Fishburne Military School Opens an All Boys Middle School in Fall 2024

Fishburne Military School (FMS) will add a 6th grade in the fall and begin transitioning to Fishburne Middle School (grades 6 – 8) over the next two years. The Fishburne Middle School will be a separate division (non-boarding) and will not be a part of the Corps of Cadets. The middle school will feature a classical-style education foundation for boys and will be located at the First Presbyterian Church adjacent to Fishburne.


The middle school’s required uniform will entail Fishburne polo shirts and khaki pants. Lunch will be served in FMS Sonneborn Mess Hall.


Mrs. Christianna Herrera will take on the role of Middle School Director. She currently serves as the FMS English teacher. Herrera’s previous assignments included chief educational officer, principal, and teacher with over 19 years of experience. Upon taking on this new role, Herrera said, “I have a strong passion for the philosophy of classical education. I look forward to taking an active leadership role in designing all aspects of our middle school educational program.”

The 2024-2025 tuition for middle school is $12,000 with modest fees. Tuition assistance is available.


Fishburne’s heritage and community connections serve as the motivation for creating a sub-division of the 13th oldest military school in the U.S. In 1879, Professor James Abbot Fishburne, founder of Fishburne Military School said, “It is my purpose to have here an institution which shall rank as first class to everything that constitutes true worth, and from which shall go forth loyal, earnest, industrious young men (boys) well equipped for the duties and responsibilities of life, and, above all else, to maintain a high standard of honor and integrity.”


So, what does this mean to area families with middle school-aged boys? Their boys will receive an education that offers small class sizes, student accountability, individualized attention, positive team building, and a classical academic curriculum that will focus on the development of the whole boy, including physical and leadership development.


COL Randal E. Brown (VA), the president of Fishburne Military School, said, “There is a distinct difference in development and mentality in middle school boys versus high school boys. The middle school will serve as a stepping stone to high school life with the Corps of Cadets.”


For more information about the middle school or how to apply, please contact our admissions department at admissions@fishburne.org.