Academic excellence, moral aptitude, and physical endurance are all qualities that the Marine Military Academy (MMA) seeks to foster in every young cadet. Since 1965, MMA has been producing high-performing individuals at an impressive rate. MMA is not just focused on performance—staff and faculty are keenly interested in developing strong ethics and character in these young men. Unsurprisingly, many MMA graduates have greatly impacted the world through service or as civilians.
The academy’s success can be seen in the wide variety of backgrounds and even countries cadets represent. “Ukraine, Mexico and China are just a few of the countries represented by the student population,” states Julie Fonseca, director of Marketing and Publicity at MMA. She continues, “There is a misconception that there are a lot of local boys. We currently have only 1-2 local boys. It is really sweet to see all different nationalities here,” Fonseca remarks.
MMA’s unrivaled education, leadership, and military training keep students flocking from around the world to the Valley. Students learn from one another and widen their perspective on life by learning about their peers’ unique upbringings. This dynamic atmosphere truly sets MMA apart from other military academies and develops well-rounded cadets ready for life’s next adventure.
Each cadet’s day starts early in the morning. The day begins with physical training (PT) followed by breakfast. Students will then gear up for a rigorous school day, concluding with athletics, tutorial time, and a wide array of activities. The MMA prides itself on not allowing idle time throughout the day, mirroring major institutions like the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and West Point. The payoff for the discipline is tenfold: MMA has a college acceptance rate of 100%. Additionally, success can be seen in the following metrics from last year’s graduating class of 49 seniors and three post-graduates:
- One national merit scholar
- Seven ROTC scholarships
- Six United States Service Academy appointments (West Point, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Coast Guard Academy)
- Golf team state champions
- Baseball state final four
- Tennis state doubles champions
- Robotics Club state finalists
- Spelling bee individual state finalist
- International champions at Peace, Security and Prosperity Forum in Italy
These staggering metrics do not happen accidentally. Both the faculty and the cadets work countless hours to achieve these goals.
“For example, this past year our college counselor’s goal was to have everyone apply to a college by Sept. and our boys did it,” Fonseca explains. “You really have to look at the whole picture when measuring success at MMA. Not all of our cadets want to go to a service academy. In fact, many desire to go to a university back in their state or country of origin. It is our job to prepare them for whatever that end goal might be with the structure and focus that comes from MMA,” continues Fonseca.
Regarding structure and discipline, the MMA does not allow cell phones. Fonseca attributes much of the students’ focus and success to a distraction-free environment. “In class, our boys are focused. They do not have any type of disruption. This makes it a lot easier to stay on track and stay focused,” Fonseca emphasizes. This structure also pays off after their time at MMA is finished. Fonseca notes that “even after boys finish at the Academy, they are used to the structure that they have learned, so they’re able to be really successful in the real world. We just love hearing alumni stories and hearing how the techniques they learn here are being carried on throughout.”
Something special is happening at MMA, and these young cadets are living testimony. Fonseca proudly concludes, “What sets these kids apart is they have so much determination. These kids look challenges straight in the face and rise to the occasion.” The MMA is continuing to train tomorrow’s leaders right here in the Valley — one young cadet at a time.
