A Typical Day for Cadets at MMA

The following schedule is typically followed during the weekdays at MMA. The academic day is held at high value at MMA, so class time is rarely interrupted for special events.

On Wednesdays, cadets only have class in the morning. Wednesday afternoons are reserved for time with the commandant and his staff to address the needs of the corps, such as practicing formation and review, getting fitted for uniforms, and personal/leadership development.

Wednesday afternoons also provide opportunities for special events or assemblies, special exams, or bestowing awards and promotions when needed, without disrupting or taking away class time. Wednesday afternoons also provide an opportunity for advisors to meet weekly with their cadets.

Weekday POD

5:00 a.m. (Time varies) Athletics

Certain athletic programs, such as the swim, rifle and Fusileer teams, begin practice first thing in the morning, even before morning mess.

6:00 a.m. Reveille

Beginning with a run every morning, physical conditioning is woven into every cadet’s daily routine at MMA. It helps them start their day feeling energized and confident.

7:00 a.m. Formation

During formation, cadets stand together and raise the flags.

7:30 a.m. Morning Mess

Healthy food is important at MMA, because cadets are more active than most. So, we load them up with a generous array of healthy choices. The menu changes daily, but they also have a standard buffet to choose additional options from each day. See the cadet dining menu here. 

8:05 a.m. Morning Classes

Cadets take part in a 4x4 block schedule, which better imitates a college schedule, and helps them stay more focused on their subjects without being overwhelmed by how much they are learning.

11:40 a.m. Mess

Once again, cadets enjoy a wide variety of buffet options, with a changing daily lunch schedule. Our chefs use local purveyors for their ingredients to make fresh, delicious foods. If you are ever curious about what your son is dining on, check out the cadet dining menu here. 

12:25 p.m. Afternoon Classes (or Advisory and Commandant Time on Wednesdays)

During advisory time, cadets receive additional help on their academic subjects and complete their Naviance assignments. Learn more about Naviance here.

4:00 p.m. Athletics

Everyone participates in a sport. On special days, teams will leave campus to compete against other schools (these times can vary). You can find the athletic schedules on each team’s athletic page.

6:30 p.m. Evening Mess

Back to the dining hall, cadets enjoy their last and biggest meal of the day from our chefs. Especially now, you hear lots of laughter and conversation as cadets talk about the day they have had. And once again, you can always check in on what he is eating here.

7:15 p.m. Study Hall

We want to make sure cadets have a scheduled time to do their homework and study their subjects, so they don't feel stressed about their responsibilities or upcoming tests. During study hall, they can also seek help from their instructors, or even sit back and read a book if they are caught up or ahead of the game.

8:30 p.m. Free Time

What does your son enjoy doing? Watching TV, playing video games, scrolling through his Facebook feed? Now is the time for cadets to relax with their brothers after their long, accomplished day.

9:00 p.m. Hygiene & Hygiene Inspection

Boys will be boys, but they will be clean boys while they are here. A small part of their daily routine, but it helps develop good habits and gives you peace of mind that your son is taking good care of himself while he is away.

10:00 p.m. Lights Out 

Weekend POD 

Weekend schedules often have a lot of variation for individual cadets. Their schedules are changed by weekend athletic events or scheduled off-campus activities that they may have signed up for. For the most part, the following schedule pertains to the weekend POD:

Saturday

6:00 a.m. Early Mess

This breakfast is for cadets who may have other obligations in the morning. We always make sure every cadet has the opportunity to a full, healthy breakfast to start his day.

8:00 a.m. Reveille

8:30 a.m. Morning Mess

9:00 a.m. Room and Uniform Inspection

12:00 p.m. Mess

After lunch, cadets are given General Leave, their designated free time.

Off-campus activities usually include trips to restaurants, the movie theatre, the bowling alley, museums, landmarks, ball games, parades and more.  On campus, cadets can coordinate with faculty and their MMA brothers to use MMA facilities, such as the paintball field, the rappelling tower or swimming pool. They can even go fishing at MMA’s lake, or shoot pool at the Canteen.

During the Maroon Phase, new boys are not permitted to leave campus during General Leave. In the beginning of the school year, cadets in Maroon Phase may also be required to participate in additional activities, such as Cadet Handbook Study.

6:00 p.m. Evening Mess

6:30 p.m. General Leave Recall

At this time, all boys must return to campus.

9:30 p.m. Hygiene

10:30 p.m. Lights Out

Sunday 

8:00 a.m. Reveille

8:30 a.m. Church Call

On Sundays, cadets attend their place of worship. MMA transports cadets to and from their chosen church.

9:00 a.m. Morning Mess

10:00 a.m. Brunch  

1:30 p.m. Drill Practice

2:30 p.m. General Leave

Once again, cadets who are still in the Maroon Phase are not permitted off campus. All other cadets have open free time.

5:30 p.m. Evening Mess

6:30 p.m. Vespers

Vespers is a nondenominational service that focuses on self-reflection and personal growth. Cadets take time to reflect on their week, as well as mentally prepare themselves for the next week.

9:00 p.m. Laundry and Hygiene

9:00 p.m. Free Time

10:00 p.m. Lights Out