Is Your Son Underperforming Academically?
He's falling behind and you're not sure what to do. Frustration is building—for him and for you.
Here's what we've learned after 115 years of working with boys: "academic underperformance" is often just a surface symptom. Underneath, there may be:
- Gaps in foundational reading or math skills
- Undeveloped study habits and organization
- A learning environment that doesn't fit how he learns
- Lack of structure, accountability, or motivation
- Social distractions pulling focus from academics
The good news? These are solvable problems. And we've been solving them since 1909.
Caring Faculty and Staff and a Supportive Brotherhood Create a Different Environment
Hargrave is a college-preparatory boarding and day school for young men in grades 6-12, plus a post-graduate year. Located in Chatham, Virginia, we've spent over a century helping boys grow into young men of faith and character who are prepared for success in life.
Our approach is holistic. We develop young men through four pillars: Academics, Character, Faith, and Athletics. Our motto—mens sana in corpore sano ("a sound mind in a sound body")—reflects our belief that true education shapes the whole person.
Hargrave has long been a first choice for families who recognize that their son needs more structure, more support, or simply a fresh start in an environment designed to give him the fresh start he needs.
We Meet Your Son Where He Is
Our Learning Reinforcement Program is built on a simple truth: every boy can succeed when given the right environment, the right support, and the right skills. We start by honestly assessing where your son is academically—not to label him, but to build a realistic path forward.
How It Works
Diagnostic Assessment
Every new cadet receives diagnostic testing in Reading and Math to identify gaps or overlooked weaknesses.
Personalized Placement
We place him in the right courses at the right level—no drowning in advanced classes or coasting through mastered material.
Structured Support
Built-in accountability: mandatory study halls, faculty check-ins, limited electronics, and a daily schedule that eliminates chaos.
Skill Building
Our "How to Study" curriculum teaches organization, time management, goal-setting, and self-motivation—practiced daily.
Progress Monitoring
Five-week marking periods give frequent fresh starts. Academic advisors meet weekly to review progress and address challenges.
Support That's Been Working Since 1959
The Academic Learning Center is the heart of our Learning Reinforcement Program. Founded by Colonel Joseph Cosby in partnership with the University of Virginia, it began as a reading program designed for both struggling readers and strong readers who wanted to improve.
Reading Support Courses
Specialized instruction from trained learning specialists for readers at every level.
Math Support Courses
Methodical remediation starting from diagnostic assessment to close foundational gaps.
Designated Study Hall
Daily faculty-supervised study time during the school day for focused academic work.
Evening Study Hall
Sunday-Thursday evening sessions with faculty help available for homework and projects.
School-Day Tutorials
One-on-one support when needed to address specific academic challenges.
Independent Study
Supervision for students taking courses beyond our walls to ensure continued progress.
No Stigma, Just Support
The Academic Learning Center sits at the center of campus with an open-door policy. Any student might use it on any given day—including those who may be working to catch up. This normalizes getting help and puts genuine relationships to work for real learning.
A Team Rallying Around Your Son
At Hargrave, your son won't fall through the cracks. He'll be surrounded by a unified team of faculty, staff, coaches, and TAC officers who communicate constantly about his progress.
Unified Communication
- We keep each other informed. Academic advisors know what's happening in the dorms. Coaches know what's happening in the classroom. Everyone works toward the same goal.
- We take on disappointments together. When he struggles, we don't point fingers. We adjust the plan and keep moving forward.
- We celebrate successes together. When he improves, everyone knows—and everyone acknowledges it.
The Structure Boys Need
Many boys struggle not because they lack intelligence, but because they lack structure. At Hargrave, every day has a clear schedule:
- • Wake-up and room inspection
- • Classes with required attendance and engagement
- • Mandatory study halls
- • Athletic practice or activities
- • Evening study time
- • Lights out at a consistent time
This structure isn't punishment—it's freedom. Freedom from chaos, from constant battles about homework, and space to focus on what matters.
More Than Grades—Habits That Transfer
Our alumni consistently tell us the same thing: they succeed in college and careers not because of what they learned in class, but because of the habits they built at Hargrave.
What Your Son Will Learn
How to understand what professors and supervisors actually expect
How to retain information, not just cram for tests
How to set goals and follow through
How to manage time without someone standing over him
How to give his best effort even when the work is hard or boring
How to take responsibility for his own performance
These are the skills that separate young men who struggle in college from those who thrive. We teach them explicitly, practice them daily, and reinforce them across every aspect of cadet life.
Fair, Firm, and Focused on Growth
We believe in accountability—but accountability that teaches, not punishes.
For Missing Homework
A short "Academic Redline" (measured in days, not weeks) with restricted privileges. The message is clear: taking responsibility for your work matters.
For Struggling Grades
Required attendance at all study halls until the next marking period. The focus is on getting back on track, not making him feel like a failure.
For Authentic Effort
Support, encouragement, and adjusted strategies. We know the difference between not trying and trying but struggling.
This balanced approach teaches a crucial life lesson: effort and responsibility matter. Failure is part of growth. And there's always a path forward.
Is Hargrave Right for Your Son?
This Program Is Designed For:
- ✓ Boys who are underperforming relative to their potential
- ✓ Boys who lack organization, study skills, or self-motivation
- ✓ Boys who need more structure than their current school provides
- ✓ Boys who have fallen behind and need to catch up
- ✓ Boys who would benefit from a fresh start in a new environment
- ✓ Boys whose parents are anxious to see a real change in academic performance
This Program May Not Be Right For:
- ✗ Boys with behavioral issues requiring therapeutic intervention
- ✗ Boys who are actively resistant to any form of structure or authority
- ✗ Families looking for a quick fix rather than genuine transformation
We're honest about fit. During the admissions process, we'll have candid conversations about whether Hargrave is the right environment for your son. Our goal is his success—and that starts with making sure we're the right match.
What Parents Say
"We tried everything before Hargrave—tutors, therapy, different schools. Nothing worked until he had the structure and accountability he needed. He graduated with honors and is thriving in college."
"The weekly updates from his academic advisor meant we finally knew what was happening. No more surprises. No more fights about grades. Just steady progress."
"I was skeptical of military school, but Hargrave isn't about punishment. It's about building young men. My son found confidence he never had before."