Valley Forge Military Academy's campus will be empty next week, except for the senior class, as the school makes a drastic change to its operations. The Delaware County institution had initially planned to close at the end of the academic year, but it appears that decision has been accelerated.
Starting this Friday, students enrolled in grades 7-11 will be sent home permanently, with all underclassmen being permanently removed from campus. However, the senior class will return to school after a winter break and finish their spring semester on the Wayne prep school grounds.
According to academy leadership, low enrollment and staffing issues have led to this decision. In a letter shared with parents, Gray Beck, chairman of VFMA, stated that "after careful review of staffing levels, enrollment trends, and our ability to maintain the highest standards of safety, structure, and academic quality," the school made the tough choice.
Staffing turnover and cadet attrition have created challenges in providing a comprehensive education, Beck wrote. The decision was not taken lightly, reflecting the academy's commitment to ensuring its students receive a safe, structured, and mission-focused environment.
The private school initially announced plans to close at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year due to financial struggles, citing rising costs as a major factor. Increased insurance premiums have also been cited as a contributing factor.
However, the school's insurance hikes were not solely linked to recent allegations of abuse against the academy, according to its attorney. In contrast, Valley Forge Military College, which shares a campus with the feeder academy, will remain open.
The sudden shift in plans has left many wondering about the future of the institution and what this means for students who had been planning their time at the school.
Starting this Friday, students enrolled in grades 7-11 will be sent home permanently, with all underclassmen being permanently removed from campus. However, the senior class will return to school after a winter break and finish their spring semester on the Wayne prep school grounds.
According to academy leadership, low enrollment and staffing issues have led to this decision. In a letter shared with parents, Gray Beck, chairman of VFMA, stated that "after careful review of staffing levels, enrollment trends, and our ability to maintain the highest standards of safety, structure, and academic quality," the school made the tough choice.
Staffing turnover and cadet attrition have created challenges in providing a comprehensive education, Beck wrote. The decision was not taken lightly, reflecting the academy's commitment to ensuring its students receive a safe, structured, and mission-focused environment.
The private school initially announced plans to close at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year due to financial struggles, citing rising costs as a major factor. Increased insurance premiums have also been cited as a contributing factor.
However, the school's insurance hikes were not solely linked to recent allegations of abuse against the academy, according to its attorney. In contrast, Valley Forge Military College, which shares a campus with the feeder academy, will remain open.
The sudden shift in plans has left many wondering about the future of the institution and what this means for students who had been planning their time at the school.
I'm so sad to hear that Valley Forge Military Academy is closing its doors 
especially after they announced it would be closed next year... now it's going to be earlier? 
What about all the families and kids who made plans for their senior years there? 
It's like, one day they're gonna be fine, and the next, everything changes 
I hope the seniors get to finish strong on the Wayne prep school grounds though 
I'm kinda surprised they're just closing the whole school now... like, what's gonna happen to all those junior and sophomore kids? 
. It's not like they can just transfer or anything 
. And what about the drama surrounding the abuse allegations? 
Was that the final straw? 
... they're basically gonna have to adapt or risk closing down for good 
, but what about all the other cadets? it's like, what happens to them now? 
next week... I mean, how can you expect a military-style academy to thrive with low enrollment? It's like trying to build a fortress out of LEGO blocks when only one kid wants to play 
. The fact that the senior class gets to stay is pretty sweet, though - they must be thinking, 'Hey, we're almost done with this whole education thing... might as well get it over with 
.' Anyway, I hope all the underclassmen find a new place to hone their sniper skills (pun intended 
)
. And have you seen the prices of those schools? Like, I know they gotta make money, but is this really the way to do it? 
. It's so unfair to them and their families. And what happens now? Do they just get sent home and forget about VFMA altogether? 
. I know they're gonna finish their semester at Wayne prep school, but is that really a good setup for them? Will it be like a weird in-between thing or what? 
and now parents r wonderin wut this means 4 their kids future 
. I mean, I get it, enrollment numbers aren't great and staffing issues are a thing, but it's still a huge bummer for all those kids who are gonna be affected by this decision. I can only imagine how confusing and stressful it must be for the senior class right now... like, they're literally stuck in limbo 
. They're essentially shutting down the lower grades (7-11) and having the seniors finish on a different campus 
they must be all like "what's next?" lol anyway, i heard rumors that the school was struggling with insurance premiums and stuff 
.
I feel so bad for all the underclassmen who are being forced to leave tho 
. The whole thing is just so sudden and confusing...