Details
- Listing Type: Private Schools
- Residency: Day, Residential
- Type: Private, Military
- Grades Offered: 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, PG
- Country: United States
- High School Admission Test: SSAT
- Affiliation: The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
- CEEB: 470900
- IPED: 1433135
- Application Fee: $100
- Tuition Boarding: $43,873
- Tuition Day: $22,572
- Enrollment: 323
- Percent Boarding: 80
- Financial Aid: Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms
- Location:Front Royal, Virginia
Reviews (1)
- Outstanding School and Summer Camp!
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My daughter is currently a 9th grader at R-MA; she also attended the Middle School (8th grade) last year. She attended the Middle School summer program in July 2013 and July 2014 because I was looking for a summer program that had an academic component. She enjoyed her time so much during the summer program that, half-way through her second summer, she begged to return to school in September as a full-time student. My initial reaction was, I suppose, like that of many parents - I did not want to send my 14-year-old daughter away to boarding school. But I had to admit that the private Christian school she attended for 7th grade was not working, nor were the public schools in our hometown - classes were too big, teachers did not always take a personal interest in each student, and extra- and co-curricular opportunities were very limited. I also have a very long commute to work, so reviewing her schoolwork when I got home was extremely challenging. Evenings were strained affairs where I nagged, cajoled, pushed and badgered (not exactly my picture of an ideal mom!) and where she balked, struggled and was often in tears.
The time that my child has spent at R-MA has made a significant impact on her level of maturity, academic performance, and self-esteem. I see an improvement in her grades. Instead of my hounding her to take her schoolwork seriously, she is beginning to "own" responsibility for her academic work. She goes on-line to check her grades. She is very proud of her achievements in the classroom. She likes her teachers. She has more confidence in her ability to do well in school. I'm not certain she'll ever make the Honor Roll, but I greatly appreciate the school's willingness and ability to work with kids who are not always at the top of the class.
I am convinced that the structure and discipline at R-MA has greatly benefited my daughter, as has their system of consequences and rewards. There is the right balance of academics, study time, athletic and other co-curricular activities, and free time. The mentors and dorm counselors have been wonderful resources for her. Last year, I asked her if she had seen a certain television show, and she told me that she and her classmates don't watch very much TV. Her days are full with constructive activities and social interactions (as opposed to "screen time"), and I could not provide this for her if she were home.
Our biggest sacrifice has been having my child far from home, but this school is worth it. It's been amazing to see her self-confidence grow as she travels on the plane by herself (the school provides escorts for young travelers). There have been challenges that most young teen-age girls go through - little jealousies and rivalries - but these exist everywhere, and I have been thoroughly impressed with the school's ability and preparedness to handle these situations. There is a financial sacrifice as well, but my 20+ years in Human Resources have driven home the importance of a good education - so I view the financial sacrifice as a necessary, sound investment in my child's future.
There is no question that R-MA has absolutely been worth the sacrifices we have made. We love the school, the teachers and the staff, who are all extremely responsive, concerned about the children in their care, and passionate about education. Marching and drilling gives the kids a strong sense of pride and discipline. And when you see your kid wear that Air Force JROTC uniform, you will be filled with pride yourself!