New York Military Academy

Overview

The New York Military Academy (NYMA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization designated for educational purposes, providing a college preparatory education intertwined with military discipline. Founded in 1889, it is one of the oldest military schools in the United States, located in Cornwall, New York[2][3].

History

NYMA was established by Charles Jefferson Wright, a veteran of the American Civil War and a former schoolteacher from New Hampshire. Initially, the academy operated on a small scale but grew significantly under the leadership of Sebastian Jones, who led the school from 1894 to 1922. This period included overcoming challenges such as a disastrous fire in 1910 and extensive reconstruction efforts[2].

NYMA faced financial difficulties and declining enrollment in the early 2010s, leading to a scheduled closure in 2010. However, a group of alumni and local business leaders intervened, raising funds to keep the school open. Despite these efforts, NYMA filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and was subsequently auctioned to the Research Center on Natural Conservation Inc., a nonprofit corporation led by Vincent Tianquan Mo. Following significant investment in refurbishments and capital improvements, the school reopened later that year[2].

Mission and Education

NYMA is committed to developing cadets' minds, bodies, and characters through a rigorous curriculum and military training, preparing them for further education and leadership roles. The school offers a K-12 education, with a focus on college preparation and military discipline[2][4].

Academics and Demographics

As of recent data, NYMA has an enrollment of around 120 students, with a diverse student body from various countries. The school supports students with learning differences and offers a post-graduate year program[3]. NYMA has a small class size with a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1, fostering close attention to each cadet's academic and personal development[3].

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of NYMA include Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States; Francis Ford Coppola, renowned film director; and Stephen Sondheim, an Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist[3].

Financials

NYMA operates primarily on program services revenue, with additional income from contributions and investment income. Donations to NYMA are tax deductible as part of its nonprofit status[1].