The New York Military Academy or the NYMA is a private boarding school for both males and females. The school is located in New York, particularly in the Hudson Highlands in Cornwall-on-Hudson right at the upper part of the Hudson River and the bottom of the Storm King Mountain. NYMA is about 60 miles away from the northern part of New York’s capital, NYC. One can reach New York City from the school or vice versa in about an hour by car. The location of the school is quite ideal because it is easily accessible via air flights, train, bus, and cars.

History and Prestige

The NYMA is one of the oldest schools to implement the military structure in the entire United States, making it a prestigious school in the country. It has an interesting story as well. The school was founded by a Civil War veteran and teacher named Charles Jefferson Wright. He was the first one to execute the military philosophy in the school and since then, the administration adhered to this method. Wright was a strong supporter of military structure for students.

Sebastian Jones took Wright’s place in 1894 and continued to run the organization until 1922. In 1910, a fire engulfed the campus building, so a reconstruction program was necessary. When 1975 came, the school became a co-ed institution, accepting female students for the first time.

The School and the Students

The campus is comprised of 120 acres of land with a total of 51 buildings. NYMA strives to develop young leaders in their students, both day and boarding men and women. The school aims to motivate, engage, and prepare everyone in the campus so that they will be successful once they reach and complete college.

Using the military model, students are taught how to become leaders and develop a competitive attitude. 80% of the members of the Corps of Cadets are from the Tri-State area. However, this does not hinder the growing number of international students who enroll at the school. Students start their day at 6:00 sharp and their bedtime is at 10 PM. Aside from academics, males and females are encouraged to join sporting events and other activities. Most of the students choose the United States Military Academy once they graduate from NYMA. The second most popular college choice is the SUNY. The school is accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Advanced Courses and Athletics

98% of the faculty members have advanced degree and thus, advanced courses are offered. These include biology, chemistry, physics, and English Language Literature. The school also offers extracurricular activities, including baseball, equestrian, lacrosse, and ultimate Frisbee among many others.

The school also provides other activities, such as musicals, seasonal chorus, horsemanship, and JROTC. NYMA uses maroon as its primary color and the Knight as the mascot.

Mission

The mission of New York Military Academy is to develop our cadets in mind, body and character to prepare them for further education and to be effective leaders and responsible citizens.  Inherent in this mission are the four pillars of success:

ACADEMICS: Developing A Desire For Knowledge

Every cadet is prepared for college with a program that is individually tailored.  Qualified, conscientious teachers and small classes offer opportunities and success stories that make the NYMA educational experience so sought after and valued.

ATHLETICS: Instilling A Lifelong Appreciation For Wellness

Physical fitness dovetails with developing a cadet’s mind and all cadets must participate in sports throughout the school year.  The academy offers varsity, junior varsity and modified athletic teams that compete in soccer, football, cross country, fencing, volleyball, basketball, swimming, wrestling, baseball, softball, track and field, tennis, golf, lacrosse, drill, rifle and Raiders.

CHARACTER: Doing The Right Thing

Developing good citizens requires developing the essentials of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.  NYMA’s honor code, “A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do,” constantly reinforces the character lessons taught every day, in and outside the classroom.

LEADERSHIP: Real Life Leadership Lab

Developing future leaders is one of the unique aspects of the New York Military Academy experience.  Self-discipline, leadership, and citizenship are integrated into daily life for the Corps of Cadet.  As cadets move up in rank, they are given increasing levels of responsibility in supervising, leading and instructing subordinates.