Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia, is a Christian, college preparatory, military-style boarding school for young men in Grades 7 through 12 and postgraduates.
Fork Union's signature academic program - the One Subject Plan - is unlike anything offered at any other school in the country. Rather than fragmenting the school day across six or seven subjects, each cadet focuses on a single course for nearly seven weeks at a time. The result is deeper mastery, less wasted time, and an unprecedented level of individual attention. Because a FUMA teacher works with the same small class of 10 to 15 students all day, every day for an entire term, he truly knows each young man - how he learns, where he struggles, and how to help him succeed. For comparison, a teacher in a typical high school may be responsible for tracking the progress of more than 100 students at once.
Fork Union was founded in 1898 and has a rich tradition promoting character, leadership, and scholarship.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-12, PG
- Enrollment: 300 students
- Yearly Tuition (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students): $36,600
- Acceptance rate: 55%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Fork Union Military Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 275 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Offering Breadth
School Overview
Year Founded
1898
1907
Campus Size
1305 acres
130 acres
School Motto
Body. Mind. Spirit.
Student Body
Enrollment
300 students
315 students
% Students of Color
48%
27%
% International Students
10%
21%
% Students 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
97%
66%
Average SAT Score
1110
(Out of 1600)
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Less than once a month
Weekly
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
27
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
68%
73%
Summer Program Details
Accreditations
Accreditated by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS)
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
27
18
Courses
AP Calculus ABAP Calculus BC
AP Environmental ScienceAP Microeconomics
AP US Government & PoliticsDual Enrollment English 111 – College Composition
Dual Enrollment Political Science 135 – US Gov’tDual Enrollment Political Science 136 – Local & State
Dual Enrollment Religion 216Dual Enrollment US History – US History I
Honors Algebra IIHonors Biology
Honors ChemistryHonors Computer Science
Honors English I – World Literature IHonors English II – World Literature II
Honors English III – American LiteratureHonors Geometry
Honors German IIHonors German III
Honors Leadership and EthicsHonors Physics
Honors Pre-Calc/TrigHonors Spanish II
Honors Spanish IIIHonors Western Civilization I
Honors Western Civilization II
Tuition & Financial Aid
Endowment Size
$18 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
$36,600
$69,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$38,700
Tuition international students
$44,850
$58,300
Summer Program Cost
$4,500
% Students on Financial Aid
74%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$15,057
$25,000
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
55%
64%
Director of Admissions
Mrs. Jackie Montero-Sharpe
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
17
Colors
Blue, Red
School Mascot
Blue Devils
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
23
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Boy Scouts of AmericaBreakfast Club - Christian Study Group
Chess ClubComputer Gaming Club
Global Citizens ClubHonor Council
Quadrille ClubRetan Rifles
School NewspaperSchool Yearbook
SCUBA ClubWoodworking Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Orienteering
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- Fork Union Military Academy has been called "the West Point of high schools," and is a Christian, college preparatory boarding school for young men, built on the structure and discipline of the military academy model to provide accountability, reward good performance, and serve as a leadership laboratory in which young men can develop their team building and leadership skills. Founded in 1898 by one of Virginia's prominent Baptist ministers, Dr. William E. Hatcher, the Academy enrolls 300 to 350 capable young men in grades 7 through 12 and postgraduate each year. Its mission is straightforward: give each young man the structure, accountability, and preparation to achieve his very best - in college and in life.
- A Structure Built for Young Men
- The military academy framework at Fork Union is not an end in itself - it is a leadership laboratory. Cadets learn to lead and to follow, to be accountable for their performance, and to earn recognition through effort and character. For many young men, this structured environment unlocks potential that traditional schools simply cannot reach.
- The One Subject Plan: A Smarter Way to Learn
- Fork Union's signature academic program - the One Subject Plan - is unlike anything offered at any other school in the country. Rather than fragmenting the school day across six or seven subjects, each cadet focuses on a single course for nearly seven weeks at a time. The result is deeper mastery, less wasted time, and an unprecedented level of individual attention. Because a FUMA teacher works with the same small class of 10 to 15 students all day, every day for an entire term, he truly knows each young man - how he learns, where he struggles, and how to help him succeed. For comparison, a teacher in a typical high school may be responsible for tracking the progress of more than 100 students at once.
- Every Graduate Leaves Prepared
- One hundred percent of FUMA graduates leave with a specific, verified college destination - spanning national service academies, Ivy League universities, HBCUs, major colleges and universities, and community colleges. The goal is not a statistic. It is genuine preparation matched to each young man's abilities and aspirations.Grounded in Faith, Open to AllFork Union's staff and faculty are Christian in their conviction, and the school's culture reflects values of respect, integrity, faith, character, and discipline. Chapel is part of campus life. But FUMA does not require or recruit for any particular faith - its diverse student body, including 10 to 15 percent international students, represents young men of many backgrounds and traditions, united by a common commitment to becoming something greater than they were.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Sonny Randle, '54 - Sportscaster, former NFL wide receiver
- Plaxico Burress, '96 - NFL football player, wide receiver for New York Giants
- Gen. John T. Chain, Jr., '52 - Former Commander In Chief of the Strategic Air Command
- Robert S. Bloxom, '55 - Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture
- Charles Edwin Estes, '43 - CEO of Great Coastal, a nationwide trucking company
- John Bassett Vaughan, '48 - Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company
- Edward Telling, '38 - Former Chairman & CEO of Sears
- Kevin Plank, '91 - President & Founder of Under Armour
- Billy Campbell, '76 - Actor
- Lloyd Dobyns, '53 - Fomer NBC News Reporter/Correspondent
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Fork Union Military Academy cost?
Fork Union Military Academy's tuition is approximately $36,600 for boarding students.
What is the acceptance rate of Fork Union Military Academy?
The acceptance rate of Fork Union Military Academy is 55%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Fork Union Military Academy?
Fork Union Military Academy famous alumni include: Sonny Randle, '54, Plaxico Burress, '96, Gen. John T. Chain, Jr., '52, Robert S. Bloxom, '55, Charles Edwin Estes, '43, John Bassett Vaughan, '48, Edward Telling, '38, Kevin Plank, '91, Billy Campbell, '76 and Lloyd Dobyns, '53.
What sports does Fork Union Military Academy offer?
Fork Union Military Academy offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Diving, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Marksmanship, Orienteering, Riflery, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Winter Track and Wrestling.
Does Fork Union Military Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Fork Union Military Academy offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What is Fork Union Military Academy's ranking?
Fork Union Military Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of students on financial aid and High # of AP/advanced courses offered.
When is the application deadline for Fork Union Military Academy?
The application deadline for Fork Union Military Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
One of the most famous aspects to our school is it's one subject plan. The one subject plan is an idea where every student attends a single class every week day for 7 weeks, throughout. . .
Fork Union will change your son’s life. I’m not exaggerating. I’m not using hyperbole. I have no vested interest in convincing you of this fact. FUMA is a special place, and it will take the. . .
Fork Union's One Subject plan was instrumental in regaining my place among my peers when it came to class standing. The ability to completely focus on one subject for a 8 week semester was absolutely. . .
Show more reviews (4 reviews)
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The nearest boarding school to Fork Union Military Academy is St. Anne's-Belfield School (23.7 miles away)
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