Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
From admission and tuition to the unique aspects of our military academy, we address the most common questions asked by prospective families.click or tap a question to show the answer
Of all the military boarding schools, Marine Military Academy is the only one based on the traditions, values and ideals of the United States Marine Corps.
Although academics are the backbone of any educational organization, leadership is the drive at MMA. Cadets learn through a structured, traditional military school environment that promotes self-discipline, teamwork, and motivation, while teaching cadets how and when to follow as well as lead.
The cost for a new student can be found on the tuition and fees page. In an effort to maintain our high standards, while continuing to offer the best possible education to our cadets, tuition must be re-evaluated each academic year.
Please call the Business Office at 956.421.9240 to inquire about payment plan options.
MMA suggests contacting Sallie Mae for current fees, rates and other details regarding the K-12 Family Education Loan. Loan programs make tuition payments more affordable by providing up-front funds to the Academy while allowing families to spread the payments over a longer period of time than our tuition payment plans allow.
Marine Military Academy only accepts new students at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Applications are accepted at any time, but once accepted, students must report on registration day at either the beginning of the school year in August or at mid-term in January.
MMA Corps of Cadets is comprised of young men from different cultural, economic, social and academic backgrounds. Some young men come to MMA with aspirations to one day attend a prestigious university or service academy. Others come because they especially enjoy a structured military environment. Still, others attend because of their parents' determination to give them the best possible opportunities for a successful future. However, MMA is not for everyone. It is not an alternative for juvenile detention or students who are involved with juvenile authorities. It is a structured, disciplined and motivating environment where the staff expects the best effort from every cadet. Perhaps, instead of asking why do most young men attend MMA, a better question might be what kind of person leaves?
People do not know what they are capable of doing until they are stretched — mentally, physically and academically. At MMA, we believe each young man's reach should exceed his grasp.
Just as in all other areas of life, there are rules that must be enforced, people to respect, responsibilities to be met and tests to be taken. Each cadet is held accountable for his actions and choices.
Some of our unique courses include Aerospace I and II — a two-year program that allows cadets to earn a private pilot's license, as well as marine science which teaches cadets about sailing, the sea, and navigation by the stars, as well as the scientific and historic principles of the nautical world.
Marine Military Academy is a challenging, traditional military school. Although the setting is structured and rules are enforced, the goal is to prepare young men for college. The environment is geared toward developing the whole man — academically, mentally, spiritually and physically. The goals are attainable and age-appropriate, but we expect the best from our cadets.
To determine if a young man is a candidate for admission, we evaluate transcripts, teacher evaluations, standardized test score results, medical history and, of course, the application. We are looking for a young man who has the potential to be successful at MMA. We do not have a minimum grade point average for admission. Many boys who had poor grades in the past develop better study habits and improve their GPA when placed in a more structured setting.
Please note that MMA does not offer a special education or modified curriculum for students with learning differences.
On average, classes maintain 12:1 student-teacher ratio. However, depending on enrollment and scheduling, class size may vary.
Healthy competition and activities permeate the academic, military and athletic events that fill a cadet’s day. Weekdays begin promptly at 0600 with sounds of reveille — a signal that tells all cadets that they have 10 minutes to get up, make their bed, dress and fall-out for a morning physical training (PT) session. After 30 minutes of PT that consists of calisthenics and a run with their company, they assemble at the mess hall for breakfast and then return to their barracks to shower and get ready for school.
Prior to the first class period that begins at 8:50, cadets clean their rooms or attend to other such duties. They fall-out once again for a morning uniform inspection and colors formation. Four 45-minute academic classes fill the morning and at 12:00, cadets are ready for lunch. During a noontime military formation called Pass In Review, cadets march to the tunes of the MMA band down the Battalion Street and file into the mess hall, one company at a time. After a 60-minute lunch break, they return for two more afternoon classes followed by tutorials. Tutorials are mandatory if a cadet's grade falls below a 70% average in any class on a weekly basis.
At 16:00, cadets participate in their sport or activity until dinner, which is served from 18:00 - 19:00. Then, cadets report back to their barracks for a supervised evening study period called CCQ or Closed Call to Quarters. After CCQ at about 21:15, they have time to relax, shine their shoes and prepare for the next busy day ahead, and at 22:00, taps signals lights out!
A student who has successfully completed our four-week summer camp will not be required to undergo the four-week introductory plebe training.
Nearly 100% of our graduates gain acceptance into a post-secondary institutions — with 80% attending four-year colleges and universities and 20% attending two-year colleges — even if they have plans to serve in one of the branches of the United States military.
Driver’s education classes are offered during the spring semester. Any questions regarding eligibility, availability and/or costs should be directed to the academic department at 956.421.9212.