Closure Sparks Redevelopment Speculation
As initially reported in the Philadelphia Business Journal, the planned closure of Valley Forge Military Academy in May 2026 is fueling speculation over the future of its 70-acre campus. The property straddles Radnor Township in Delaware County and Tredyffrin Township in Chester County — two of the region’s most sought-after real estate markets. While Valley Forge Military College will continue to operate on the site, no definitive plans have been announced for the academy’s property, which carries an assessed value of nearly $40 million. The Delaware County portion, home to many of the school’s main academic buildings, is valued at more than $25 million.
The Academy
Valley Forge Military Academy is located in Wayne, Pennsylvania, a community in Radnor Township, Delaware County, about 15–20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The campus sits along Eagle Road near major routes such as Route 30 (Lancaster Avenue) and I-476 (the Blue Route), in the suburban Main Line area.
Valley Forge Military Academy was founded in 1928 as a private military preparatory school for boys. After relocating to its current campus following an early fire, the academy developed a strong reputation for combining rigorous academics with military discipline and leadership training. Over nearly a century, it educated thousands of cadets and became known for its distinctive military traditions and historic campus. In 2026, the academy is scheduled to close, marking the end of an era.
A 1928 postcard photo showing Valley Forge Military Academy cadets on the grounds of the former Devon Park Hotel, during the school’s very first semester.
Primary Reasons For Closing
- Declining Enrollment
Enrollment has steadily decreased, reducing revenue and making operations increasingly unsustainable. - Rising Costs & Financial Strain
Annual tuition reportedly exceeded $49,000, pricing out many families and increasing financial pressure. - Insurance & Legal Pressures
Changes in Pennsylvania liability laws led to significantly higher insurance costs and difficulty securing coverage. - Long-Term Financial Viability
Trustees concluded that the academy could not remain financially sustainable despite exploring alternatives.
Eastern University’s Involvement
Eastern University has signed an agreement to purchase 33.3 acres from Valley Forge Military College
- The property includes:
- Football stadium
- Track
- Athletic fieldhouse
- Additional housing and facilities
- Eastern has leased these athletic facilities since 2021.
- The agreement is contingent on final approvals and due diligence and is not yet finalized.
Context
- Eastern University’s enrollment is nearing 10,000 students, driving the need for expansion.
- The timing aligns with Eastern’s football program preparing for the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.
What about the adjacent Valley Forge Military College?
The Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) has its own leadership and will continue to operate independently
In short, VFMC consists of a self-contained collegiate campus focused on academics, military leadership training, residential cadet life, and degree completion, and it will continue operating on its retained portion of the Wayne campus after the academy’s closure.
