Randolph-Macon Academy - Review #3

Read more details about Randolph-Macon Academy on their 2024-25 profile page.
Randolph-Macon Academy
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
1987-1988
Sports and Activities:
One of the great things about RMA is that, being a smaller boarding school, all students get ample opportunity to participate in activities. I participated in numerous intramural activities.
College Enrolled:
Virginia Tech
Home Town, State:
Atlanta, GA, GA

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Randolph-Macon is unique for 2 reasons: 1) The ROTC experience is quite unique. I think that drilling as a unit really builds friendships and camaraderie among students. It certainly helps the students quickly bond and feel apart of the school. 2) Structured learning environment combined with small class size really helps the students succeed.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
RMA instilled in my a sense of discipline and an appreciation for the wider world. There are several international students - for the first time I was really getting to know and interact with people from other parts of the world. Also, for the first time, I was being held accountable for something other then doing homework. We were expected to drill, learn how to march, operate as a unit, keep our rooms spotless, our shoes shined and so forth. The combination of these responsibilities really helped me learn to better manage my time and be more accountable for myself.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I was only at RMA 1 year - my senior year. I was very concerned about 'fitting in' joining as a senior, however, I found that the environment and structure of RMA is such that students quickly get acclimated and make friends.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
I would have to say the ROTC experience. That sounds weird to say because, to be honest, that was the aspect I was most concerned about. I had never marched in my life, never worn a uniform - the whole concept was very foreign to me. I have to say though - it was a great learning experience and a truly unique experience.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
My advice for new students at RMA would be - don't stress about the ROTC aspect or worry about making friends. You will find that the commanders (student and faculty) will help you get settled in and get up to speed quickly.

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Small class size and energetic, motivating teachers. The teachers really took an interest in me. It was obvious that they really enjoyed teaching at RMA and enjoyed interacting with the students.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The variety of activities available. You can participate in organized team sports - basketball, baseball, football, soccer or you can participate in intramural activities. There is also a flight program.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was never much into music or theatre when I attended RMA and so cannot speak to this aspect.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
RMA is very involved in the community. You have the opportunity to march in parades in various communities and opportunities to participate in volunteer activities.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
It was an introduction to what college would be like and it was just plain fun. I really enjoyed living on campus. You really get to know the people in your dorm and build great friendships. Really is a great environment at RMA.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
There dining facilities are well run and organized. You dine by table, so it's very organized and the food was good with options that were designed to accommodate different students dietary requirements.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
The surrounding area is beautiful. RMA is nestled in the mountains - a very beautiful campus. There are several nearby nice hotels for parents to stay at when visiting. The school is located right in the town, so it is easy to get to local shops.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
As I mentioned above, the ROTC component - drilling together, assembling daily, really built a sense of camaraderie that carried over into social activities. We had 'free time' on a daily basis to spend time with friends.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday
7:30 AM
Assemble for morning drill
8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM
Classes
4:30 PM
Drill
5:00 PM
Dinner
6:30 PM
Free Time
8:00 PM
Study Hall
10:00 PM
Free Time
10:30 PM
Lights out
Weekend
8:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM
Chapel
10:00 AM
Free time
8:00 PM
Study Hall
10:00 PM
Free Time
10:30 PM
Lights Out
Read more details about Randolph-Macon Academy on their 2024-25 profile page.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description
Randolph-Macon Academy Alumni #1
Class of 2010
5.00 7/19/2011
Roanoke College
One aspect that I liked most about R-MA was the fact that the classes consisted of no more than twenty students. Having this few students in a classroom meant that as an individual student I. . .
Randolph-Macon Academy Alumni #2
Class of 2003
5.00 3/10/2010
Virginia Tech
Diversity. R-MA offers a wide range of valuable experiences and opportunities (both academic & non-academic) that will certainly propel you to your desired college/university, not to mention have you very well prepared. In. . .
Randolph-Macon Academy Alumni #3
Class of 1988
5.00 4/30/2009
Virginia Tech
Randolph-Macon is unique for 2 reasons: 1) The ROTC experience is quite unique. I think that drilling as a unit really builds friendships and camaraderie among students. It certainly helps the students. . .
Show more reviews (1 review)

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Enrollment: 315 students
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update