Academics and Student Life
The College is headed in the interim by Kathleen Anderson, B.A.,M.A.,Ed.D., who also serves as the Executive Vice President for the College. The current Headmaster of the Academy is Colonel John Ford, VFMA&C. The Commandant of Cadets is WO2 Rik Thornton, Royal Marines (Retired).
Similar to most other American boarding schools, academics at the Academy & College are demanding and highly competitive, and there is a mandatory two hour "study hall" period from 7:30pm to 9:30pm each night in the students' barracks buildings.
The school day generally begins with "First Call" followed by "Reveille," at which time all cadets arise and prepare for formation. Calls are played by buglers. "First Mess" or breakfast is followed by cleaning details and room preparation. "School Call" is followed by academic classes until lunch, or "Second Mess." After Second Mess, cadets attend academic classes until mid afternoon. After classes, cadets participate in athletics and extracurricular activities. Cadets may also receive extra instruction during this time. At one time, there were daily formal "Guard Mount" and "Retreat" formations. Owing to the increased tempo of cadet life, and requirements of athletics and co-curricular activities needed to have cadets competitively vie for college admission, highly formal Retreat formations are no longer routinely held. After "Third Mess" or the evening meal, cadets return to their barracks for study hall. Study Hall, supervised by faculty officers in rotation, is mandatory for most cadets from Sunday through Thursday. After "Recall" from Study Hall comes the Break, at which time cadets use the telephone, shine shoes, and prepare for the next day. The Break is ended by "Call to Quarters" "Tattoo" and "Taps." At Taps, all cadets, except those granted "Late Lights" to study and cadets of the College, are required to be in bed.
On selected weekends, Cadets are permitted leave at home. Cadets who achieve, academically and in personal efficiency and leadership, are permitted additional leaves and local leaves into Wayne and to the King of Prussia Mall.
New Cadets at Valley Forge Military Academy & College endure a six week adjustment period, known as "plebe training," upon entering the institution. During this period, students are trained in the customs and traditions of the school, a modified version British military drill, and ceremonies, and are given an opportunity to acclimate to the overall campus environment. The conclusion of this period occurs when the students complete the traditional requirement of earning their "Capshield," the brass crest that adorns the uniform cap. Plebe system is noted for its rigor and intensity.
Valley Forge Military Academy & College offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities to students, including: equestrian, track, riflery, rifle drill, concert band and orchestra, herald fanfare trumpets, choir, football, basketball, rugby union, golf, and ski.
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