Fork Union Military Academy


Fork Union Military Academy is a private, all-male, college preparatory military boarding school located in Fork Union, Virginia. Founded in 1898, Fork Union is considered one of the premier military boarding academies in the United States.
Fork Union is a member of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States and the National Association of Independent Schools, and is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. FUMA's curriculum extends from the 7th to 12th grade and also hosts a one-year postgraduate program.

History

Located on a campus in the rolling hills of central Virginia's Piedmont region, Fork Union Military Academy was initially founded as Fork Union Academy in October 1898 by Dr. William E. Hatcher, a prominent local Baptist minister. The first class had nineteen students.
In 1902, the academy took on a military structure to provide organization, discipline, and physical development for the boys of what was a rapidly growing school. In 1913, the academy became an all-male institution and changed its name to Fork Union Military Academy. That same year, the academy began receiving support from the Baptist General Association of Virginia, which continues to this day.
Military organization is used to structure the daily routine. While the academy currently has no direct relationship with any branch of the military, the school's system has been in place for more than 100 years.
Some of its buildings are named after benefactors that have helped with upkeep, for example, the Guy E. Beatty Library, the Estes Dining Center, Hatcher Hall, the Wicker Science Center, and Jacobson Hall.
FUMA's crest shows a pair of crossed swords, a book and a star, each representing an aspect of the school motto: body, mind, and spirit.

Academics

The school offers a variety of sports, clubs and organizations for cadet participation during free time in the week and on weekends. Athletics and clubs are a popular diversion from the rigors of cadet life at Fork Union.
Both Standard and Advanced High School Diplomas are offered. Graduating classes have routinely been awarded millions of dollars in scholarships.
One Subject Plan
Fork Union follows a unique curriculum schedule in the upper school known as the One Subject Plan. Cadets at Fork Union take one subject at a time, as opposed to a conventional schedule with six to eight classes per day or a block schedule. They remain with the teacher of that course all day, every day during that period.

Military structure

Fork Union Military Academy provides a structured military environment for its cadets. Military aspects of Fork Union's system include the wearing of uniforms, a military-style organization of personnel, accountability for personal appearance and the state of one's room, ranks, and a chain of command. The rank structure adopted by the Corps of cadets mirrors the US Army's enlisted ranks, with the exclusion of the ranks of PV2 and Specialist. Its officer ranks mirror those of the Army JROTC's rank structure, with the rank of Cadet Colonel rarely being used.
The Upper School consists of cadets from 9th grade through Postgraduate year. The Upper School cadets reside in Jacobson Hall which is home to Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo Companies. There is also a drill team company, Retan Rifle, that performs in parades across Virginia. Members of the Upper School marching band march in parades on campus and around the state along with Retan Rifles and Fork Union's Bagpipe Corps. Cadet Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers live as a part of each company. Each company is subdivided into three platoons, each with its own NCOs and Officers. Platoons are subdivided into Squads led by Cadet Sergeants. Squad and Platoon leaders are accountable to the higher company leadership and to adult members of the Commandant's Department, or Tactical Officers, who are assigned to each company to supervise the cadet.

Campus

FUMA's campus is located on a campus in the hills of the Virginia's Piedmont region.
FUMA's athletic program is most famous for its football team, which has produced 117 NFL players, and for its track & field team, ranked as one of the best in Virginia.
There are only two postgraduate athletic programs at Fork Union. The PG football team is led by head coach John Shuman. The PG basketball program was coached by Fletcher Arritt, the subject of a documentary titled "The Passing Game."
The Prep teams fielding players from grades 9–12 include Football, Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Wrestling, Soccer, Cross Country, Track and Field, Orienteering, Shooting Sports, and Swimming and Diving.
The Fork Union Outdoor Track team won its 20th straight VISAA state championship in 2008.
Many athletes have gone on from the academy to compete in collegiate athletic programs, and pursue careers on professional teams. FUMA alumni have included numerous famous athletes, who have played in the NFL, MLB, and in numerous other leagues and sports.

Student organizations

There are many different clubs and organizations that cadets can participate in while attending Fork Union. Though new clubs are often started annually by new cadets to meet demand, the more permanent list of clubs includes: National Honor Society, Honor Council, International Club, IDEA Club, Scuba, Math club, Speech and Debate, Robotics, Drama Club, Catholic Cadet Association, Chess Club, Band, Pep Band, Bagpipe Corps, Choir, and Woodworking.

Notable alumni

Politics

At least 117 players from Fork Union Military Academy have been drafted or signed by NFL teams.
At least 12 players from Fork Union Military Academy have been selected in the First Round of the NFL Draft since 1954, 7 players have been selected to one or more Pro Bowl appearances, and at least 12 players have been on teams that competed in Super Bowl games.
The list includes: