Guided Study Hall at Missouri Military Academy: A Structured Approach to Academic Success

At Missouri Military Academy (MMA), academic success is a top priority. To ensure cadets have the structure, support, and resources they need to excel, MMA implements a guided study hall. This dedicated study period helps cadets develop strong study habits, stay on top of their coursework, and receive academic guidance when needed.

More than just a time for completing assignments, guided study hall fosters responsibility, accountability, and independent learning—all essential traits for success at MMA, college, and beyond.

What Is Guided Study Hall?

Guided study hall is a structured evening study session where cadets focus on their coursework in a distraction-free, supervised setting. These sessions take place Monday through Thursday from 1900 to 2015 in the academic building, ensuring that cadets have a consistent, designated time for academic work.

Guided study hall is a tool to help cadets succeed, particularly for those who need extra support. Cadets who receive a “D” or “F” in any course are required to attend guided study hall, as assigned by faculty. This ensures that those who need additional academic support receive focused time and guidance to improve their performance.

Additionally, cadets may request to attend guided study hall voluntarily if they feel they need extra time to complete assignments or benefit from a focused study environment. Parents may also request their cadet be placed in a guided study hall for additional academic support. Some cadets choose to attend guided study hall informally simply to work ahead or receive extra help. If a cadet attends guided study hall voluntarily, they must first check in with their CLA and then with the guided study hall teachers upon arrival.

How Does It Work?

Guided study hall is designed to maximize academic performance through a structured and supportive environment. The following key elements ensure that cadets can focus, learn, and succeed:

1. Faculty Supervision & Individualized Attention

Each guided study hall session is supervised by faculty members, who provide academic guidance and ensure cadets remain focused. If a cadet is assigned to guided study hall, the assigning faculty member will enter the cadet’s nightly assignments in Google Classroom, ensuring they are working on relevant coursework each evening.

2. A Quiet, Focused Environment

Guided study hall takes place in the academic building, providing a structured, distraction-free setting where cadets can focus on their studies. Class sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure individualized attention and support.

3. Prioritizing Time Management & Academic Responsibility

By incorporating study time into their daily routine, cadets learn how to prioritize and manage their time effectively—an essential skill for academic and personal success in college. Of note, cadets in guided study hall receive their evening meal first to ensure they arrive on time and maximize their study period.

4. Structured Guidelines for Success

To create a productive and supportive learning environment, cadets in guided study hall follow these expectations:

• No food, candy, or drinks are allowed during study hall.
• Computers may only be used for academic work. Cadets are responsible for bringing all necessary materials, including their computer and charging cables.
• Headphones and earbuds are not allowed unless authorized by faculty through Google Classroom.
• Athletes in guided study hall may still participate in varsity athletic contests as long as they remain in good academic standing (not more than two "F’s" in a grading period).

5. Support from Peer Tutors

To further support cadets, a member of Delta Phi (academic honor society) or MMA's chapter of National Honor Society is available from 1900 to 2015 as a cadet tutor, offering peer support and academic assistance.

The Connection Between Guided Study Hall and Relational Teaching

One of the defining characteristics of Missouri Military Academy is our relational teaching method, which prioritizes meaningful connections between cadets and faculty members and focuses on providing truly individualized guidance based on each cadet’s needs.

Guided study hall is a direct extension of this philosophy, allowing teachers to further engage with cadets and personalize their teaching methods to each cadet’s individual challenges and needs.

The Lasting Impact of Guided Study Hall

Guided study hall at Missouri Military Academy is more than just a study period—it is a structured opportunity for cadets to take ownership of their academic responsibilities while still receiving support from dedicated mentors. On a small scale, guided study hall helps cadets improve retention, comprehension, and overall academic performance. On a larger scale, it teaches them how to maximize their study time, develop effective learning strategies, prioritize tasks, organize their workload, and retain information more efficiently.

Through this structured yet supportive environment, cadets gain the tools to become self-sufficient learners, preparing them for the academic challenges of college and beyond. With the guidance of faculty mentors, a distraction-free setting, and the principles of relational teaching, MMA ensures that every cadet is equipped with the skills necessary to achieve academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong success. By fostering strong study habits, accountability, and discipline, guided study hall empowers cadets to take charge of their education and prepares them for college, career, and leadership in life.