Valley Forge Military Academy to transition to online classes after Thanksgiving amid disorganized closure process.
Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA) is entering a state of temporary closure as a boarding school, shifting to virtual instruction starting from Thanksgiving until the New Year. This transition raises pertinent questions about the institution’s ability to complete the current academic year before its anticipated closure in 2026, as announced in September. The decision follows significant concerns regarding both student retention and faculty stability, which have increasingly been brought to light by parents and stakeholders.
Head of School Aaron Barkley informed parents on October 20 that the decision to suspend in-person classes was made in response to a high volume of student requests to remain home during the holiday season. With approximately 80 cadets currently enrolled, the academy intends to return to in-person instruction in January to finalize the 2025-26 academic year. However, school leaders have faced scrutiny over their communication practices and management, with many expressing doubts regarding the school’s viability going forward.
Communication from Jeff Jubelirer, a spokesperson for the VFMA Foundation, suggests a desire to maintain the academic course for enrolled students. He stated that completing the year is considered paramount for the welfare of both students and faculty. However, the school has not committed definitively to resuming regular operations in the new year.
The recent shift to online learning comes in the wake of a large exodus of Tactical Officer Corps (TAC) members, essential for maintaining discipline and oversight of cadets. Parents have expressed concern that nearly all TAC officers have resigned in recent weeks, leaving faculty members to assume overnight supervisory roles. This staffing crisis raises significant issues regarding the safety and well-being of the cadets, particularly in light of past allegations of hazing and abuse at the school.
Established nearly a century ago, VFMA recently announced its closure amid unsustainable enrollment levels, a situation exacerbated by financial mismanagement accusations. Reports suggest that the school had incurred substantial losses associated with legal settlements linked to these misconduct allegations.
As the academy navigates this tumultuous period, it remains unclear how many families will continue to support the institution, given the ongoing uncertainty. Following the recent announcements, the academy has not disclosed the number of cadets who have withdrawn or requested tuition refunds. The tuition for cadets comes in at nearly ,000 annually, a factor that has added to parents’ frustrations.
Plans have also been discussed concerning the conversion of the academy into a charter school, which has elicited further discontent from stakeholders. As VFMA prepares for its virtual hiatus, concerns for both academic continuity and student safety remain at the forefront of discourse surrounding the institution’s future. The academy’s leadership asserts their commitment to providing a secure environment for all cadets, with reassessments planned should circumstances necessitate further changes.
The upcoming months will be crucial for Valley Forge Military Academy as it strives to redefine its approach amidst significant challenges, with stakeholders closely monitoring its developments.
