Leadership at Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) is learned through action, reflection, and purpose. The Character and Leadership Development Program gives students the structure and inspiration to lead with integrity, make thoughtful decisions, and strengthen the world around them.
Every cadet who joins R-MA steps into a community that values honor, resilience, and self-discipline. Through challenging courses, mentorship, and real-world experiences, students develop the confidence to guide others and the courage to take initiative.
What Defines the CLDP
Directed by the Commandant’s Office, the CLDP staff, and the cadet chain of command, the Character and Leadership Development Program fosters an environment where learning and leadership evolve in tandem.
Each week, cadets participate in CLDP training sessions designed to strengthen teamwork, discipline, and communication. Classes are attended in units, allowing students to learn the importance of collaboration, mutual respect, and accountability. The result is a community where cadets support one another while developing their own sense of purpose and identity.
The program’s structure includes three main areas of focus: Leadership, Wellness, and Drill & Ceremonies. These elements work in harmony to cultivate leadership skills that are as practical as they are principled.
Leadership: Developing Initiative and Integrity
Leadership training begins early and builds progressively. Eighth graders and freshmen learn the foundations of personal management, emotional resilience, and core leadership traits. Sophomores advance to lessons in ethical decision-making and operational planning. Juniors engage in applied leadership, including risk management, communication, and preparation for higher education. Seniors refine their skills through mentorship, public speaking, and professional readiness.
Each stage of training reinforces the idea that leadership is not a position but a responsibility. Cadets learn to listen before leading, act with integrity, and build trust within their teams.
Wellness: Building Confidence and Balance
The CLDP recognizes that strong leaders must also be balanced individuals. Wellness training encourages cadets to strengthen both body and mind through physical fitness, mindfulness, and resilience exercises. Activities include group workouts, yoga, cardio sessions, and first aid instruction.
These sessions develop perseverance, focus, and emotional awareness, qualities that support leadership on and off campus. Cadets finish the program with a deep understanding of how personal wellness contributes to effective leadership and lifelong success.
Drill and Ceremonies: Learning Pride Through Precision
As a private military school, R-MA carries a proud tradition of discipline and unity. Drill and Ceremonies are central to this tradition. Daily formations, parades, and competitions instill pride, precision, and teamwork in every cadet.
The R-MA Drill Team exemplifies this spirit. Students who join the team learn far more than coordinated movements. The discipline and focus required in drill training mirror the values that define the entire CLDP experience.
The Principles of Leadership
The CLDP curriculum includes modules that guide cadets through essential leadership principles. Topics such as Ethical Decision-Making, Adaptive Leadership, and Creating a Positive Team Culture challenge students to think critically, lead courageously, and support those around them.
Cadets also explore the connection between followership and leadership, discovering how effective collaboration builds stronger teams.
The R-MA Graduate
Graduates of Randolph-Macon Academy leave with more than academic knowledge. They embody the traits of responsible citizens and servant leaders: driven, adaptable, and grounded in integrity. The Character and Leadership Development Program plays a defining role in that transformation, helping students become leaders who inspire confidence and carry R-MA’s values into the world.
Every lesson, every drill, and every act of service strengthens the bond between character and leadership. The CLDP ensures that this tradition continues, shaping graduates who are ready to lead, ready to serve, and make a difference.
Become Part of a Legacy of Leadership
At Randolph-Macon Academy, leadership education is a living tradition. The Character and Leadership Development Program continues to guide cadets toward excellence through accountability, discipline, and personal growth.
Experience an education that shapes character as well as intellect. Discover what it means to lead with purpose at R-MA, where ambition meets opportunity
Are you looking for a college prep school in Virginia?
Contact R-MA for more information.