CLAYTON, Del. – On Friday, Senator Coons visited welcomed the inaugural classes of junior bulldog cadets at the First State Military Academy. Senator Coons was joined by school board members, including board chair Scott Kidner, parents and members of the community for opening ceremonies of FSMA.
Senator Coons thanked the USDA Rural Development for their role in financially supporting the school. “It’s a pleasure to recognize USDA Under Secretary Lisa Mensa and the role the USDA plays in supporting education in Delaware. USDA RD has supported Delaware’s charter schools to the tune of $55 million in Delaware.”
The FSMA opened in August of this year with 210 Marine Corps ROTC cadets in grades 9 and 10 enrolled. The school will add 11th and 12th grades in the next two years to meet an enrollment goal of over 500 cadets and is planning to expand into other buildings on the preexisting campus as enrollment increases.
The academy aims to provide its students with an educational experience focused upon intellectual, physical and emotional growth in a setting that encourages honesty, integrity, teamwork and commitment. The school will also feature the “New Tech” project-based curriculum which offers a unique approach that starts with computer technology.
“Thank you to Commandant Patrick Galluci, as he takes over and begins to mold the students with care and leadership for the students who have come here to seek a better opportunity,” said Sen. Coons. “They have come here not just to be