Our 13 year old Nephew completed the 2024 summer camp session and he's a changed young man. I couldn't be more excited and proud that he wants to attend MMA this school year. Turning 14 and starting the 8 grade is a pivotal time in development for a young man, MMA's structure, activities and Marine culture are giving us hope for his future. Thank You MMA for the possibilities of a bright future for our cadet and for America. read more

Marine Military Academy - My Nephew may never be the same, thank you MMA. - Specialty Schools Near Me - Harlingen, Texas

My nephew is 13 years old. This is the first year of my nephew at MMA, Harlingen TX, so far so good. I see he has changed. He is more polite and his grade has been gone up. When he returns from MMA, he says all the negative things about the school because he wants to go back his previous school; at previous school, he doesn't want hard work and discipline. He just wants to hang out with same people and played video games 24 hours. doesn't want to do homework, doesn't eat and doesn't want to sleep. I and his mom have decided to let him at MMA until he graduates because we want him to become a young gentleman. Thank you for ID and assistant of FOX COMPANY and all teachers of MMA has helped our boy who is more polite and better grades now. read more

My 15 year old son went to summer camp there when he was 13 years old. When he returned from the camp, people asked me what have I done to this young man. He's changed. He's more energetic, positive, polite.wanted to go out running but all of that didn't last long. He hung out with same people, played video games 24 hours. Didn't eat, no exercise, quite every activities, didn't have purpose in life. He is at MMA and starts to change. His grade has improved, growing in every way. It's still difficult for him but he has gain some weight, sleep better, exercise, play sport. Increased in self esteem. This is an ongoing project. I have s confidence in the school. The drill sargent and everyone st the school is very supportive.there is a sense of community and family. It's not easy for the kids but it will pay off at the end. His grade has gone up. I agree with the person that posted the review that kids will say all the negative things because they don't like hard work and discipline. This is the best school to shape up a boy into a young gentleman. read more

Marine Military Academy - School band during Christmas. - Specialty Schools Near Me - Harlingen, Texas

I attended MMA my junior and senior years of high school (04-05). I chose to go there (sort of) because I had been kicked off my high school football team for disciplinary reasons. I was a troubled teenager to put it lightly. I didn't really want to go but I was a decent football player and I wanted to play college ball, which I ended up being able to do because of this school. While I did not love my experience at MMA while I was living it, I can look back all these years later and say pretty matter of factly that MMA is the reason I'm still alive. Most, and by most I mean well over 50% of my friends from my original high school, died in high school or shortly after (thanks to the Sacklers of Purdue Pharma). As much as I wanted to hate this school, I had some good times, made great friends, put enough football on tape to get to into a college program, made good grades, and stayed alive. I did end up getting kick out of the school for showing up to formation stone cold drunk (after already being on double secret probation for other malfeasances). The night I got kicked out they put me in a make shift holding cell while I was waiting for my flight out. One of the drill instructors came and sat with me for hours and talked about his own struggles and how he overcame them. That man changed my life. It still pains me that I did not remember his name because I would love to thank him. While getting kicked out and having multiple disciplinary issues might sound like a failure, I't most certainly was not. The school is not a replacement for rehab, which I needed at the time, but it did keep me much more in line than I was at my hometown high school and ultimately led to me getting sober and living my dream of playing college football. To this day I regularly get asked if I served in the military, even by people who have served, because of good habits, a few idiosyncrasies, and leadership qualities I picked up during my time at MMA. If you're thinking about going or sending a child I would be happy to chat. read more

My son just completed the four week MMA summer camp. He is 17. He has so many positive things to say about the experience. Each day was a challenge. The weather was extremely hot, not all of the kids got along - BUT they did it. They were physically,mentally, and socially challenged. Overall it was excellent. I believe these boys have been given an opportunity to glimpse what they are capable of. My son is walking taller. He is proud and they all should be. read more

One is the best experiences! MMA lives up to its mission of forging tomorrow's leaders. The summer camp changed my 15 year old sons life completely around positively and brought out the best in him. He was a good fit for this place and your child needs to be a good fit. It's very tough but very worth it! I only wish I would have discovered this place sooner so my son was able to be there longer. "Our Values Honor: Cadets are held to the highest ethical and moral standards. Respect for others is essential. Courage: Cadets will face their fears and overcome them. They will do what is right no matter the consequences. Commitment: Cadets strive for excellence and never give up. Duty to others is fundamental." read more

This is a great military style school for young boys. I will not sugar coating my son. He was a great kid in public ISD during his elementary and middle schools. However, he got in a wrong group when started high school and caused us parent sorrow, worry, disappointment. He went through mental health, rehabilitation treatments and barely passed his freshmen year in public ISD. We immediately took him out of public school. While searching for an alternative education, we came across an MMA recruiter who did not elaborate sugar coating the MMA, but a promise to rebuild my son's character. We trusted the recruiter. AND. He was right! We never forget the moment we handed off our son to the MMA in that afternoon. Immediately after our last hug, he was whist away to the gym to start his new life. We encourage him during our weekend calls when students have liberties. We did not give in to his excuses or complains. We follow his progress through communications with his company Drill Instructors, who live in the same hall and watch them like hawks. After a painful assimilation period to the very military lifestyle campus, my son comes to realization that there is no other way out. He makes progress and excel in all academics, sports, disciplines. Eventually, he earns distinctions, honors, ranks. We can't be more pleased and prouder!! Don't let me locals tell you this is the school for "trouble kids" dishearten you. The local public schools are way lack of disciplines and full of "trouble kids" and pale in comparison in almost every aspect from academics to sports to MMA. Don't let you kids coming home with all excuses for not going back to the MMA. This school is NOT for the faint hearts! I am among the proud parents of transformative kids. There is no GLORY if both parents and kids don't go through PAIN! Please put away the attitude that oh, I pay a huge $ to this school so better treat my sons nice and have everything they used to have or do. If you are one of these, please keep them at your local ISD and keep them there with all of their troubles and excuses! This is a NO PAIN, NO GUT, NO GLORY institution. So don't ruin its Marine tradition. Whether you son will go on to have a career in the military or not, this institution will prepare him a great character, discipline to success. No, I am not an MMA recruiter, but a parent of a child who endures the challenges and excels. I will continue to support this institution long after my son's graduation next year, because this school has transformed mine, to a better young man, something that I admit I failed to do myself. read more

I came here for a jiu Jitsu competition, the gym was spacious with enough May space for about 8 matches to be happening. The place was clean and well kept. I know the association that held the competition utilizes this frequently for events like this read more

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Parents, this school is not the same school that it was in the 90's. So disregard any of those comments. They simply do not apply. I was apprehensive about sending my grandson after reading a few negative remarks. Even though there were only a few, I still had my concerns. So I did my research. Met with moms who had sons at MMA, then I visited the school. I was completely impressed! Plebe training is very intense for boys who are use to doing nothing. But if your son is athletic and energetic, he will breeze right through it. The worst part is getting up early every day. Having structure in their lives, getting that lap top and phone away from them, with lights out at 10 pm is exactly what these boys need. Oh and they have chores! I love it! It's very regimented, so kids who would rather play video games all day and sleep in, will come up with all kinds of stories to scare their parents and influence them to pull them out. That's just what they are. Stories! The teachers are just an e-mail away from the parents. If I have any issues, I contact them and they quickly get back to me. The school goes above and beyond to help these boys transform into young men. They are there for them 24/7. As far as the food in the cafeteria goes, it's good. I've eaten there several times. MMA often brings in food trucks for special events for the boys as well. There are so many doors that open for these boys from this school. My grandson loves it, and he was one of those boys who wanted to bail the first three weeks of plebe training. Now he's proud that he actually accomplished something real, instead of virtual. His self esteem is at its highest and he is a polite, caring young man. This school is amazing! Nancy B. read more

Great school for kids who need discipline. Learning leadership early on in life helps prepare students for the future. My son attended for five years.Highly recommend the MMA! read more

I attended MMA during the 93-97 period. The academics were horrible. There was one adult for every 86 boys. An attempted murder, three (reported) rapes, and physical hazing was commonplace. The staff tried, but were ill-equipped and ill-trained to deal with the needs of teenage boys; raising thirteen year olds is a mite bit different from turning eighteen year olds into Marines. Sometimes, I was very happy and very engaged there, and other times, I was literally terrified for my life. I understand that the school has vastly improved since I attended. I am happy to share my experiences in private, should you wish to know, but I don't wish to post them, as they are nearly twenty years out of date. read more

I graduated from MMA in 2005 as the Company Commander of Charlie Co. I still keep the experience on my resume and my time at MMA has definitely helped me rise to where I am today. Now I'm a branch manager of a brokerage firm I am still using the leadership skills that were taught at MMA. With that said like all things, MMA is what you make it. This school gives cadets the opportunity to learn leadership traits, the power of teamwork, and that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to but only if you take advantage of the chance that you have by attending the Academy. Looking back on my time at MMA I learned a lot that I wouldn't have learned at the private school I was attending previously, I made lifelong friends, and I actually had a blast at an all guy military school in south Texas. Crazy right?! I highly recommend MMA and certainly wouldn't be where I am today without my experience there. read more

MMA is a GREAT school. I only attended from 1982/83, C Company. I am SO grateful to have met so many great men and heroes from our military. General Spanjer, Colonel Parsons, Msgt. Mcglaughlin, the Morton Brothers who coached the football team and so many others . My half brother also graduated from MMA before me. As far as any negative things, Hazing was a normal part of the military at that time. Its not anymore and MMA has adapted to that. When I was there, they were very proactive. I was called to the DI's office several times as they thought I was the victim of hazing and I WASN'T. My father was a Colonel in the U.S marines and he didn't like many things, but he Loved MMA. I wouldn't trade any of the pushups or any other experience I had there for anything and don't regret anything I did or experienced. It made me a much better person. I'm well organized, productive and RESPECTFUL to other people. I made a trip down to MMA about 3 weeks ago for the first time in over 30 years and it is so much better now. Better facilities and the cadets look like they are having more fun these days. I highly recommend anyone to send their son there. Mark Hogan "C" Company 1982/83 read more

My son attended MMA for 4 years. All the official statements made by the school about their philosophy, intent, and implementation are correct. My son was always in the wrong place, at the wrong time, doing the wrong thing with the wrong kids. How about threw rocks at policy cars and raced with the police. That was fun. No allowance, fine, he stole from our wallets and grandparents gave him tons of money. Time-out? He disappeared for the whole weekend. I had the police department arrest him and they offered to put him in jail for 24 hours. They did and he enjoyed it. He was bored at school. Of course, how about learning ABC and 1 plus 2 at a special education school for a kid with an IQ of 135. Retrospectively, he said he gave up because we expected too much of him and his sister was a bad example, an all-A student, a goody-goody girl. He just did not want to match up. At MMA dorm parents, the late Sergeant Major Fonte and his wife, loved him and influenced him to the better. School pushed him to try more challenging classes when my son said he was dumb and had no motivation. His GPA before MMA was 1.6. His GPA at MMA, including hardcore science and math classes was 3.75. He completed calculus as a TA in the junior year. Students took turns to do the cleaning, laundry, and other maintenance routines. That was good training as my son never did more than putting his clothes on. He eventually graduated number 6 out of 650 business students from USC. At 35 he is now a junior VP at one of the major high-tech companies. He learned to be a gentleman and an officer on the outside. He learned to be patient and how to control his instant temper. He has a gentle demeanor. I am not saying that he is a nice guy but he presents himself well as a nice guy. Those years at MMA were not good years. Our relationship still suffered because we sent him there. But he is now very successful and he was heading to be an useless adult otherwise. I wish that was a better option than MMA. Complaints by those who gave one stars were also correct. Think non-stopped boot camp at a scaled-down version. Discipline and rules? Think Alcatraz or any state prisons. Yes, there are rules and state prisons are very strict. You think they are followed? Boot camps and state prisons are good comparisons. You want your son to go to MMA or go in and out of prisons in later life? A minority of kids are good kids and they are there because they wanted to go to West Point or the other military academies, or their parents were military personnel. Majority of kids are like my kid. Non-classroom instructors curse at kids with demeaning words? Think military. Yes, there are dorm parents, but no, no one to police or protect them after 10 PM. That is the major difference between your hometown high school and MMA. Kids get beaten up routinely, especially the young ones or loners. Kids, including my son, formed buddy groups for mutual protection or to bully and beat up other kids. They learn very important life lessons along the way, much like Mafia members or inmates, i.e., friendship, loyalty, alliance, survival, negotiation, avoiding being cornered physically.... My son did not experience hazing or abuse because everybody knew that he was the door-parents' favorite, but fistfight is how teenagers solve their conflicts. He had his share of beating alright. My son knew of kids who got their arms broken and skull fractured. No drugs? May be. May be not if you have the ties and if you have the desire and the money, but it is harder to get than the streets outside. If you have kids who want to pursue a military career it is a great place. If you have unmanageable kids and you are giving up, like us, this is the last hope. If you have a normal kid who is doing his job, for God's sake please don't send him there. For summer school is OK, but he needs to know how to maneuver among a group of kids and know how to interact with weaker kids, larger-size kids, and bullies. Your son will likely be beaten up and he will likely be fighting and beating up other kids until he learns how to survive without engaging in violence to resolve conflicts. read more

I highly recommend this school to all parents. It's a great investment into the future of your child. I see the amazing transformation my son has made in a short time. They teach responsibility, leadership and helps them develop positive focus. I will continue to watch him mature into a wonderful young man. Thanks MMA!! read more

**Beware** What an awful experience! This place is so disorganized it's scary that they are in charge of children. As someone who has spent their entire life in the Military, you expect a certain standard from a so called Military Schools. This school lacks that completely. Our experience has been absolutely off putting. I am so thankful the we found this out before we paid the full summer tuition. Don't fall for the trap. Save your $4,600 and send your kiddos to a real summer camp. Absolutely disappointed in MMA... read more

As a cadet at the Marine Military Academy, I believe that this school is a great experience. This is my second year here, and after attending summer camp as a camper and a year later as a Cadet Instructor. I am now ranked a Cadet Sergeant, and I believe that this school was the best decision I have ever made. If you are sending your son to MMA, I personally recommend summer camp, as it gives your son an understanding and preparation for what is to come, and it teaches values and discipline, and if not that it sets your child ahead of the many who begin their introductory training whilst also attending school. This school offers many extra-circular activities including aerospace (Private Pilot) program which some of my friends participate in and speak highly of it. I started MMA in my 8th grade year and will graduate here, and I believe that is the best decision I've ever personally made. A lot of cadets may post negative things about the Marine Military Academy, simply because there are places that they'd rather be. A lot of cadets would rather be in public school with their friends, because there they can be undisciplined and do whatever you want, having your phone and being potentially unsupervised and do whatever they want. Here, you're son learns discipline and responsibility, and if they fight it and don't want to allow the school to change them, it will be a very bad experience. Sadly, this happens to often, so if you intend to send your son here, talk to him about it, and explain to him that the goal of this school is to help you, not to punish you. THIS SCHOOL IS NOT FOR TROUBLED YOUNG MEN! Please do not send your child here as a punishment. If your child believes that this school is just something he has to get through as a punishment for something he did, this school will not help him. I also wanted to add the teachers to students ratio. For Honors courses, the ratio should be between 6 and 16 to 1 depending on the class, with every class except math staying on the lower end. Non-honors classes average around 9-10 cadets per teachers, and AP courses average at about 5 to 1. If you happen to have questions regarding personal experience as a cadet, email me at hudgreene06@gmail.com; or text me at (903) 630-0888. - Cadet Sergeant Hudson Greene, MMA Class of 2025. read more

My son has attended MMA since the summer following his 8th grade year. He just graduated with the rank of Captain as Executive Officer of Delta Company. I can honestly say I am beyond grateful to the DI's, ADI's, faculty and staff of MMA. He would not be the person he is without those amazing mentors. My son lives and breathes the military life and that made MMA the perfect fit. The following comment is made by Lt. Col. Douglas G. Dry, USMCR, Retired: I only knew one former graduate of MMA by the name of Warren Driggers, with whom I attended TBS in 1979 as Second Lt's. He was one of the more impressive Second Lieutenants in my class. I subsequently ran into him a few times in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield. He was a Major and I was a Major Select. I always thought he would make General some day. I have visited MMA in 1998 and then attended the Summer School Graduation of Shannon's son in 2013 and more recently I was in attendance for his High School Graduation in May of this year. Each time I was highly impressed. In addition I served in the Reserves with a MMA former soccer coach and trained at 29 Palms in 1986-87 with a Major Rocky (I forget his last name) who was a former counselor at MMA. I was impressed with everyone associated with MMA. However, I have been informed by one of the individuals mentioned that there were several wealthy and apparently spoiled kids that did not want to be there but were sent by their parents due to the conditions in either their home county, or to help correct behavioral issues they were having with their child. In addition to some kids with behavioral issues sent to MMA by their parents, as a 30 year practicing attorney, (17 years as a defense attorney and 13 years as a prosecutor), I can understand where a defense attorney may propose and the Court and State Prosecutor may accept the proposal that a troubled kid attend MMA in lieu of some other form of punishment or institution. However, the Court would not just order and send juveniles to MMA as it is not contracted with a Court System and the parents have to pay approximately $40,000.00 per year for their son to attend MMA. In the case of Shannon's son, I can attest that he only attended MMA because he wanted to be there. I always encouraged him to attend based on my understanding of the values, discipline and education he would receive at MMA. As to the individual that stated that he had a terrible and abusive experience at MMA in 96-97, I assume there have been periods of time where cadets have been allowed and possibly encouraged to administer peer discipline, which I am totally opposed to. And I am sure it's possible that there were some abusive employees from time to time. I certainly do not believe this is systematic of MMA. I have experienced some abuse in my early years of the Marine Corps, particularly boot camp, however, my overall experience with the Marine Corps goes beyond extremely positive and had helped me gain the discipline and confidence to lead a productive life. I served 2 years enlisted and 4 years as an officer on active duty, then 20 years as an officer in the Reserves. No parent should send their child to any institution without first checking out that institution, including MMA. But as for me, if I had a son or grandson that wished to attend and had the finances to provide such an experience, I would definitely do so without hesitation. But again, I would always keep my hand on the pulse of MMA and make sure my cadet was having a positive experience. The MMA is not for every child, as the Marine Corps is not for every young adult, but most of the greatest people I have ever known were Marines with who I served. Douglas G. Dry, Lt. Col, USMCR, Retired read more

MMA changed my son's life and I would highly recommend this school to any parent. The results are real and it is amazing to watch the transformation in your son with growth, maturity, and self-confidence. read more

After attending 2 summer camps, we enrolled my son for his 8th grade school year. It is absolutely the best decision we have ever made for him and his family. The transformation in his personality, confidence, self esteem, and behaviors is absolutely unbelievable. As far as academics go -- he's getting incredible instruction in small student to teacher ratios, experiencing peer mentoring on classwork that doesn't occur in mainstream schooling, and is free from the burden of standardized tests. The MMA staff treats him (and us) like family. The whole experience has been way better than I could have ever anticipated, for all of us. He is very proud of himself, and we are very proud of him. We were going to try it out for just a year, but have since decided that he will be an MMA student through high school as well. Semper Fi !! read more

College prep for boys. Adds drive and direction that many boys can not get elsewhere. My son attended his first interview by slumping in his chair and mumbling that he did not know what his long term goals were. After 6 weeks at school, he was standing straight and was very clear on achieving his goals for a good college. Nothing is perfect and the boys will complain, but when they compare to their buddy's at home, they know they are part of something special. Many if not most graduates do not go into the military when they finish, but most go to top colleges around the country. They build leadership every day by having the boys supervise each other. The boys come out physically fit as well, with huge self assurance that their peers in other schools simply will never achieve. read more

Our son is a Cadet at MMA, and it is THE BEST decision we've made for him and our family! The leadership, staff and faculty at MMA are world-class, educating my son with rigorous academics and preparing him for college and beyond. His confidence and self-esteem are sky-high, and the "band of brothers" he has made will be a treasure throughout his life. My husband recently said that he wished he had gone to MMA...now THAT is an endorsement. Oorah, Marine Military Academy! We can't wait to see our son walk across the stage at his graduation and into a very bright future. Thank you! read more

MMA is a good school overall. You should not be discouraged to go to the school because of an incident multiple years ago. I attended MMA this year 2018 for one semester. I enjoyed it but you should know what you are getting into before you go because for me there was a small lack of communication. Very tiny and I am part to blame for not asking the right questions. MMA is generally a school for troubled teens but that does not mean you shouldn't have your child go to MMA. MMA taught me to be Courteous, honorable, trustful, brave, ect. I'm not telling you to go but there are upsides, yes there are some homosexual activities that might happen but that's on the kids part. If they are smart enough to not have sex at school then they will be fine. Last thing MMA does have drugs riddled throughout the campus, nothing like hard drugs but they are still there. I just want people to understand that kids will be kids, and boys will be boys. -Parker read more

I attended MMA for 1 1/2 years and graduated in 1969. It was my choice to enroll and by far one of the best choices I have made in life. I learned how to be organized and relentless in completing any project that comes before me. Our son attended 2 years and graduated in 2003, completed college in 3 1/2 years and is doing well. As parents, we have only one chance to educate our children, MMA will challenge your son and you will see results. read more

This is a fantastic school!!! My son was able to meet his full potential in just 3 years. He has gone on to college with a 4.0 GPA and fantastic teacher recommendations. His maturity still blows my mind for such a young man. He has great memories and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I know it seems scary to send your teenage son away to school but I assure you that you will not regret your decision and sacrifice. read more

I went there from 94-99. I had a lot of good times and bad times. The school has had good and bad times also. The mid 90s were a bad time for the school. I have kept up with things at the school and go back often and things have really improved in recent years. If the school was the same as it was when I went, I probably wouldn't send my son. Not as an 8th grader at least. I have a son that is almost of age to go. I would send him there at this time. It is great for learning self discipline, leadership and it will put you on a good track for higher education. They have a lot of staff that are truly dedicated to the school and the values that it is based on. I would do it over again if needed. read more

At the invitation of Admissions staff member, SgtMaj James Poe, my family and I visited MMA. This involved flights (for 4) from Sacramento to San Antonio (one layover), a car rental (for the 4 hour drive from San Antonio to MMA), etc. Not a small undertaking. After a tour of the impressive campus. SgtMaj Poe introduced us to a gentleman who was somehow associated with admissions (his role was never explained), and who has some sort of psychological training. Immediately after introductions, he asked what medications my son takes. Upon being provided this info, he immediately indicated our son was "not a good fit" and would "not be accepted to MMA". Whether or not he would be a good fit, we would have appreciated it if admissions had checked into this information with us during our several phone calls. It certainly would have save us a great deal of time and money. Can't they at least create of Q&A form that would help ensure that prospective families don't unnecessarily incur great costs for nothing? Cannot comment on the quality of the school (obviously!), but am concerned about MMA's apparent disregard for our convenience and resources might be indicative of other shortcomings. Caveat emptor! read more

My son attended MMA for 3:years and graduated with so much accomplishments. He found MMA and wanted to go to school there. As a Mom it was a difficult decision because he would be far from home. Im glad I agreed to let him go. My son prior to MMA was like most kids into Electronics behind close doors. He can be in his room with TV, laptop, cellphones, headset , music, Xbox , headset all going off the same time. this day & age we know its a total distraction with family communication, homework & direct social conversation. But because none of the above is available at MMA except on weekends my son has been able to accomplish the following in 3 years: his last rank was Major, Head Summer Camp Instructor, Team Captain JiuJitsu, Boy Scout Eagle Scout, GPA 3.0 + & Company Commander to 49-60 cadets. MMA trained my son to be the Best he can, to grow up as a young fine man and guided him with leadership responsibility. MMA provided the support during the college process application which Im pleased my son received a very generous scholarship to his college of choice. In such a short span when our sons are between 14-18 years its the critical age of development from a young teenager to a young fine man. I had faith and trusted MMA with my son. I didnt lose him completely I still participated at MMA as a volunteer Mom which gave me an opportunity to see MMA from the inside. I heartedly recommend parents to volunteer from home or on campus. There are ups & down, but MMA has awesome Drill Instructors they were always there to help me, my son with questions & directions. It has been an aweso journey for me & my son. After my son's graduation, he told me his future son will definitely school @ MMA. Its a big MMA Pow Wow we are more than grateful and thankful. Thank you MMA, Staff, Drill Instructors & Teachers..You all are Super Awesome! Liz N @ Dublin CA read more

Worst camp ever. One adult for almost a hundred kids. I wish I didnt sign up, when I was there, kids were big bullies and sometimes overthrew adults, not to mention what kids did, they watched inappropiate content such as porn, and swore a lot. Some people even tried raping each other! I mean, probably the staff as well. The staff were total meatheads, uncapable of controlling a crowd, commanders were extremely tough. I dont recommend innocent young boys to this hell- hole. read more

Our son found the MMA summer camp on the web 2 years ago and expressed a desire to go there, he was 13 then. When my wife and I attended the summer camp graduation we thought it was nothing short of spectacular how he was transformed in one months time. He wanted to go to school there in the 8th grade but we wanted him home for one more year. So last year he went back to summer camp and loved it again and we decided to send him there to start high school. Since then he has maintained a 3.0+ average and is developing into a fine young man. He was never a bad kid, he did lack self discipline and confidence, grades in public school were low C's and he did not have much self esteem. He has changed all of these things and he has the drive to do better. My wife and I miss our son and he does miss home from time to time, but we still feel this is the best course for him. More over he knows that MMA is good for him. This camp or this school is not for every kid and it is not only for bad kids that parents want to get rid as so often military schools get the wrap for. The staff, teachers and DI's are some of the best people you will ever meet, they provide help and support in all areas of my son's life academic, discipline and spiritual. The parent organization is a very good and supports the kids during the school year and helps out with travel assistance when it is time to come home. The company moms and the DI's wives are also involved and they are his mothers away from home. Basically this school is what your son makes of it, there are no participation ribbons, there is consequences for not doing good and rewards for achievements. The boys only get their phones and some electronic entertainment on the week ends only after making the grades and passing inspection so these items are not a distraction during the week. There is CCQ every night during the week for them to study in there room and tutoring help if requested or needed after classes. Nothing is perfect on this earth but I can say this has and is a great experience for our son and for us so far. Mike P. read more

We enrolled our 13 year old son in MMA's 2016 Summer Camp which turned out to be a big disappointment. Our son is a good kid, and has never been in any trouble. We thought that MMA's Summer Camp would be FUN, and a good opportunity for him to grow in the areas of teamwork, leadership, and discipline and were very excited about him attending the camp. Approximately 10 days into the camp we learned of an incident in which one of the Cadet Instructors (CI's) actually yelled repeatedly at him to "F..k the Ground" as he was doing push-ups. We further learned that the CI then proceeded to have the rest of the company yell "Your Gay" on his count of 1,2,3 as my son completed the push-ups." Our son is not gay, which is totally irrelevant and unacceptable. Regardless, there was NOTHING honorable in the behavior of this Cadet Instructor! Understand, I certainly don't mind my son being challenged, and pushed to excel; however, I do not believe in cursing a child! The Company Sargent confirmed that this incident did in fact occur as my son described, and that individually cursing a Cadet is unacceptable, and against the rules at MMA, and that the Cadet Instructor (CI) was disciplined. Note that I was also told before registering for the camp that the individual cursing of a cadet in that manner was prohibited. Not what I expected with a Summer Camp Program! This in addition to the fact that the Company Sargent told me on more than one occasion that "he could not be everywhere and could not be responsible for what one of his Cadet Instructors might do" didn't leave us with much confidence in MMA's ability to control/monitor its CI's interactions with the campers. At that point we made the decision to remove our son from the summer camp. I do believe that this school/camp has its place, and can certainly be improved upon with proper training and supervision of its Cadet Instructors. In hindsight we failed to ask enough questions regarding the role of the Camp's Cadet Instructors (CI's) in the summer camp program or question the training that they receive. When considering this Summer Camp Program one should realize that whenever you have children supervising children these type of events are likely to occur. Based on our own experience and the reviews that I have seen this appears to be an on-going problem at MMA that needs to be addressed. The upper management at MMA was very professional, and responsive when notified of our situation. After looking into the matter, and confirming that the events as described were true MMA agreed to refund a portion of the summer camp tuition. read more