Hargrave Military Academy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hargrave Military Academy HMA
Address
200 Military Drive Chatham , Virginia 24531 United States
Information
Type	Military, private, boarding, college preparatory
Motto	Mens sana in corpore sano (A sound mind in a sound body.)
Established	1909
Founder	T. Ryland Sanford & J. Hunt Hargrave
President	Col. Michael Allen Brown, USMC
Dean	Dr. Jimmy Tung, Ph.D.
Chaplain	Adam Felty
Grades	7-Post Graduate
Gender	All-Male
Enrollment	120
Campus	Rural
Color(s)	Black and Orange
Athletics conference	Virginia Independent Conference
Mascot	Tigers
Rivals	Fork Union Military Academy Fishburne Military School
Accreditation	Virginia Association of Independent Schools and AdvancED
Yearbook	Cadence
Affiliation	Baptist General Association of Virginia
Camden Hall

Hargrave Military Academy (HMA) is a special school for boys in Chatham, Virginia. It is a private, all-male military boarding school. This means students live at the school. Hargrave is connected to the Baptist General Association of Virginia. It teaches Christian values and helps students get ready for college or a military career. Boys from all over the world attend, from grade 7 through a special post-graduate year. In 2016, Hargrave was named a National School of Character. The school's campus is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History of Hargrave Military Academy

Hargrave Military Academy started in 1909. It was founded by T. Ryland Sanford and J. Hunt Hargrave. Back then, it was called the Chatham Training School (CTS). In 1925, the school changed its name to Hargrave Military Academy. This was to honor J. Hunt Hargrave, one of its founders. The name change happened as the school became more focused on military training in the early 1920s.

Hargrave has often been asked to join the JROTC program. However, the school's leaders decided not to. They worried that JROTC would focus too much on military studies. They wanted to make sure academics remained the most important part. So, Hargrave uses its own uniforms, cadet ranks, and chain of command.

In 1950, a big fire destroyed two main buildings, Hargrave Hall and Founders Hall. Luckily, no students or teachers were hurt. Only Sanford Hall remained untouched. After the fire, students had a two-week break. This gave the staff time to plan how to continue classes.

In 1971, Hargrave welcomed its first African American cadets. This happened after the school decided not to consider race or origin in its admission policy. Andrew Ballen became the first black battalion commander in 1991.

In the 1970s, Hargrave had many students, with about 586 cadets. For a short time, female cadets were also admitted. Geri Lou Huizinga and Lynn Emerson were the first women to graduate in 1976. However, in the early 2000s, Hargrave became an all-male school again. The last female cadets graduated in 2009.

In 1981, the General Douglas MacArthur award was given for the first time. The first student to receive it was Henry A. Haymes. Also in 1981, the school said no to filming the movie Taps on campus. They disagreed with the movie's story.

A four-week summer program began in 2009. In September of that year, Hargrave celebrated its 100th birthday!

Education and Learning at Hargrave

One of Hargrave Military Academy's main goals is excellent academics. Students can earn either a Standard or Advanced High School Diploma. They can also take "dual-enrollment" classes. These classes count for both high school and college credit. They are offered through Danville Community College, Liberty University, and Richard Bland College.

Besides grades 7-12, Hargrave also has a one-year postgraduate program. Older students can take honors and AP (Advanced Placement) classes. Students can earn a spot on the Dean's List or President's List for good grades. Post-graduate students can make the President's Commendation list.

Hargrave uses a program called "Enhanced Learning Through Technology." This means every room on campus has internet access. Students can work on schoolwork, study, and talk to their teachers anytime.

In 2003 and 2011, Hargrave updated its learning spaces. They added new labs, an art studio, and a "leadership center." There's also a video production classroom where students make weekly announcement videos. The campus also has a newly fixed-up auditorium.

Students need a personal computer for their studies. Hargrave provides access to Google Drive. The school also offers an SAT prep program. They use computer programs for math, English, and psychology.

Hargrave's library has over 14,000 books and reference materials. Through the school's computer network, students can use many online research tools. They can also access learning programs for different subjects. Hargrave also uses Blackboard, which is an online teaching program.

Colin Powell Center for Leadership & Ethics

Hargrave Military Academy has a special place called the General Colin Powell Center for Leadership & Ethics. This center helps students learn how to be good leaders. Students learn about leadership in class. They also practice leading in their daily school life.

Students can take a formal Leadership and Ethics Class. This class teaches about leadership traits, principles, styles, and good behavior. In their second year, students can become small group leaders. This lets them practice what they learned. After Leadership 1, they can take Leadership 2. This class goes deeper into the leadership ideas of General Colin Powell.

Students who finish the Colin Powell Leadership Program can apply for a special medal. This is a great honor. If they earn the medal, they also get a Certificate in Leadership Studies when they graduate.

Military Structure at Hargrave

Hargrave's military program helps students learn important skills. These include self-discipline, good character, and teamwork. Students wear uniforms every day. The school has a military-style organization. This includes ranks and a chain of command. Hargrave gives students its own dress uniforms and PT (physical training) gear. They also use US Army style uniforms.

Corps of Cadets

The students at Hargrave are called the Corps of Cadets. They are divided into four groups: Alpha, Bravo, Delta, and Band. These groups are called companies.

Every six weeks, one company is chosen as the "Honor Company." This is the company with the best grades and military performance. The Honor Company gets to eat first at meals. They also get to display a special flag on their guidon.

The rank system at Hargrave is like the United States Army. It includes a rank called Basic Cadet for new students.

Grade	C-9	C-8		C-7	C-6	C-5	C-4	C-3	C-2	C-1
Insignia										No Insignia
Title	Sergeant Major	First Sergeant	Master Sergeant	Sergeant First Class	Staff Sergeant	Sergeant	Corporal	Private First Class	Private	Basic Cadet
Abbreviation	SGM	1SG	MSG	SFC	SSG	SGT	CPL	PFC	PVT	BC

Before the school year starts, some students can attend Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) School. This allows them to earn NCO ranks. One student becomes the Command Sergeant Major, the highest-ranking NCO.

Before their senior year, students can go to Officer Candidate School (OCS). This helps them become officers. Students who finish OCS get a special ribbon. Cadet officers hold many leadership roles. The highest position is Battalion Commander. Cadet officers run the corps, with teachers supervising them. The Battalion Commander leads all the cadets. The Battalion XO helps manage the staff. The staff handles all operations for the cadets.

Grade	CO-6	CO-5	CO-4	CO-3	CO-2	CO-1
Insignia
Title	Colonel	Lieutenant Colonel	Major	Captain	First Lieutenant	Second Lieutenant
Abbreviation	COL	LTC	MAJ	CPT	1LT	2LT

Discipline at Hargrave

The Bullring

Hargrave has a famous place called the Bullring. It's a square painted on the ground in the middle of campus. Students who break rules might have to walk "tours" in the Bullring. One hour of walking in uniform is one tour. Sometimes, students might also do PT (physical training) in the Bullring for small mistakes.

Hargrave's Honor System

Hargrave has an honor code. This code tells students not to lie, cheat, or steal. If a student is accused of breaking the honor code, they go to the Honor Council. This council is made up of other students chosen by the school. If found guilty, students may face consequences depending on how serious the incident was.

Sports at Hargrave Military Academy

The Onishi-Davenport Aquatic Center

Hargrave offers many sports teams. These include Football, Basketball, Baseball, Wrestling, Soccer, Golf, Lacrosse, Cross Country, Track and Field, Rifle, and Swimming.

Post Graduate Basketball

Hargrave is very well known for its post-graduate basketball team. This team has won three National Prep Championships. Their most recent win was in 2016. From 1999–2001 and 2003–2011, the team was coached by Kevin Keatts. During his time, the team won over 260 games and two championships. The current coach is Lee Martin. The PG basketball program was even shown on a TV show called Inside Man on CNN.

Clubs and Activities

Students at Hargrave can join many different clubs and groups. Some of these include: