Grade 10-12; PG Academics

Contact: LTC Walter Sullivan, Academic Dean, at 434/432-2576.

A Tradition of Learning

A Hargrave education features the finest academics in a military boarding academy setting. Academically challenging individualized instruction for every student is a Hargrave tradition stretching back to our founding in 1909. The initial focus is on mastering fundamentals and then moving to higher order skills that develop a student's responsibility in the learning process and promote critical analysis and thinking to meet instructor expectations.  Each student is a partner in the learning process and finds that teachers expect students to actively participate in the learning process while always being available to students to encourage and help in the process.  This partnership between student and instructor develops a Hargrave graduate who is well prepared for success at the college level.

Rigorous instruction in the standard core subjects of English, math and science significantly enhance a student’s SAT scores while preparing them for a multitude of challenges in different collegiate disciplines.

Academic Program

Students in grades 10-12 experience an educational program that is designed to prepare them to attend the right college for them based on their academic ability, interest, and needs. Students take six subjects on a schedule similar to that found on a college campus, attending classes in three subjects per day, alternating those subjects with the following day. The Academic day also allows students time to meet with their teachers should they have questions or difficulties in a particular subject area. The night prior to class, all students are required to attend study hall, which is proctored by the Hargrave faculty and staff.

Hargrave Post-Graduate (PG) Cadets focus on critical English and math SAT/ACT skills in their first post-high school year. Classes are carefully selected to develop core skills and to challenge students in preparation for their freshman year in college.  Students may work within NCAA guidelines to improve their Core Course GPA in addition to working to improve their SAT/ACT scores.  Success in their post graduate courses also strengthens their high school transcript as they apply to colleges of their choice. 

Students are assigned to academic classes based on their individual academic goals, their past performance and the results of achievement tests administered upon arrival. The average class size is 11:1.

Students develop technology skills through practical application of a multitude of applications throughout the academic program.  Just as they will experience the educational benefits of modern day technology on the college campus, our students fully integrate netbooks, on-line research, and other skills through our Enhanced Learning Through Technology Program.  Our students find themselves technically ready for the college campuses of today.

Diplomas

Hargrave offers two types of diplomas, a Hargrave Diploma and a Hargrave Advanced Studies Diploma.

To earn a Hargrave Diploma, a student must complete 22 credits: English, 4; mathematics, 3; science, 3; social studies, 3; health, 1; fine arts/practical arts, 1; Bible, 1; military 1; and electives, 4.5.

To earn a Hargrave Advanced Studies Diploma, a student must complete 24 credits: English, 4; mathematics, 4; science, 4; social studies, 4; foreign language, 3; health, 1; fine arts/practical arts 1; Bible, 1; military, 1; and electives, .1.

Bible Study

The required course in Bible, provides a general survey of the Old and New Testaments. Electives include a variety of classes designed to meet student's interests and provide exploratory learning experiences.  The Leadership Course and Military Course is a fully integrated student-life residential and leadership program giving students hands-on, practical experiences in team work and small group skills.

Reading Comprehension

Hargrave is known for its strong reading development program. The program is offered to any student who needs to become more proficient in reading, regardless of present reading level. A student’s reading skills are tested upon entering Hargrave, and those who want to participate in the reading program are grouped according to their scores.

Educational Philosophy

Hargrave Military Academy’s faculty and administration approach each student holistically. Students who are physically, morally, and mentally fit are in a better position to make sound decisions, establish personal goals, and become productive citizens. The Academy’s daily schedule is designed to develop each student’s mental, physical, spiritual, and moral qualities.

Hargrave’s educational philosophy is anchored in a traditional college preparatory curriculum aimed at enabling critical thinking and inspiring a desire to learn within a diverse student body.