Q. Who is the Commandant?
A. Under the direction of Commandant Patrick R. Gallucci, the First State Military Academy provides an educational experience that offers all students the knowledge, skills, and attributes needed to thrive in post-secondary education, work, and civic life.
Q. Where is the school located?
A. 355 W. Duck Creek Rd., Clayton, DE 19938 (formerly known as the old St. Josephs’ Industrial School)
Q. Is there transportation?
A. Yes, transportation is provided by FSMA in accordance with Charter School regulations. Students from anywhere in the state can. Please go to the following link for the most up to date transportation information:
http://www.fsmilitary.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=278228&type=d
Q. Is there an entrance exam?
A. No.
Q. Is there tuition?
A. No.
Q. Can any student enroll?
A. First State Military Academy is designed for students entering grades 9-12.
Q. What is the mission of the school?
A. The Mission of the First State Military Academy is to provide an educational experience that focuses on developing the intellectual, physical and emotional growth of our Cadets. Through an environment of academic rigor, military discipline, citizenship, leadership and the application of strong moral values, Cadets will develop respect for themselves, those on whom they depend, and those that depend on them, ensuring successful entry into adult life.
Q. Which military branch is the First State Military Academy associated with?
A. Marine Corps.
Q. What are the teacher’s qualifications?
A. All teachers will be certified by the Delaware Department of Education in their content area.
Q. What Makes a Military Academy different?
A. The skills Cadets learn in four years at First State Military Academy are more than most adults will experience in a lifetime. The goal of MCJROTC is to develop leadership, character and citizenship skills, and enhance self-discipline through a challenging four-year leadership education program. While the training is along military lines, it is conducted with the intent of encouraging initiative and individuality, to develop natural gifts, to teach self-control, to develop personal character, responsibility, and qualities of integrity, loyalty, and dedication.
Q. What commitment is there after high school to the Marines?
A. There is no commitment after graduation and entering the military is not a requirement of being part of a JROTC program.
Q. What does it mean to be a New Tech Network School?
A. NTN is a school model that has students actively engaged in their own learning through real life problem solving. Please visit the New Tech Network website for more information at www.newtechnetwork.org
Q. What are the NTN academic statistics?
A. 9% higher college enrollment rate than national average
73% of students enroll in college
83% of the students who enroll in college, finish college
95% of students graduate HS in 4 years
95% attendance rate.
Q. Are there enrichment courses?
A. Yes. We currently offer AP/ dual enrollment classes.
Q. Is there physical education?
A. Yes.
Q. Will the students use computers?
A. Yes. The school is designed to be a 1:1 technology model and each student is issued a laptop on the first day of school.
Q. Can the school accommodate children with special needs?
A. The school is open to all students, including those with learning disabilities. We believe in the inclusion model for teaching students with special needs which allows them to learn with their peers in the least restricted environment.
Q. How many students per each grade?
A. The target total for each class is 125. The total for the school, grades 9-12, will be 500.
Q. Is there a uniform policy?
A. Yes. The appearance of a cadet is a measure of pride in the MCJROTC program, The First State Military Academy and our country. The uniform that a cadet is issued is the same as those issued to U.S. Marine Corps personnel, with the exception of MCJROTC patches and nametapes, and associated cadet rank insignia.
Q. Will lunches be served?
A. Yes. Students will be offered a breakfast and lunch program that complies with all state and federal regulations on school nutrition. Parents can fill out a Federal lunch form, and depending on the family’s income and eligibility, students may receive free or reduced price breakfast and lunch.
Q. How do I enroll?
A. Complete the online application at https://www.schoolchoicede.org/
Q. Is there a sibling preference?
A. Yes
Q. Will there be varsity sports?
A. Yes
Q. How will the teachers and school communicate with parents?
A. Communication takes place through individual email, newsletters, and various social media platforms.
Q. Will there be a PTSA?
A. FSMA now has a Parent Service Organization.