Randolph-Macon Academy - Review #1

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

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
2005-2010
Sports and Activities:
While at R-MA I was part of the National Honor Society, Honor Council, Ring Committee, Community Service,Drill team, and JROTC program. I also participated in track, cheerleading, and volleyball. My Junior and Senior year I helped out with the athletic trainer as sort of an assistant. While at R-MA, I was part of Cadre and held rank in first squadron (female squadron).
College Enrolled:
Roanoke College
Home Town, State:
Front Royal, VA

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
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 was able to get the attention and help that I needed in all of my classes. This helped me out immensely, in that the teachers were able to see that I worked hard in class and knew the information well enough that they would curve my grade sometimes if I had a bad test grade. The teachers at R-MA will work hard to help you as a student out if they see that you have learning issues such as test anxiety, ADD, or ADHD. Another aspect that I enjoyed about R-MA was the tutorials that were offered every day. Along with the small classes, the tutorials helped when I had an issue with a subject. Every teacher makes sure that they are available for tutorial so that there students can come in and get extra help if it is needed.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I believe some of the best things that happened to me was the fact that I was helped to become the most successful student that I could be. While at school I was able to keep my GPA at a 3.5 and received various awards for community service, sports, and various other things. I have learned how to cope with certain situations better than I think I would have in a normal school. I have also learned valuable leadership skills that I know will help me on later in life.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I think I would have tried out for certain sports a lot earlier than I did. I would advise future students to try as many activities as they can while they are at school and truly enjoy there time here/
4.) What did you like most about your school?
Overall I liked the small classes and how much the teachers really do care about you as an individual, not just as there student.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
If you are visiting the school ask as many questions as you can come up with so that you and your parents can get a full grasp on the school.

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The aspect that I liked most about the academics at R-MA was the fact that you were always challenged. Like any school, you will have the great teachers who challenge you on a daily bases and prepare you for college, and then you have one occasional teacher who doesn't do as good a job of challenging you. Like I said before I enjoyed and took full advantage of the fact that the classes were small and there was a tutorial every day. The school works hard to make sure you fulfill all your academic needs before you graduate, which is nice because then you as a student do not have to worry as much. Also they encourage the opportunity to receive an advanced diploma.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
At R-MA they highly encourage there students to participate in as many activities as they can. Since the school is so small, usually anybody can get on to a sports team and eventually play. This is a nice aspect, in that if someone had never played a specific sport before they can try and see if they like or are any good at that sport. The schools that we compete against are like us in that they are private and sometimes boarding schools as well. Our athletes are always very competitive and always strive to win as many games as they can in a season. The coaches strive to constantly incorporate leadership and team work, because that is truly the only way that a team can be successful.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
While at R-MA I did not take part in theater or art, but I was friends with students who did and they loved it. I did however take part in chorus for three years and I enjoyed it very much. The chorus performed at many events at the school and outside of the school as well. In fact, my senior year we went to Sea World and sang in front of a crowd there and we also sang at the NRA convention in Charlotte, NC. The band at the school is also very good and they have won many awards for there performances in various parades. The school tries to incorporate as much artistic aspects as it can.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
There were many extra curricular activities that were available when I was a student and now there are even more. I participated in the flight program while I was at school and I loved it. I loved being able to go up to the airport once or twice a week and fly the airplane for at least an hour. I also participated in community service which helped me feel better about myself as an individual. the community service program has a wide variety of things that they help with and they try and acquire as much money as they can in a year to donate to a specific program that needs help.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a day student, but I did stay in the dorm a couple of times and had many friends who were boarding students. Those who live in the dorm usually find out the first day they move in who their roommate is. I believe the school tries to look at similarities in individuals and pair them up as best as they can. Students have to keep their rooms in a certain order because the rooms are inspected at least once a week. They are also allowed food, so if they want a late night snack they can have one. Every hall is managed by a CLS (Cadet Life Supervisor) which in translation is like the student's other parent. Also, the halls are usually separated by flight, so the flight commanders take care of the students on that hall as well.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Meals are offered at specific times every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is a serving line that has the hot meal of the day, and there is also a salad bar, deli bar, cereal bar and an ice cream server. The food is okay, compared to public school it is good.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
The town that R-MA is in is very small town. However, the town is growing and has acquired many stores that students are allowed to go to on the weekends. The thing I like most about the town being so small is that there usually aren't any problems with the school and the town.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Everybody is pretty close nit because it is such a small school . I like that we are all just one big family most of the time.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday
8:00 AM
class
9:00 AM
class
10:00 AM
class
11:00 AM
class
12:00 PM
lunch
1:00 AM
class
2:00 AM
class
3:00 AM
class
4:00 AM
sports
6:00 AM
dinner
Weekend
1:00 AM
Free time
1:00 AM
Free time
1:00 AM
Free time
1:00 AM
Free time
1:00 AM
Free time
1:00 AM
Free time
1:00 AM
Free time
1:00 AM
Free time
1:00 AM
Free time
1:00 AM
Free time
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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