The Path to Success.
Early morning calisthenics, the obstacle course, structure and discipline – this is the way of things at Valley Forge. If you’re looking for a shortcut then this isn’t the place, if your child is ready to learn the skills they need for success in life; welcome…
Parents
A successful Valley Forge experience relies on a team effort involving the cadet, the faculty and staff, and parents.
Parents, whether you’re considering VFMAC for your child or you’ve already joined the VFMAC family, the information below will help you learn more about the Valley Forge Military Academy and College’s approach to shaping our cadets. You will also find valuable resources that will help you navigate the exciting journey your child is about to undertake. The VFMAC faculty and staff looks forward to working with you to help our cadets achieve greatness.
Questions? Please contact:
Charisse R. McGill
Director of Parent Relations & Special Events
cmcgill@vfmac.edu | 610-989-1331
Parents Association
The Parents Association supports the work of the school by facilitating communication among parents, providing opportunities to be involved at Valley Forge Military Academy & College, organizing fund-raising events, and planning cultural enrichment programs.
All parents and guardians of Valley Forge cadets and students are automatically members of the Parents Association.
We encourage all parents to volunteer. We’re confident that everyone can make a comfortable connection, whether you help decorate for an event on campus, or make a donation to the projects we support at the start of every academic year. The Valley Forge Military Academy & College Parents Association also acts as a liaison with the school administration and works as a support group for new parents. It also sponsors fundraising activities throughout the year.
Upcoming VFMAC Events
Commandant’s Department
Commanded by the Commandant of Cadets and organized to supervise the Corps of Cadets as an organization and each cadet as an individual.
Click here for a complete listing of the Commandant’s Department
The Commandant of Cadets
The Commandant of Cadets is specifically charged with the reception, equipping, character and general well-being of the Corps and of its discipline, social training, housing, close order drill instruction, ceremonies, internal security and organization.
The Commandant’s Department is assisted by TAC Officers assigned to each company, whose responsibility is the actual operation, training, discipline and overall supervision of the cadets assigned to his organization.
At the heart of the Military Model is the TAC Officer. The TAC Officer is the common thread that can be traced through all the functions, goals and objectives that effect cadets at Valley Forge. TAC Officers are responsible for tying together the Five Cornerstones throughout a cadet’s experience setting the conditions to achieve the ultimate outcome: an ethically-minded, citizen-leader of character. The Unit TAC Officer is akin to a Company Commander in a Military Unit and is responsible for everything his unit does or fails to do; but above all, the TAC is there to Teach, Advise and Council/Coach.
Cadet Leadership
The Valley Forge Military Academy & College Corps of Cadets is considered to be a cadet run Corps, with adult oversight.
The cadet leaders are trained extensively before the arrival of new cadets and returning veteran cadets, to be responsible for the discipline, accountability, training, morale, appearance and general efficiency of the Corps. The conduct of plebe training and the fair treatment of all cadets are their responsibility.
New Cadet Orientation
New Student Orientation is a key component of the First Year Experience at Valley Forge Military College and is a collaborative effort designed to in-process, introduce, and welcome new students and their families to the Valley Forge community.
The ultimate goal of NSO is to facilitate a successful transition to the first year of college, improving academic and tactical success and student retention.
Objectives:
- Introduce and welcome students and their families into the intellectual, tactical, and institutional communities
- Teach cadets to embrace the uniqueness of VFMC
- Foster a better understanding of academic and tactical programs
- Help students and families identify behaviors, resources, and support that lead to success at VFMC
- Create an understanding of what student life has to offer college cadets: student leadership, clubs, band, sports, activities, etc.
- Cultivate a sense of community between new and returning students, faculty, and staff
Cadet Counseling Center
Parents and Guardians, counselors are available to partner with you…
- We can listen to your concerns. If you are worried about your cadet’s behavior or are concerned about a change in behavior please recommend they contact the Counseling Center.
- We can make suggestions if you need them. If you are not sure about how to approach your cadet we can help you with the wording you might want to consider using.
- We can reach out to your cadet who you believe may be struggling if your cadet has not sought out services on his/her own.
- We can assist with recommendations/referrals for off-campus supports and resources.
To speak with an experienced staff member at the Counseling Center, please contact:
Ms. Kristin Shoemaker, Assistant Director
Phone: (610) 989-1225
Email: kshoemaker@vfmac.edu
Mr. Joe Kelly, Counselor
Phone: (610) 989-1226
Email: jkelly@vfmac.edu