Guilford Woman May 2011 : Page 45“At Oak Ridge Military Academy, we are more than an independent, preparatory school for young men and women grades 8-12,” says David Johnson, the school’s president. “We invest in our students’ future when and where it counts.” Oak Ridge Military Academy offers boarding school and day school options for its students. The admis-sions process is selective, with students encouraged to join the student body only if judged capable of a demanding college-preparatory curriculum. All stu-dents enroll in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) upon acceptance and become members of the ORMA Battalion; with the exception of day school girls who may choose to enroll in a non-military Girls’ Leadership Program. The cadets participate in comprehensive military and leadership education training that involves daily instruction and practical experiences within a cadet chain of com-mand. “Our mission reflects who we are,” according to John-son. “ORMA offers a college-prep curriculum within a military structure that develops well-rounded young men and women who are prepared to succeed in college and have the self-discipline, integrity, and leadership skills necessary to reach their full potential in life.” In addition to pursuing college and university de-grees in a variety of disciplines, ORMA alumni are des-tined for a lifetime of education and service. Some attend the U.S. service academies following gradua-tion; others join the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces; still others pursue careers in such varied areas as law, medicine, business, a nd architecture. “Oak Ridge Military Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,” says Johnson. “Our faculty is comprised of degreed pro-fessionals, many of whom hold advanced degrees. Small class sizes enable each student the opportunity to reach his or her academic potential through a structured and disciplined approach to learning.” Academy students attend weekday classes for ap-proximately six hours a day. Afternoon activities in-clude leadership training and athletic activities. In addition, each boarding student is required to attend an adult-supervised evening study hall. Evening study hall is called Closed Quarters or CQs. A typical weekday schedule includes accountability formations and reveille, military and JROTC time, morning and afternoon classes, extra tutoring help for those students who need it, sports and intramurals. The opportunities to form close friendship and adult men-tor relationships are many. Prospective parents and students are encouraged to visit ORMA and walk across the beautiful campus. Jim Savage, the director of archives and museum, is avail-able to share some of the institution’s rich history and tradition as well. “We are proud to be a central part of North Carolina history and one of this region’s treasures,” says Sav-age. “Our grand old institution is as relevant today as it was 159 years ago. We are a special place for special people and a haven for young men and women to discover, learn and achieve.” Oak Ridge Military Academy is located at 2317 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC, 27310. Our Admissions Department is available from 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. for campus tours and interviews with prospective fami-lies. You may call the Admissions Office at 336. 643.3141 to schedule an appointment. Please check out our web site at www.oakridgemilitary.com for more information as well. State-of-the-art Academic Building completed in 2001 “Military Schools were created after the Revolutionary War in order to provide leadership and structure as well as education for young boys. Of the 35 plus military schools that existed in the State of NC, Oak Ridge is the only school left. Since its conception in 1850 Oak Ridge has provided quality education to both men and women. In an en-vironment such as Oak Ridge the students’ education extends far beyond the classroom. This includes: val-ues, principles and standards as well as structure and leadership. These qualities provide a link to us all, past, present and future as we are part of a unique body called the Long Gray Line.” GUILFORD WOMAN | MAY 2011 45 Publication List |
