Get your application in as soon as possible. We are now taking applications for the January 2009 program. To apply, download the student and mentor applications, and when your application is completed, mail it into the address that is under the "Contact Us" link.

Fill out the application.  Please include your e-mail address so we can contact you with the pre screening dates. You will also need to download a Mentor Application. It is located on the Mentor page.

Be sure to go on our bulletin board for encouragement, updates, and information. Go ahead and get involved with our great Challenge family.

If you have any questions or problems downloading the application, please e-mail recrtr@vachallenge.org and we will send you one.

Training at the Challenge Academy can be broken down into two separate areas: "Academics," and "Other Training." Academic training and instruction is the responsibility of the teaching staff and occurs, predominately, in a classroom setting. This training is supplemented with various off site field trips during the course of the Residential phase. The destinations of these trips vary, depending on the curriculum taught at a given time. Field trips have included museums, the Virginia Aquarium, state capital, Washington D.C., and live theater performances.

The Military cadre are responsible for most of the other training at the academy. This training comes from the disciplined routine of daily life at the Commonwealth Challenge Academy. The cadre make sure the cadets learn the importance of being prompt, that they are dressed appropriately, focused on daily tasks (including homework,) and accept responsibility for their actions. Cadre are also responsible for the cadets' physical fitness, personal hygiene, health and welfare, teaching ethical behavior, and working together as a team. Physical Training (PT), Drill and Ceremonies (marching), and barracks inspections are integral parts of training cooperation, tolerance of others, and teamwork.