Colonel's Cadence Blog
A Day in the Life of a Boarding School Student
Among the benefits of a boarding school education are a well-structured daily schedule that facilitates students’ productivity, character development, and success. But what does that schedule look and feel like to students? Understanding how a military school for girls and boys enables bright futures can help parents grasp the importance of such an education. So, let’s walk in a cadet’s proverbial shoes for a day.
Roanoke, VA, students and their families can experience military boarding school firsthand at Massanutten Military Academy. Founded 125 years ago, our academy empowers students through knowledge, leadership training, character development, and more. We’re also a co-ed boarding school, a feature that enriches our cadets’ educational and maturation experiences. To learn more about our opportunities and inquire about admission, call (540) 459-2167.
A Boarding School Student’s Daily Schedule
The life and routines of boarding school students differ based on their institution and interests, of course. Yet we can outline an average Massanutten cadet’s daily schedule, particularly through the lens of our comprehensive education:
- Wake-Up and Breakfast
All cadets rise and shine at the same time to prepare for their day. Our academy’s military tradition emphasizes personal hygiene, so cadets bathe and dress scrupulously before engaging in regular activities. All cadets then eat a balanced breakfast at the Cook & Kitchin Dining Hall (on the north side of campus near Warehime Dormitory). - Morning Routines and Classes
Following breakfast, cadets attend to any morning duties (drill, meetings, etc.) as necessary before heading to the day’s first class. Our academy boasts a rigorous curriculum that includes Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses (through Shenandoah University). We encourage parents to peruse our course catalog to understand what their children will learn at Massanutten. - Lunch and Afternoon Classes
Come midday, cadets break for lunch at the dining hall (favorite dishes include the legendary MMA bowls, full salad bar, homemade soups, and walking tacos) and then return to their studies. In addition to academic materials, our cadets also practice leadership and character development through JROTC. Led by Senior Army Instructor, LTC (RET) Lester Layman, Massanutten JROTC is an Honor Unit with Distinction. All cadets take JROTC, as it factors into our comprehensive curriculum and reinforces the values our academy prizes. - Practices, Drills, and Meetings
After the day’s classes conclude, extra- and co-curricular activities begin. We encourage all cadets to pursue their interests outside of classrooms, whatever that may entail. Some are drawn to Massanutten’s sports teams, which cycle based on the season. Others try our JROTC co-curriculars: rifle shooting, archery, and Raiders (a competitive sport hinged on leadership and problem-solving skills, physical fitness, and orienteering). Still others prefer our clubs and assorted activities.
No matter what they choose, our cadets have further opportunities for self-improvement—whether that involves physical fitness, female leadership, or otherwise.
- Dinner and Study Hall
Following practice and other extracurriculars, cadets tidy up before dinner. They can unwind and chat over a satisfying meal after a long day, enjoying one another’s company. Afterward, they turn to the homework and assignments given to them by teachers during study hall. This enforced quiet work period ensures all cadets have the time and space to stay on top of their tasks. - Free Time and Bed
Cadets can enjoy some free time after study hall, relaxing after a long day. We enforce a lights-out time but allow space and opportunity for socializing—after all, we want cadets to build strong friendships with the people around them!
Co-Curricular and More Activities
Of course, some days break from the standard routine of classes and practice. We also host a variety of activities that encourage cadets to explore the world around them. These activities include field trips and school dances, which are traditional parts of the school experience. Moreover, competitions for teams allow for traveling and visiting rival schools. Finally, winter and spring include extended break times so cadets can visit their loved ones.
Military School for Girls and Boys Accepting Applications from Roanoke, VA, Students
The possibility of a boarding military school for girls and boys can become a reality for Roanoke, VA, students at Massanutten Military Academy. We have put together a comprehensive curriculum— rigorous academics, leadership training, character development, and more—to give cadets every advantage available. Call (540) 459-2167 to learn more or schedule a tour of our campus today.You know your child can do more but is not getting the attention needed in their current environment to reach their full potential. We know that choosing the right school for your child can be difficult because each child is so unique. We believe students should experience school as it should be, a place where children are educated in an environment that leads them to thrive and encourages their maximum potential.
Massanutten Military Academy is a co-educational, non-profit military boarding and day school in Virginia for students in 8th-12th grades with post graduate studies. We welcome all faiths and live by our motto: Non Nobis Solum (Not For Ourselves Alone).
Massanutten Military Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
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