Midstate military academy won’t offer classes next fall

(Harrisburg) — The Carson Long Military Academy in New Bloomfield, Perry County will not offer classes next fall.

The academy is the oldest private boarding school in the country to provide military leadership training. The school was established as Bloomfield Academy in 1836. 

In a letter posted online, the chair of the academy’s board chair said the financial resources don’t exist to continue as usual next year, due to declining enrollment and a commitment to keep tuition affordable.

Perry County Commissioner Steve Naylor said the move is certainly a loss for academy employees and area businesses.

He added the community is also losing a great asset.

“In the winter time, the staff up there would allow the cadets to come down and shovel snow for the elderly and that was a great help. The people loved that. And they were just a great asset to the community,” Naylor said. 

Cadets also assisted in local ceremonies to honor veterans. 

“They just made the Veterans and Memorial Day celebrations very respectable,” Naylor said. “They just added something that I see we’re going to lose.”

Carson Long has entered into an agreement with Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Delaware County for the students to continue their education there.