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

  • FRESHMAN

    BRINGING YOUR BEST

  • SOPHOMORE

    STEPPING UP

  • JUNIOR

    TAKING CHARGE

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • Yearbook Club
  • Key Club International Service
  • Junior Achievement
  • X-STEM
  • Robotics Club
  • Rocket Club
  • Winter Running Club
  • 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
  • Skyline Paintball
  • Zeus Movie Theater
  • Valley Lanes Bowling
  • Fear Forest in Harrisonburg
  • Winter Skiing at Wintergreen
University of Virginia Football Games
University of Virginia Basketball Games
James Madison University Football Games
James Madison University Basketball Games
  • Kings Dominion Amusement & Water Park
  • Massanutten Water Park
  • Blackfriars Playhouse and Shakespeare Center
  • National Air & Space Museum
  • Shenandoah Caverns