Historic military academy announces imminent closure due to low enrollment

A historic Pennsylvania military academy is closing its doors for good due to increased costs and falling enrollment, the academy announced Tuesday.

Valley Forge Military Academy, carrying the legacy of George Washington’s famous stand, announced it will shutter its operations after the 2025-2026 academic year concludes in May. The decision comes after the Board of Trustees determined the school is “no longer viable” long-term. The boarding academy is host to nearly 160 students grades 7-12, with the 98th Corps of Cadets set to be the last class to graduate.

“For nearly 100 years, we have maintained a strong tradition of developing resilient young men of character,” board chairman Gray Beck said in the announcement. “Despite today’s announcement, the legacy of Valley Forge Military Academy will live on in the thousands of graduates, faculty and staff members, and supporters”

The school said rising costs have made boarding school a less viable option for more families than ever, which in turn has resulted in depressed enrollment. The academy’s tuition was set at approximately $49,000 a year, according to Boarding School Review.

The board said they would help cadets transfer to other schools in lieu of the shutdown, according to the announcement. The accompanying Valley Forge Military College will remain open despite its child academy’s closure.

Notable graduates of Valley Forge Military Academy include Operation Desert Storm commander Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and retired National Football League wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

“We are indebted to the faculty, staff, cadets, and alumni who make Valley Forge Military Academy an incredibly special place,” Beck said in the announcement. “The best thing we can do now is to continue and provide as normal an experience as possible this year for the young men we’ve been entrusted to help develop into the leaders of tomorrow.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made efforts to increase public engagement with the military at-large, with the Army and Air Force both hitting their recruitment goals early. Some critics blamed the previous Biden administration for depressing interest in the military, citing their focus on left-wing initiatives as a key contributor to the decrease.

The Pentagon declined to comment.

  All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].

Latest posts by Wallace White (see all)

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.