When summer rolls around, most students look forward to sleeping in, heading to the pool, and taking a break from school. But for Upper School students, summer provides the perfect time to achieve college readiness success and grow academically, socially, and personally. At Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA), our summer programs are designed to help rising 9th–12th graders do just that.
From earning academic credit and exploring new subjects to learning how to fly, our programs are built to give students a meaningful and memorable summer and a real head start on college readiness success.
Here’s why students choose R-MA’s summer experience year after year.
1. College Readiness Success Without Giving up Summer
At R-MA, we know that not every student’s academic journey is the same. Some students want to catch up. Others want to get ahead. That’s why we offer two flexible course types: remedial (for credit recovery) and prep (to boost skills before the next school year).
Core subjects like Algebra I & II, Geometry, English 9–11, Biology, and World History are available in both formats. Plus, for students who love tech, there’s a prep course in Computer Science and AI; a great way to explore STEM before college.
Courses are offered on campus or synchronously online (live, not recorded), so students can choose the format that works best for them. Whether students need credit or confidence, they’ll find the support and structure to succeed, without missing out on a great summer.
2. Our Aviation Camp Lets You Soar (Literally)
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of taking the controls of an aircraft or flying a drone over scenic terrain. Our Aviation Summer Camp gives students from grades 9–12 the chance to do both.
Over two action-packed weeks, students:
- Train in R-MA aircraft and simulators
- Learn drone operations, from aerial photography to mapping
- Meet guest speakers in the aviation field
- Can work toward their FAA remote pilot certification
With just 12 spots per session, the experience is personal, focused, and unforgettable. Many private school students leave camp inspired to pursue aviation or aerospace in college, and with a unique story to tell in their applications.
3. It’s About More Than School: It’s About Growth
Yes, our summer students hit the books, but they also hit the zipline, the campfire, the laser tag arena, and even Washington, D.C.
Each session is packed with on-campus activities like:
- Indoor and outdoor movie nights
- Paintball sessions
- Campfires with s’mores
- Game nights and scavenger hunts
- Free time to relax on our 135-acre campus
And the off-campus excursions? They’re just as exciting:
- Ziplining at Bear Mountain
- Laser tag and indoor skydiving
- King’s Dominion and Hershey Park
- Massanutten Water Park and Monster Mini Golf
- Luray Caverns, Shenandoah Valley, and Washington, D.C.
- Go-karts, Top Golf, and baseball games
- Ice cream outings and study-hall snack events
These experiences help students build friendships, independence, and confidence for college readiness success, just as much as the classroom work does.
4. College-Ready, Confidence-Ready
At R-MA, everything we do, from our summer courses to our aviation program to our evening activities, is designed to help students grow into independent, capable young adults. We want them to leave not just with more knowledge, but with the confidence to use it.
Our small class sizes, engaged instructors, and welcoming environment ensure that students are seen, supported, and challenged, without ever being overwhelmed.
Whether you’re looking for credit, career exploration, or just a more meaningful way to spend your summer, our program is built to meet you where you are and help you rise to what’s next.
Are you looking for a private day and boarding school in Virginia?
Contact R-MA for more information.