Randolph-Macon Academy

I used to attend RMA, and now I am in college. As a female my first years were challenging at RMA, the uniform and the amount of boys overwhelmed me; however, I learned how to not only deal with being a woman in a man's world, but I learned how to work with boys. I feel it was an important skill I developed that continues to benefit me in my college career and no doubt when I enter the real world. Though the uniform is intimidating it teaches discipline, character, and allows all the students to see each other as equal, unlike many private and boarding schools, which has a caste system based off money and material things. If you are a parent with a daughter, and you are concerned about sending her here, please do not be! She shall be challenged in ways that not only promote her feminism but gives her confidence as a woman intellectually, which is important today due to the emphasis on sexuality created by Hollywood. Academics is perfect for this century! Teachers are there to help each student without ostracizing students who aren't making A's in class by working on their level. There is so much more I could say, but I recommend you attend an Open House!

My Name is Myron Atkins I Graduated in 1976 and i feel by goning to RMA it has made mea better profesional and a better person I am an ordained minister and a husband this school is the best in the world

My daughter was headed for a Northern VA high school that has over 2300 kids in it. She attended R-MA for summer school after 9th grade and fell in love with it. She got into the Speech and Debate program, and qualified for three national events in her freshman year. This year she's captain of the debate squad and ranked #3 in Virginia. The contrast was brought home to me over Christmas break when we had a party with a lot of her old friends from middle school. The other girls talk about whether or not they can find a college that will take them. Valerie talks about finding a college that will offer what she wants. R-MA has given her opportunities and put her in an environment where she is rewarded for being exceptional. That doesn't happen in a huge public school.
—Submitted by a parent

My eighth-grade son absolutely loves R-MA. He's a day student who chose R-MA because I work here; so he's hung around it since he was five years old and is comfortable here. He has a great relationship with all of his teachers, and they make an effort to really get to know him. He played soccer and runs track and cross-country, and also plays the baritone. His confidence over the last three years has steadily increased. I find that amazing, since my husband and I both had horrible experiences during our middle school years. R-MA Middle School is definitely a safe, nurturing, and challenging place for students. My son is looking forward to going to the Upper School next year!
—Submitted by a parent

RMA has opened up a world of opportunities, both in academics and in leadership roles, that my daughter would never have had in a public school setting. RMA's structure and atmosphere of rewarding academic and leadership excellence through caring staff and outstanding opportunities has been invaluable to my daughter. After considering a number of private schools from PA to NC, none could begin to offer the life altering experience my daughter has had after one year in the tenth grade at RMA. She loves school now and all of the wonderful people from around the world she has met at RMA. I have no doubts that she has a bright future because she is absorbed in her life at RMA!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has provided structure to allow my daughter great academic achievement. The faculty and staff have been wonderful to work with, they take great steps to ensure that the students succeed well beyond expectations. I would recommend this school to all middle and high school aged children.
—Submitted by a parent