Oak Ridge Military Academy
A living chapter of North Carolina: discover the people, traditions and present-day school behind Oak Ridge’s historic campus.
Oak Ridge · Guilford County · Community spotlight
Get to know Oak Ridge Military Academy
Behind a familiar campus is a continuing story of students, teachers, friendships and traditions. This FoLoByLo feature brings together the academy’s historic buildings, selected milestones and life at the school today—and invites its community to help tell the story.
The campus and its buildings
Alumni Hall is one of the academy’s recognizable buildings. ORMA’s historical account places its construction among the rebuilding projects that followed the 1914 fire, alongside Linville Chapel, King Gymnasium and several residence halls. These names carry both architectural history and generations of school memories.
As classmates contribute photographs, this section can grow into a closer look at individual buildings and the campus across the years. Dates and building names will accompany photographs when known.
A short history
- 1852 — Oak Ridge Male Institute is founded, following a local organizing effort that began in 1850.
- 1914 — A major fire is followed by a period of campus rebuilding.
- 1983 — The campus becomes a National Register historic district.
- 1991 — North Carolina designates ORMA its official military academy.
- 1992 — Jennifer Childers becomes the academy’s first female Corps of Cadets commander.
- 1996 — ORMA’s all-female drill team wins a national championship.
ORMA today
Oak Ridge Military Academy is a coeducational, college-preparatory boarding school. Its program combines academics, athletics and leadership development, with cadets from the United States and other countries. The historic campus continues to be a place where young people study, practice, make friends and prepare for their next steps.
Explore the academy’s current programs: Explore ORMA today ↗
Alumni, families and neighbors
What should someone know about ORMA? A favorite building, a school tradition, a teacher’s influence or an everyday moment can help others understand the academy’s place in this community.
Join the conversation on FoLoByLo’s Facebook page. Look for the pinned ORMA spotlight and leave a comment. We welcome memories, additional historical context and corrections.
Join the ORMA conversation: Join the conversation on Facebook ↗
Planning a visit
ORMA is an active school. Contact the academy to arrange a campus visit and confirm access or event details before going.
Arrange a visit: Arrange a campus visit ↗
Academy contact information: Academy contact details ↗
2317 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310
Sources and further reading
Academy history: Read the academy history ↗
North Carolina historical account: Read North Carolina’s historical account ↗
A FoLoByLo community spotlight. Researched September 13, 2026.
Oak Ridge · Guilford County · Community spotlight
Get to know Oak Ridge Military Academy
Behind a familiar campus is a continuing story of students, teachers, friendships and traditions. This FoLoByLo feature brings together the academy’s historic buildings, selected milestones and life at the school today—and invites its community to help tell the story.
The campus and its buildings
Alumni Hall is one of the academy’s recognizable buildings. ORMA’s historical account places its construction among the rebuilding projects that followed the 1914 fire, alongside Linville Chapel, King Gymnasium and several residence halls. These names carry both architectural history and generations of school memories.
As classmates contribute photographs, this section can grow into a closer look at individual buildings and the campus across the years. Dates and building names will accompany photographs when known.
A short history
1852 — Oak Ridge Male Institute is founded, following a local organizing effort that began in 1850.
1914 — A major fire is followed by a period of campus rebuilding.
1983 — The campus becomes a National Register historic district.
1991 — North Carolina designates ORMA its official military academy.
1992 — Jennifer Childers becomes the academy’s first female Corps of Cadets commander.
1996 — ORMA’s all-female drill team wins a national championship.
ORMA today
Oak Ridge Military Academy is a coeducational, college-preparatory boarding school. Its program combines academics, athletics and leadership development, with cadets from the United States and other countries. The historic campus continues to be a place where young people study, practice, make friends and prepare for their next steps.
Explore the academy’s current programs: https://www.oakridgemilitary.com/
Alumni, families and neighbors
What should someone know about ORMA? A favorite building, a school tradition, a teacher’s influence or an everyday moment can help others understand the academy’s place in this community.
Join the conversation on FoLoByLo’s Facebook page. Look for the pinned ORMA spotlight and leave a comment. We welcome memories, additional historical context and corrections.
Join the ORMA conversation: https://www.facebook.com/Folobylo
Planning a visit
ORMA is an active school. Contact the academy to arrange a campus visit and confirm access or event details before going.
Arrange a visit: https://www.oakridgemilitary.com/open-house
Academy contact information: https://www.oakridgemilitary.com/contact-us
2317 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310
Sources and further reading
Academy history: https://www.oakridgemilitary.com/our-history
North Carolina historical account: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2024/01/03/oak-ridge-institute-j-36
A FoLoByLo community spotlight. Researched September 13, 2026.