Valley Forge Military Academy to Close After Nearly 100 Years
Key Insights
Valley Forge Military Academy will close after the 2025-2026 academic year.
Rising tuition costs and declining enrollment are key factors.
Changes in Pennsylvania law increased the academy's liability exposure and insurance premiums.
Valley Forge Military College, which shares a campus with the academy, will remain open.
Notable alumni include Maryland Governor Wes Moore and former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald.
The final commencement is scheduled for May 30, 2026.
Why this matters: The closure marks the end of an era for a school that has played a significant role in the lives of many young men, including prominent figures in military, political, and sports fields. It highlights the challenges faced by private boarding schools in an era of rising costs and changing demographics.
In-Depth Analysis
Valley Forge Military Academy, founded in 1928, has a long and storied history of educating young men in grades 7 through 12. The academy's board of trustees cited several factors leading to the closure, including rising tuition prices making the school less affordable, a sharp drop in enrollment, and increased liability exposure due to changes in Pennsylvania law. These factors collectively made the academy's future unsustainable.
Despite the closure of the academy, Valley Forge Military College will remain open. The college and academy have separate boards of trustees and leadership.
The closure has been met with disappointment from alumni, students, and community members. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, an alumnus of the academy, expressed gratitude for the role the school played in his development. Similarly, Kareem Rosser, executive vice president of the Philadelphia nonprofit Work to Ride, credited Valley Forge with shaping him into the person he is today.
The final graduating class, the 98th Corps of Cadets, will complete their studies in May 2026. The academy is committed to supporting current cadets and faculty during the transition.
FAQs
Q: Why is Valley Forge Military Academy closing?
The academy is closing due to rising costs, declining enrollment, and increased liability exposure.
Q: Will Valley Forge Military College also close?
No, Valley Forge Military College will remain open.
Q: When will the academy officially close?
The academy will close after the 2025-2026 academic year, with the final commencement on May 30, 2026.
Q: What support will be provided to students and faculty?
The academy will provide support for cadets transferring to other schools and assist faculty and staff with their transitions.
Key Takeaways
Valley Forge Military Academy's closure reflects the financial pressures facing private boarding schools.
The legacy of the academy will live on through its alumni and the impact it had on their lives.
The closure highlights the importance of adapting to changing demographics and financial realities in the education sector.
Discussion
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