Everything’s About to Change—Starting with You

There’s a reason life at Fishburne is organized the way it is—so you can get the most out of every day.

Small classes? So you can get the attention and guidance you need. Fewer distractions? So you can focus on the things that matter. Discipline and structure? Because they actually free you up for other things. Brotherhood? Because, of course. Respect for every cadet? Because we reward character and performance, not seniority. No tryout sports? So everyone can play what they love. The truth is, you wake up every day with purpose, and go to bed at night satisfied (and tired). And what could be better than that?

PDF Daily Schedule @ Fishburne
PDF Weekends @ Fishburne
 
 

Roommates

Building Livelong Friendships

At Fishburne, you don’t choose your roommates. But most cadets will tell they wouldn’t switch their
roommate for anything. After all, there’s a good chance you’re meeting a friend you’ll have for life. Roommates are chosen by the Commandant and his staff, who try to find roommates who are good matches based on age, grade, new cadet status and rank. Room changes can be made, but are done at the Commandant’s discretion based on the request of a cadet or his parents, or the recommendation of the staff and administration

Room Furnishings

Cadets Live a Tidy Lifestyle

Your room comes fully furnished by Fishburne, so there’s no need to bring any of your own furniture. You are permitted, however, to bring electronic equipment but it’s limited to items that fit on your desk. Other items allowed (at the Commandant’s discretion) range from a small refrigerator and small poster to video game systems and musical instruments.

Working in clean and orderly environments increases our productivity. So your room is expected to be neat, and ready for daily inspection. Restrictions on electronics and civilian clothing may be made at the discretion of the Commandant.

PDF \ List of Things to Bring

“He longed for cleanliness and tidiness: It was hard to find peace in the middle of disorder.”

— Robin Hobb \ Author of urban fantasy fiction \ Winner World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement

Year-to-Year in the Corps

  • A young military academy student in a gray shirt and blue cap smiles while leaning against a brick wall.

    FRESHMAN

    BRINGING YOUR BEST

  • Boy in a gray military-style uniform and cap stands proudly against a dark background, resembling a military academy student.

    SOPHOMORE

    STEPPING UP

  • A military academy student in camo and cap smiles warmly, leaning against a brick wall.

    JUNIOR

    TAKING CHARGE

  • A military academy student in a crisp uniform and cap smiles warmly, with maroon shoulder decorations and a badge, outdoors.

    SENIOR

    LEADING THE WAY

Cadet Logistics Services

Fishburne supports the Corps of Cadets in many ways beyond excellent academic, athletic and JROTC programs. Within the campus are laundering services, a barber shop, an infirmary, a cadet store, media center, transportation fleet and the Sonneborne mess hall.

  • A classic barber pole with red, blue, and white stripes stands against a white background. Two brown combs and silver scissors flank it.

    BARBER SHOP

    Every two weeks (or so), you’ll be in the barber shop cleaning up your haircut. (Yes, it’s included in your room and board costs). Just so you know, your hair should be neat and closely trimmed; no longer than one inch on the top and tapered on the side. Sideburns will not extend below the middle of the inner of the ear.

  • Neatly folded white towels are stacked on shelves, like a cadets uniform. The orderly arrangement stands out against a blurred background.

    LAUNDRY \ DRY CLEANING

    While you have a lot to take care of every day, we’ll take care of laundering and dry-cleaning your military uniforms and clothing. We’ll even wash authorized civilian clothing. We’ll also do alterations (new pockets, zippers, and major repairs), but that will cost a little extra.

  • A red first aid kit with a white cross sits ready, like a military student prepared for emergencies. A blue stethoscope is draped over it.

    INFIRMARY

    A nurse is on duty seven days a week. We are in the infirmary from 7am–7pm. We always have a nurse on call when the infirmary is closed. Faculty and staff members living on campus are on-call to take cadets needing medical care to the hospital.

  • A stack of books with an open book on top symbolizes a disciplined military students study. A gray globe above them represents global knowledge.

    MEDIA CENTER \ LIBRARY

    The Media Center is open daily during the academic day and during study hall. It’s managed by an adult during operating hours to assist you with any needs. You may also use the Waynesboro Public Library while on an authorized town pass.

  • Retro-styled logo with FMS on a flag, Estd 1879 USA, and Cadet Supply Co. Brown and red for a vintage military academy feel.

    CADET STORE

    Fishburne has some pretty cool swag, which you can score at the Cadet Store. The store also sells everyday items like pencils, notebooks, personal hygiene items, and cleaning supplies. As for your uniform and other required clothing, those are sold and issued by The Quartermaster. 

  • A tray with six sections holds assorted veggies: greens, broccoli, carrots, sprouts, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower. Perfect for a healthy day.

    SONNEBORN MESS HALL

    One of the biggest surprises for every cadet is the quality of the food at Fishburne. Well, you can thank Marquis Services, a small, family-owned company that handles all the food preparation. They’re committed to using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible and to keeping the menu fresh, fun and, yeah, even healthy. 

Clubs & Activities

There is always something to do at Fishburne Military School for boys. Aside from homework and study time, cadets are enrolled in U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and can participate in a number of school sports, teams and extracurricular activities.

  • National Honor Society emblem with a torch, C S L S letters, symbolizing excellence. Gold text and graphics shine on a blue background.
    National Honor Society
  • A gold fleur-de-lis features an eagle with a shield of stars and stripes, plus two stars on each side against a blue background.
    Boy Scouts of America
  • Book cover titled TAPS 1946, with an embossed eagle emblem. The textured background reflects the prestige of a military academy student.
    Yearbook Club
  • Logo of Key Club International: a large K with a key inside, surrounded by Key Club International and Kiwanis on a dark blue circle.
    Key Club International Service
  • A green triangle on a dark background resembles a military academy student, with three yellow steps along its left side.
    Junior Achievement
  • A black background with white line art science icons surrounds an empty circle. Includes graphs, gears, DNA strands, and equations.
    X-STEM
  • A DIY robot with a wooden frame, circular eyes, and yellow wheels sits on a table. Colorful wires show its a work in progress.
    Robotics Club
  • Two people in camouflage stand by a rocket launch pad; one gives a thumbs-up. A third person in a tan shirt crouches nearby.
    Rocket Club
  • A military academy student jogs on a snowy path, surrounded by frost-covered trees under sunlit branches in a tranquil winter scene.
    Winter Running Club
  • Hands holding a camera lens capturing a scenic forest landscape with sunlit trees and distant hills in warm autumn tones.
    Photography Club

Weekend Recreation

For cadets in satisfactory academic standing and no disciplinary actions, weekends offer town passes and weekend leave. Optional weekend activities range from mixers with other private schools and trips with local church youth groups to outings that include but are not limited to:

PDF \ Weekends @ Fishburne
  • A military academy student, in camouflage and mask, expertly maneuvers in paintball. They fire a marker gun, yellow paint splattering.
    Skyline Paintball
  • Close-up of a red and white striped popcorn container filled with popcorn, with POP CORN in red letters. Other snacks are blurred behind.
    Zeus Movie Theater
  • A bowling ball hitting pins with red stripes mirrors a military students focus. The marbled ball rolls precisely, highlighting motion and impact.
    Valley Lanes Bowling
  • A realistic skull mask with empty eye sockets and a broad grin is framed by tattered black fabric, evoking a students daring disguise.
    Fear Forest in Harrisonburg
  • Two people, one in a military academy uniform, wear ski helmets and goggles reflecting snow. A warm sunset lights their winter gear.
    Winter Skiing at Wintergreen
A bold orange and white V on a dark blue background symbolizes a military academy students strength, with crossed orange sabers below.
University of Virginia Football Games
A basketball swishes through the net while a military student celebrates, highlighting the hoops bright orange rim and white threads.
University of Virginia Basketball Games
A James Madison University football player, in a white helmet and number 3 uniform, charges down the field against a blurred backdrop.
James Madison University Football Games
Logo of a fierce cartoon bulldog with a spiked collar, gold crown, sharp teeth, and red tongue on a blue background.
James Madison University Basketball Games
  • A replica of the Eiffel Tower stands under a blue sky with Carnivale on it. The sun shines as trees with green and red flowers surround it.
    Kings Dominion Amusement & Water Park
  • A water park has twisting slides in green, blue, striped, and yellow colors. Its a favorite spot for academy students to relax after training.
    Massanutten Water Park
  • A person in a red velvet outfit with gold buttons, reminiscent of a military students attire, wears a fur hat and looks aside. A long gold chain adorns their neck against an indoor backdrop.
    Blackfriars Playhouse and Shakespeare Center
  • 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.
    National Air & Space Museum
  • Inside the cave, stalactites and stalagmites stand like attentive students, resembling disciplined cadets in shades of brown and beige.
    Shenandoah Caverns