Fishburne’s Middle School features a Classical Education for boys

So, you want the best education for your boy. One that prepares him for his future life in high school. One that doesn’t make him feel invisible. One where your boy will be given the foundation and education to thrive at Fishburne Middle School and in his future. Here, we will see what’s great in him.

Fishburne Middle School is now enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year. The curriculum offers a Classical Education for boys in grades 6 through 8, and is a separate division from the Corps of Cadets.

Our son is active and a hands-on learner. He doesn't excel by sitting at a desk all day. It gave us hope to find a middle school in Waynesboro that allows young men to be unapologetically themselves.

— Fishburne Parent
 

Fishburne Middle School

A place where each student can thrive
within a structured environment

We focus on the whole boy— not just his GPA. Our small class sizes give each boy the individualized attention he deserves. He will learn how to solve problems, and become a leader amongst his peers. Our classical curriculum focuses on accountability, positive team-building, and physical fitness. Every boy should have the opportunity to be seen— and at Fishburne Middle School, we see what’s great in him.

 

 

In a classroom with motivational posters, a teacher helps two boys in gray polo shirts focus on their open textbooks and schoolwork.

About Our Mission

Trusted Partners

The Fishburne Middle School’s mission is to develop each student’s academic potential and personal character through a content-rich, classically inspired curriculum. We strive to be a trusted partner in your boy’s educational journey, guiding them towards becoming intelligent, honorable, and accountable individuals.
Tablet devices in protective cases of red, orange, and green are on a white shelf. Durable designs suit busy middle school students. A middle school boy with glasses and a backpack smiles while holding books in a library where others sit and read against book-filled shelves. A curly-haired boy stands in a library wearing a blue shirt and backpack. Colorful books line the shelves, evoking school days of learning. A sunlit view of the Colosseum in Rome offers a stunning glimpse for any history enthusiast. Arches are illuminated by golden light.

An Institution for Earnest, Industrious Young Boys

In 1879, Professor James Abbott 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.” The Fishburne Middle School integrates this same founding vision and principles for developing young men.

A classically inspired preparatory education

Fishburne Middle School provides a classically inspired preparatory education that enables all students to excel academically, thrive in all areas, and prepare them for high school and college life and education.

  • Two students create a simple electrical circuit using apples in a middle school science project. Alligator clips and a multimeter are used.
    CORE SUBJECTS

    Science, Language Arts, History, Math (including advanced placement to Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry)

  • A young boy with short brown hair in a navy patterned shirt smiles at the camera, set against colorful abstract and portrait paintings.
    SPECIALIZED CLASSES

    Homeroom Advisory, House Meetings and Character Education

    Foreign Language (Spanish/ Latin), Art, Music, Health and PE, Technology, Finance

    Art classes will be through Fishburne's partnership with The Wayne Theatre, offering potential future activities such as drama, drama tech, and other activities for interested students.

  • A small wooden robot on yellow wheels sits on a table, with visible wires and sensors. In the background are blurred figures of a workshop.
    CLUBS

    Students propose club choices according to interests, such as chess, robotics, woodworking, drafting, aeronautics, etc.

  • A middle schooler with glasses holds a basketball, ready to pass. They wear a jersey numbered 24 on an indoor court with dim lighting.
    SPORTS

    7th and 8th grade boys are invited to participate in selected sports with FMS (high school): Cross Country and JV Soccer in the Fall, JV Basketball in the Winter, and JV Track and Lacrosse in the Spring. 6th & 7th grade students are eligible to participate in Fishburne's after school intramurals program.

  • A middle school student in a green shirt holds a compass, while a classmate has a map. They seem to be outdoors navigating.
    EDUCATIONAL IMMERSION

    One to two times per month, students have scheduled educational immersion days. These days include field trips, historical reenactments, theatre, museums, hiking, wilderness first aid, orienteering, house competitions, etc.

  • A space shuttle is displayed in a museum hangar. Military academy students and other visitors walk among aerospace artifacts beneath it. An American flag adds patriotic grandeur.
    WEEKEND TRIPS

    Students have nonobligatory opportunities to join the Cadets at the upper school with selected Trips.

 

Middle School Faculty and Staff

Everyone who works at Fishburne Middle School
has a gift for understanding and elevating boys

Mrs. Christianna Herrera is the Middle School Director. She has extensive experience with the classical education model and curriculum development. Herrera’s previous assignments included chief educational officer, principal, and teacher with over 19 years of experience.

  • ACADEMIC CADRE

    Mrs. Christianna Herrera

    English Teacher
    More
  • COMMUNITY SUPPORT STAFF

    Mr. Mike Payne

    Director of Admissions
    More

Tuition / 2025 – 2026

Annual Tuition Fee$12,000
Meal Fee$450
Uniform Fee$100

Admissions Process

To apply to Fishburne Middle School, all students must submit an admission inquiry form on the admissions page of Fishburne’s website. The admission counselor will reach out to provide more information and schedule an introductory call to learn more about your son and answer your questions about Fishburne Middle School. For all questions and inquiries, please reach out directly to the Fishburne Admission office at admissions@fishburne.org

  • Submit your application materials*INQUIRY FORM

  • We’ll schedule an introductory phone call

  • Introductory call to learn more about your son

  • We'll schedule your campus visit and admission interview

*Applications Materials for admission include:

  • Admissions application

  • Current academic grades and the previous two years of final academic grades

  • All academic records pertaining to educational support (IEP/504)

  • Interview with the Fishburne admission office

Financial Assistance

Contact our admissions office to fill out the application for financial aid. Financial aid is
available on a limited basis. All applicants interested in applying for financial aid should reach
out directly to the office of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fishburne Middle School differ from Fishburne Military School?

The Fishburne Middle School is a separate division (non-boarding) and is not be a part of the Corps of Cadets. The middle school features a classical curriculum for boys and will eventually be located at the First Presbyterian Church adjacent to Fishburne. Fishburne’s heritage and strong community connections serve as the motivation for creating a sub-division of the 13th oldest military school in the U.S.

How many boys are in each class?

The middle school can accommodate up to 15 students in each class – two classes for each grade.

Who is the director of the middle school?

Mrs. Christianna Herrera is the Middle School Director.

Does the school offer STEM courses?

Yes, science, technology, engineering, and math will be taught in the core and special classes.

Is there a special study halls for students?

Yes, students are given study hall weekly. Working with students proactively to ensure they have the support they need to thrive in all areas of middle school is a longstanding practice. The study hall is designed to support students with their executive functioning skills by improving their academic performance and study habits. Academic support services are integrated into the study hall, and faculty and peer tutoring is provided to students who need additional help. Whether a student needs a review with a specific concept or requires more intense remediation, academic support is offered to all students. Additionally, academic management coaching is taught, helping students learn how to organize their work product and prioritize their time. It also serves as an accountability checkpoint.

Does the Fishburne Middle School provide services for my child with a learning disability?

As a private school, FMS serves boys it believes suits its mission. This includes boys with mild to moderate learning differences. Boys with severe learning differences are assessed on a case by case basis. FMS provides support from a credentialed specialist and as a private school offers those accommodations which suits its mission and program. This may or may not correspond to what is indicated on an IEP.

What is the tuition, and what does that include/not include?

$12,000 for tuition with modest fees. For more information on how to apply, please visit our Admissions Process page.

Why is this middle school not using a military structure?

There is a distinct difference in development and mentality between middle and high school boys. Fishburne Middle School serves as a stepping stone to high school life with the Corps of Cadets. The students are introduced to aspects of the military through classes and programs, specifically for 8th-grade students. Upon graduation from middle school, the students can apply for admission into the Cadet Corps of Fishburne Military School.

Do middle school students have a uniform?

Yes, an issued Fishburne Middle School polo and student provided khakis pants/shorts. Shoes and socks must be worn. No open-toed shoes will be allowed.

Do middle school students interact with the Fishburne Military School Cadets?

Fishburne Military School Cadets will be involved in selected programs providing opportunities to interact with middle school students. This could be through academic tutoring, athletics, clubs, and more.

Are cell phones be allowed on campus?

Students cannot have cell phones during the school day. They may bring cell phones to campus, where they will be stored until after school. Cell phones are used for safety reasons and to arrange afterschool pick-up plans.

Does the school offer after-school supervision? If yes, is there be a cost?

Yes, a Before and After Care program will be offered. This comes at an additional nominal fee. The afternoon care starts with activities—physical, games, outdoor time weather permitting, etc.—a small snack, then move indoors for homework time before parents pick up.

Does the school offer any weekend activities?

Besides the monthly immersion days, we enrich our program further with the opportunity for weekend activities.

Is there any bus transportation to pick up and drop off students?

Not right now, no. However, this is under discussion as a resource to offer in the future.

Illustration of three vertically arranged butterflies with intricate pink and orange patterns, perfect for a middle school project.
Abstract artwork with swirling patterns and FAILURE IS GREAT FEEDBACK in bold. Features pastel hues like yellow, blue, and pink.
HOWDY is depicted in bold, block letters, centered over a geometric pattern of straight and curved lines, resembling a playful maze.
Text on a light blue background says, Gratitude can fix your attitude in large yellow capital letters—a great reminder for any classroom.
In large black text, MAAM YES repeats on a white background, with a small figure between MA and AM, showing youthful determination.
Decorative text reads, YOUR ONLY LIMIT IS YOUR MIND. The pastel abstract background inspires middle school students daily.
A white cartoon goose with an orange beak makes an OK hand gesture against a black background, like a cheeky school drawing.
Colorful text reads: Slow down, youre doing fine. Below, it says: You cant be everything you wanna be before your time, on a beige background.
A smiling middle school student holds a book in a warmly-colored room with posters. The impressionistic style uses warm tones and fluid brushstrokes.
Smiling middle schooler with short hair in an orange shirt. The portrait has a textured, painterly effect, blending colors creatively.
Some dreams from middle school will come true, but many worries wont.
A textured artwork for a middle school displays This Must Be The Place in bold letters, with an earthy blend of brown, red, and white.