Hargrave Military Academy Review

Attended 20 years ago. Great school but its not for everyone

As parents of a recent graduate of Hargrave, we have no regrets and only thankfulness. Our reason for choosing Hargrave was the structure that our son needed academically. We understood the many distractions that boys face and always wanted our son to stay focused and goal oriented. We can not imagine our lives without Hargrave. The leadership at Hargrave is superior. If we had a regret it would be that we are leaving a great leadership team that is truly committed and concerned about the boys...we believe great things are to come. There are renovations underway throughout barracks and other areas on campus...the boys will definitely enjoy these upgrades. Even though this is a boarding school and most parents are miles away, there are still opportunities for engagement and participation as a parent and ways for them to be involved through the parent council organization. The faculty is available to the boys outside of class as some come in early or stay late to meet with the cadets if extra help is needed. If we ever need leaders, today is the day. Hargrave lays this foundation and prepares them for life long success through it's four pillars: Academics, Athletics, Character Development and Spiritual Growth. Thank you Hargrave for being that guiding light to so many boys that finish great and continue on to do great things.

My pops trying to send me here cuz i keep messin with the law, are we allowed to have cell phones and socials or nah?

My son went over the summer 2018. He is a good child, not troubled or wayward, but would benefit from the structure and discipline. The campus is beautiful. We had the opportunity to meet lots of people, from the President to the music teacher and each was impressive and seemed to genuinely care for the young men in their charge. My son had a wonderful summer and learned a lot. He was able to learn how to order his day to make the most of it, how to both lead and be a good follower, and got a sense of himself as valuable, loved and a person with potential to be stewarded. He proudly wears his Hargrave jacket.

Great school taught me a lot, I find it funny people complaining about the a.c. be grateful you had the a.c. when I was there all we had were box fans.

This school has gone down hill in the last 10 years. The new administration does not care about their alumni and their concerns. As a long time supporter of the academy I would recommend staying away from this institution. They love you while you re there but suppress your thoughts and comments once you leave. I was a graduate of this academy, company commander during my tenure. Won the presidents cup while I was there. After recent interactions with the academy I wouldn t even send my own children to this institution. Take advice from someone who has seen both sides of this institution. Not worth the money. My parents spent thousands of dollars over a 3.5 year period and they couldn t even spell my name right in the year book. What a shame.

I was a cadet for 4 years, grades 9 through 12. Was an unsure-of-myself, troubled teenager upon arriving. Took me a semester to finally realize what Hargrave is all about. The staff and teachers cared about me and wanted me to become a strong man. Not once did any of them give up on me. Today, as a cadet graduate (1973) of HMA, I can strongly say that Hargrave was the best thing that ever happened to me (aside from accepting Christ, which Hargrave helped me understand.) In my chosen profession I use many principles taught at Hargrave to help my clients grow in character and well-being. Are they perfect at Hargrave? No. But who is? They do, however, have a caring attitude for all students and want only the best for them. Hargrave Military Academy remains as my strongest "self-respect" developing experience!

The staff seem to not care about the well being of the cadets. There were animals on the barracks, like rats and cockroaches, and an entire group of cadets ad to move rooms for safety reasons. I was told that it smells like mold down in one of the hallways. The military aspect is there, but it is poorly implemented as many of the leaders do not care about there cadets, and the ones that do go too far and are outcasts.The teaching was OK, but not bad. I could find better at a public school in a good area. The sports program is mediocre. The food is questionable. On a bad day, my friend's son got just a plain piece of fish that was boiled. I do not recommend.

Review Left By John Curtis Shelton & Response :

"This school has gone down hill in the last 10 years. The new administration does not care about their alumni and their concerns. As a long time supporter of the academy I would recommend staying away from this institution. They love you while you re there but suppress your thoughts and comments once you leave. I was a graduate of this academy, company commander during my tenure. Won the presidents cup while I was there. After recent interactions with the academy I wouldn t even send my own children to this institution. Take advice from someone who has seen both sides of this institution. Not worth the money. My parents spent thousands of dollars over a 3.5 year period and they couldn t even spell my name right in the year book. What a shame."

I went to school with 2 Shelton brothers in 2001 & they were day students aka part timers with no respect. Not worth the money? Are you kidding me? I would have dropped out of school and became just another statistic but there was one man that refused to allow me to fail and that's Sgt. Maj. Hofer. You seem jaded and upset holding a grudge for so long. It's a great school. You have no business saying unsubstantiated allegations. I'd put you in front of the Honor Council immediately. The Grave didn't fail you, you failed The Grave.

History of 108 years of turning out great cadets and human beings with lots of courage and leadership ability. All boys should spend 5 years at a military school. So glad we sent him to boost his grades.

This is a really good place to send your children to for Summer.

A great place where boys develop the needed skills to take the world head on, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually!

I was on the PG Football team back in 92. It's the perfect place for Boys to become Men.

Woke up one day to a mouse eating my Girl Scout cookies, not worth the 40 bills

Was there as a PG in 12 had my laptop stolen, got suspended for calling the cops, staff only liked you if you had already signed Division 1. Food was horrible and was always reused. Rats and bugs were everywhere

Very grateful for a school that keeps God as part of the development of students. Hargrave establishes a firm foundation in disciplin and leadership skills for young men.

Attended over 30 years ago, it was a great place to grow boys into men!

It taught me a lot of things and I loved it it was a little long but its fun l recommend you to send your children here and their nice.....

I went to Hargrave about 4 years ago, and they taught me to show respect i liked it.

My son chose to attend Hargrave to better his chances of being accepted into a service academy. He wanted to increase his leadership ability and his grades. He was successful at both. He was accepted to several large universities, received a nomination to USNA and West Point and is currently waiting to hear re: an appointment. I would say attending Hargrave has been a positive experience.
He excelled within the classroom and on the sports field. He made lifelong friends. What a good choice Hargrave was for our son.

Worse sportsmanship and awful coaching staff and students are rude and disgusting.

Totally a great place for turning boys into men of character

Send your kid to a more reputable millitary academy.

HMA has been a great place for our son to grow and mature. He has gotten a great education as well as made wonderful friends. We couldn't be more pleased with Hargrave.

If I could give Hargrave 0 stars I would. First off, the barracks were all in horrible condition, and the air conditioning did not work. In all the restrooms, the stalls did not have doors on them, and the toilets could not flush with more than a couple squares of toilet paper in them. Also, before I went for summer, I was told by Lawrence Robinson that I just needed a conservative haircut, and that my current hair length was fine. However, when I got there, me and everyone else was forced to get a buzz cut. If I were you, I would look for somewhere else to send your kids for military school.

I am a graduate of this fine place and I learned a lot from going there

Good for military, but not Good to prepare for SAT or ACT