Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets began their academic classes on Aug. 18 for the fall 2025 semester. Cadets have been on campus at the Mexico campus since Aug. 1, when cadet leaders returned to work with the MMA commandant staff to prepare for the upcoming year, according to a news release.

“Education at Missouri Military Academy is deliberately held to higher standards than what most middle and high school students experience, as we challenge and inspire each cadet to set goals and reach his full potential,” said MMA President Richard V. Geraci, Brigadier General, USA (Ret), in the release. “Through our 360° Education, cadets learn in a structured environment defined by high expectations, self-discipline, personal responsibility and accountability — equipping them to take command of their own lives.”

MMA expects more than 200 cadets, including boarding and day cadets, to fill the corps during fall 2025, according to Geraci. This year’s corps currently includes cadets from 27 U.S. states and eight countries, including Brazil, China, Mexico, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Rwanda, Turks and Caicos and Vietnam.

Recognizing that cadets’ development is built on strong support networks, Geraci emphasized the vital role of families.

“Our partnership with parents significantly contributes to our cadets’ success,” he said.

The fall semester started with cadet leaders participating in an intensive leadership camp designed to prepare them for success in the 2025-26 academic year. In addition, all cadets engaged in week-long training to orient the new cadets to MMA’s high standards associated with MMA’s military educational environment, prior to the Academy’s first day of academic classes, the release stated. MMA's 360° Education encompasses academic excellence, physical training, personal motivation, goal setting, and leadership and character development.