The Creation of Frederick Military Academy

The name Frederick Military Academy was chosen in honor and memory of Frederick T. Beazley, father of Fred W. Beazley, Sr. and grandfather of Fred W. Beazley, Frederick Jr., benefactors of the school. Frederick T. Beazley was a citizen of Portsmouth for more than forty years and always reflected all that was good as a husband, father, and citizen. His thoughtfulness of and helpfulness to others, his faithfulness to his family, his church, and his friends were such as to leave a lasting imprint in the memory of those who knew him.

The school first opened its doors in September 1958, but its roots go much deeper than that because the idea was born in the mind and heart of Fred W. Beazley more than thirty years ago. For a great many rears he had nourished the idea and desire of establishing a school where young men could secure for themselves an education that would prepare them educationally and morally to meet the problems of rapidly changing society. With these thoughts in mind, he constantly looked forward to the day when the establishment of such a school might become a very definite reality.

Heralding the realization of this desire and dream, the first step was taken in 1948 when the Beazley Foundation, Inc. came into being. Since that time, Fred W. Beazley, Marie C. Beazley, his wife, and Fred W. Beazley, Jr. have contributed several millions of dollars to the foundation. The Board of Trustees, of which Justice Lawrence I’Anson is Chairman, consists of those who have known of the desire of the Beazleys to promote the cause of charity, religion, recreation, and education for a great many years. Therefore, the Trustees have given of their time in the furtherance of all these programs.

Upon the creation of the Beazley Foundation in 1948, the Trustees began thinking of and planning for the establishment of Frederick Military Academy. In early 1956 the Foundation Boys Academy, Inc. was established to operate the school. The Trustees and Offices of Administration were successful in acquiring a suitable school facility and much money has been spent in renovating and equipping the facility. Though the school is located in Portsmouth and has its roots there, its purpose is to serve an unlimited area and to make available to young men educational training of the highest caliber.

The Foundations have acquired investments of the type and nature that will produce substantial income for the use of the school. These incomes will insure the perpetuation of Frederick Military Academy. The Trustees of the Foundations will use these incomes also to enable students who are honestly seeking an education to pursue their studies at a minimum cost. The Trustees, the Administration, and the Faculty are interested in the making of men- not profits.

Note: The above passage describing the creation and formation of FMA and Frederick College is excerpted from the 1970-71 FMA Admissions Guide verbatim. Site members may download a PDF of the guide in the members area.