Five Cornerstones

Every school develops the intellect. 

At Valley Forge, we believe in more. Our philosophy is refreshingly different: academic accomplishment is merely the first building block of a strong education. Since 1928, a Valley Forge education has been built around subjects most schools have forgotten to address – character development, personal motivation, physical development and leadership – the very skills students need to rise to the top of whatever field they choose to pursue. 

Our goal is to empower cadets to thrive in an environment that demands standards of conduct, ethical behavior, integrity, spiritual values, community service and competition. Within a low-risk, supportive and caring environment, cadets are encouraged to set goals and strive for excellence, while developing leadership skills and a sense of individual responsibility.

Valley Forge is about developing the whole person, relying on five traditional cornerstones on which Valley Forge has built an international reputation:

• Academic Excellence

  Valley Forge seeks to educate and develop our cadets for college entrance or transfer to a four-year college, career success and responsible citizenship. A challenging curriculum, dedicated faculty, small classes, individual attention and faculty-supervised evening study hall provide an environment conducive to attaining academic success. The acquiring of knowledge, the development of skills and the shaping of attitudes are emphasized to enable cadets to excel academically and to inspire them to pursue education throughout life.

• Character Development

  Valley Forge emphasizes time-proven standards of conduct, ethical behavior, integrity, spiritual values, and service to community and country. This program enables cadets to adapt and contribute to society without sacrificing those values that develop strength of character, lead to honorable success and foster love of country.

• Personal Motivation

  The objective is to motivate each cadet to strive for excellence, both individually and as members of an organization, in all areas of endeavor. Motivation is encouraged through positive competition, recognition, loyalty, teamwork, organizational pride and the establishment of personal goals.

• Physical Development

  Valley Forge strives to improve the health, self-confidence and physical abilities of every cadet through an integrated program of physical education and athletic competition. By focusing on a healthy lifestyle, good physical conditioning and competitive athletic skills, the institution fosters the development of those attitudes, habits and abilities that lead to lifelong physical well-being.

• Leadership

  Valley Forge seeks to prepare its graduates to become educated citizen leaders committed to fundamental democratic ideals in an increasingly diverse and interdependent global society. Employing the dynamics of a military organization in its structured cadet environment, the Forge experience is designed to foster the development of individual responsibility and sound leadership skills by providing opportunities for the practical application of leadership theories in positions of increasing responsibility.