Fishburne Military School

"My father Max Magrill graduated on May28 1920 he played football and basketball. He brought me there when I was in college. I was so happy to see the school that he went to."

"I entered Fishburne at 13 in 1957 and was graduated in 1961. It was a fantastic experience. The school has changed over the years, but in general, it is the same superior institution that Professor Fishburne desired and created. My life would be much diminished had I not had the Fishburne experience. Because of FMS, I was able to teach in the Hampton public schools and retire as a decorated field artillery lieutenant colonel as well as publish two novels and several short stories and poems. Do not hesitate to send a son or nephew to this grand place."

"Fishburne Military School literally changed my life. I was struggling with academics throughout public high school, and Fishburne helped me develop study skills, discipline and organization that made me successful not only during college, but in my career. "Leadership for Life" is not just a slogan at FMS, but a core value they instill in young men. I would encourage any parent with a son who is struggling with academics and organization to call the Admissions office and set up a tour. You will not be disappointed."

"After two years of public school, I had a D average and was on the verge of dropping out of high school. My parents sent me to FMS and I was on the Honor Roll list the first semester. The faculty and staff at FMS believed in me. They believed in my potential. I honestly don't know where I would be right now if my parents hadn't made that difficult decision to send me to a place where I could learn. Fishburne is by far the greatest educational institution in the state of Virginia."

"I attended Fishburne Military School in the late sixties, graduating in 1970. For me it was, without a doubt, the most important, most influential years of my life. While attending FMS I found myself, I learned what responsibility meant in this world. The education I got at Fishburne was far superior to the education I would have received back home at my public school. I met young men from all over the world (England, China, Thailand, Japan, South America, Canada, etc.) and many of them are still very close friends. It saddens me to read some of the reviews that I have seen here. I find it very hard to believe what I have read in a few of the reviews. I knew several cadets who for one reason or another did not like the school. Yes, there are always those who cannot be pleased. But as I look back on those people most are not doing as well as I am, or as well as the majority of the cadet graduates. Remember, attitude is everything. You have to take each person at their worth. I, and both of my brothers who attended, are very happy we were FMS cadets. The school staff and educators were absolutely the best. They were dedicated the well being of every cadet. The classes were small (about 9 – 11 students). The instructors often spent many after hours in the class rooms where students could stop in for some extra tutoring. The military side of the institution was first rate. It teaches cadets honor, responsibility, discipline and respect for one another. The military department was generally staffed by active duty or reserve military personnel. You learn from the real McCoy. My Fishburne experience molded my life. I went on to college and served 37 years in law enforcement. Because of Fishburne I was able to conduct myself as a police officer with distinction. I was a successful investigator and well accepted by the law enforcement community. Fishburne Military School has survived in a very competitive market. When I attended in the sixties there were many other good military schools throughout the south. Many have closed due to a changing education climate. But Fishburne has survived because of the overwhelming support of its alumni and the fact that it is THE BEST of its kind. When a parent finds that their son needs something more than just a school; when he needs good friends, good guidance, good instruction, good discipline, the Fishburne is the place for him. You cannot go wrong with this choice. Kevin Morris, class of 1970."