Tech University; The Citadel; Trinity University; Tulane University; United States Air Force Academy; United States Merchant Marine Academy; United States Military Academy; United States Naval Academy; University of Alabama; University of Alaska: Anchorage; University of Arizona; University of California: Davis; University of California: Northridge; University of Central Florida; University of Chicago; University of Cincinnati; University of Colorado; University of Denver; University of Georgia; University of Houston; University of Louisiana at Lafayette; University of Massachusetts: Boston; University of Miami; University of Mississippi; University of Missouri: Rolla; University of Nebraska; University of Nevada: Las Vegas; University of North Carolina: Charlotte; University of North Dakota; University of North Texas; University of Oklahoma; University of Oregon; University of Puget Sound; University of Southern California; University of St. Thomas; University of The South (Sewanee); University of Texas at Austin; University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Dallas; University of Texas at San Antonio; University of Tulsa; University of Washington; University of Wyoming; Villanova University; Virginia Military Institute; Virginia Tech University; Wabash College; Webster University; West Virginia University; Westminster College; Yale University; London School of Economics (UK); University of Manchester (UK)…just to name a few!
  • The Marine Military Academy transforms today's young men into tomorrow's leaders.
  • We fuel their mind, body and spirit in order to develop the mental and emotional tools needed to navigate their path forward.
  • Success is achieved through a safe, structured environment that fosters responsibility to community, country and each other.

Top 20 Placements

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Marine Military Academy is listed among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 322 schools) for:

Definition of Terms 
2019 School Data
Marine MilitaryBoarding School Avg.
School FocusCollege-Prep MilitaryCollege Preparatory
Grades Offered7-12, PG5-12
School TypeAll-boysCo-ed
ADD/ADHD SupportYesYes
Religious AffiliationNon-denominationalNon-denominational
Year Founded19651909
Campus Size142 acres106 acres

Student Body

Enrollment261 students318 students
% International Students
37%
20%
% Students Boarding
100%
67%
Average SAT Scoren/a* National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad YearYesNo

Academics and Faculty

Saturday ClassesNoNo
Classroom Dress CodeFormal
(Uniform Required)		Casual
Average Class Size11 students12
*National School Avg. » 20
Teacher : Student Ratio1:111:7
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered617
ESL Courses OfferedYesYes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
50%
70%
Summer Program OfferedYesYes

Finances

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)		$35,000$56,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)		n/a$30,000
% Students on Financial Aid
15%
37%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant$2,700
(MMA is more than willing to work with parents)		$25,000
Merit Scholarships OfferedYesNo

Admission

Application DeadlineNone / RollingJan. 15
Accepts Standardized ApplicationNoNo
SSAT RequiredNoYes
Acceptance Rate
98%
55%
Director of AdmissionsDr. John Butler
Mrs. Jay Perez
Associate Director of AdmissionsMrs. Jay Perez

Course Listings

List of Courses OfferedLink to List of Courses

College Matriculation

Year: 10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
Link to Matriculation Data

School Notes

  • All-male college-prep boarding school
  • Stringent academics with more than 50 course offerings
  • Honors, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment courses
  • Curriculum includes Aerospace and Marine Science options
  • Opportunities to receive a nomination to a US Service Academy
  • 40 acres dedicated to US Marine Corps styled Leadership Enhancement Development course featuring a rappel tower, 3 rockclimbing walls, high ropes challenge, paintball course, obsticle course, mud course, and more
  • 18 competitive sports and additional extracurricular activities
  • Moral, spiritual opportunities through civic-minded clubs: Rotary Interact, KEY, National Honor Society, Boy Scouts, non-denominational Vespers, (FCA) Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC)
  • International Student Body
  • Marine Military Academy accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Member of the College Board; Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States; Texas and National Association for College Admission Counseling; The Association of Boarding Schools

Profile last updated:

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Quick Stats (2019-20)
  • Grades: (Boarding) 7-12, PG
  • Students: 261 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $35,000
  • Acceptance rate: 98%
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
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