Today’s student has been through a lot – from unprecedented disruptions from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic to the complications of an inflationary economy and the apparent rise of AI. Global progress is like entropy – the world will only continue to get more complicated. Today’s student – and tomorrow’s worker – needs to be able to adapt to a constantly changing world. How do you prepare for that?
That’s where military high schools, like Virginia’s oldest one, Fishburne Military School, come into play. Students at FMS are dropped into a completely unfamiliar environment, and have to navigate that new ecosystem to succeed. It is a great training ground for resiliency, education and integrity.
It is not for everyone, but, for the right student, military schools can provide the support they need.
Here’s how it works.
Students will start out at the lowest rank. They will be assigned a squad, and will have to follow the orders given by the cadet leadership team. Examples include keeping their room clean, working in the mess hall, cleaning up the barracks, and so on, so forth.
Daily routines are not only encouraged, they are required. Everyone will follow the schedule of attending classes, studying and working on homework, exercising, etc.
Discipline is strictly enforced. Students are subject to a conduct code they must follow at all times. Beyond that, one standout feature of military schools is the outsized importance, compared to public schools or even some other private schools, of their honor code. A cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do. It is not uncommon for military schools to reserve the strictest disciplinary action for honor code violations.
Good grades are also strictly enforced. Class sizes are intentionally small and afford students direct guidance from the teachers. Attendance is mandatory. Additional study halls or tutoring sessions may be required depending on the grades. As grades improve, so does the cadet’s freedom – aligning incentives for all involved.
Military schools also offer sports and extracurricular activities. Schools like Fishburne offer typical sports like basketball and baseball and typical activities like key club. Better yet, there are more opportunities to participate in these organizations due to the smaller school size.
Over time, the student will have the ability to advance in rank and, accordingly, responsibility. Instead of taking orders, they can become the one giving them – leading their fellow students to academic and athletic success. This transition can be critical to future success. The institutional infrastructure aids the development of the student, but it will not be around after graduation. Instead, there will be a new framework that the student will need to work through.
Through the school’s dedicated focus on the student and institution of cadet-driven discipline, especially the faithfully enforced honor code, students are given the tools they need to thrive in the future. It will not be easy, and it will not be immediate. However, over time, with the support of the school’s administrators and fellow cadets, students will have the opportunity to become a leader. Once they graduate, they will be confident in their abilities to overcome obstacles. If that sounds good, consider learning more about military schools.