Perhaps the best argument for an MMA education comes from those who have seen the difference for themselves – the parents who have sent their sons here. Listen to their stories:
“Our son Matt was doing well in a large public school, earning As and Bs, but we realized he could benefit from some structure. We brought him to tour MMA. He thought about it, thought about his life and what he wanted in his life and decided MMA would be a good thing for him.
It was the toughest decision we’ve ever made. But it was worth it. At MMA, Matt became more mature, self-assured, confident, sure of himself. He’s like a different kid! It’s amazing, what it’s done for him.
It was almost like MMA knew our son better than we did…everything they predicted he’d do has come true. He’s focused. He’s motivated. He wants to ‘be somebody.’ He has a 4.3 GPA.
What sets MMA apart from other schools is the military structure. MMA asks a lot out of these boys and they get a lot out of these boys. The structure they have squeezes every hour out of their day.
These boys couldn’t get an education like this at any other school.”
Carla and Ed Reindel, Clive, Iowa
Son Matt ‘11
"I am one among the many parents who realize that the only way our sons would be reaching the levels of achievement they are reaching is because we chose MMA. MMA can change it from a hard choice to the right choice.
When local individuals say to me, 'it must be tough to send your son to military school,' I tell them, 'Not at all. He's getting the best education, learning to lead and is in the best environment I could ask for.' They don't realize how comforting it is to know that your son is in a safe place where everyone is focused on his development and success 24 hours a day. They don't know what a relief it is to have him in a structured environment that brought his grades up from D’s and F’s to A's and B's.
The sooner you make the MMA decision, the sooner you get to a place that can build the son you always knew you had.”
Tracy Belton, Mt. Dora, FL
Son Vasily, ‘12
"Our son Zack entered MMA at 11 years old in 6th grade. Sending him away to school was the toughest decision we've ever had to make and it took a couple of months to make the final decision.
Zack was a great boy growing up. He did well at school and seemed motivated until about 5th grade, when he suddenly lost interest in school. He no longer cared about sports or his grades and was becoming more disrespectful at home. We found no problems at school other than a lack of interest.
I had very mixed emotions about enrolling Zack at MMA. I asked myself several questions during that time: "Am I doing the right thing, sending my 11 year old off to a military school?" "Is this right for him?" "Am I neglecting my role as a parent?"
I had already attempted tutors, medication for ADHD, counseling, grounding, yelling and everything else I could come up with. Zack was not really a "bad kid" but was just making some poor decisions.
After about three weeks of him being at MMA, we went up to visit for the weekend. He had changed a lot in three weeks and I could immediately tell that I had made the right decision. He was on the road to being the young man that I wanted him to be and the young man that he deserved to be.
We saw many changes in him that year. I also shed many "tears of joy" and felt very proud of his accomplishments. It was a year of change and growing up for us all.
Zack just completed his 4th year at MMA and it is his personal decision to return at this point. He has grown into a fine young man. One that I am very proud of... and he is very proud of himself.
I have felt and said for years that I will feel like I have succeeded as a parent if I raise a responsible, respectful, and productive young man. One that is ready to face the world and be a benefit to society.
I know today that with the help of everyone at MMA, I will accomplish that.”
Dr. and Mrs. Zackwrie and Regina Parr, Poplar Bluff, Mo.
Sons Zack ’14 and Colin ‘17
“The first time our son Ziou came home after he went to MMA, we found a change in him. During that time, he started to perform work for our community, which was a first for him. He swept the stairs and cleaned the windows in our building and cleaned the yard around the building, and he also helped to decorate the Christmas trees in our community. We are pleased to see that. We know that the change probably came from his day to day experience at MMA. We believe that MMA is successful.”
Binbin Mei and Yang Zeng, Beijing, China
Son Ziou ‘15
