Culver Academies

1300 Academy Rd

Culver, IN 46511

27 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on November 08, 2023

I am a 1967 graduate of Culver Military Academy (CMA), where I spent my last three years of high school. I was recently elected to the board of directors of the Culver Legion, CMA's alumni association, and attended my first board meeting back on campus this past September. I have attended all but one of my class reunions (held every 5 years) since graduation. My 60th reunion will be in 2027, and I will be there. Each time I return to Culver I am reminded what an incredible campus CMA and the Culver Girls Academy (CGA) share. When my wife attended her first reunion with me, she said she had no idea that I spent three years at what, to her, looked like a college campus. With each visit, I have seen the campus grow -- new dormitories, new academic buildings, new sports facilities.But for me, more important than all the new buildings -- they are impressive! -- are those who make the school such an outstanding educational experience -- the students, the faculty, and the staff. The students are impressive, the faculty as top notch as they were in my day, and the staff help hold everything together. At my alumni association board meeting in September, I heard faculty and students describe what's at the heart of the Culver experience -- a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for college (and good ones at that; I attended Stanford University after graduation); a leadership training curriculum unique, I believe, at the secondary school level; and a holistic approach to students' development: mind, body, and spirit. To describe it is one thing; to see it up close and personal as I now can through my alumni association involvement is quite another. Seeing is believing. Thank you, Culver, for shaping me in my life and career. I owe you a huge debt of gratitude, and I am happy to be with you once again. I hope I can do my part to continue your strong tradition of excellence and to help move you into the future.
Submitted by other on October 11, 2023

As a former graduate of CMA, and now a parent that is often approached by friends and associates about sending their children, here is my perspective. The students that I have referred to both the boys and girls Academies have loved their experiences during the past three years. The friendships, the leadership experience, the world class academics, the premier facilities on an 1,800 acre campus by the lake, and direct admittance into their first choice of colleges is what they highlight. They also reference the spiritual and emotional well-being programs that are numerous and support every religion for the students. Take the official campus tour and make the investment in your children. Your children will thank you for a lifetime much like I do with my parents for the opportunity that changed my path in life.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2023

I would highly recommend Culver Academies to prospective students and families. Our experience has been tremendous in terms of providing our daughter with opportunities that she would never have been exposed to in either her local public or local private schools in our area. Culver is true to its mission in that it is a very high demand/high support environment. The leadership curriculum is a key component of the overall educational experience - which cannot be emphasized enough in preparing its students for college to be fully engaged.
Submitted by other on October 09, 2023

Culver helped me become the leader I am today by surrounding me with incredible mentors, classmates, and structure. Culver is a school that focuses on teaching young adults how to balance their lives with academia, athletics, and all the in between. As a first generation student, I am so glad my parents took a chance and sent me to this wonderful school.
Submitted by other on October 08, 2023

Culver creates a unique community that fosters independence, growth, teaches peer leadership and inclusion. With a diverse student population, teens from all over the globe, live and learn together in safe environment that promotes their maturation while celebrating fun and creativity.As a recent graduate, I couldn’t be more proud to belong to an incredible alumni community. It’s the support of both the faculty and alumni that lead to my first postgraduate job! More importantly, the friends made in my 4 years at Culver remain my closest friends years later.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2023

As a parent of three students, I have been incredibly impressed by the growth my children have shown as learners and people under Culver's guidance. We could not have trusted their development during these formative years to a better institution. The school is well-equipped to back up its commitment to whole person education. They balance high challenge with high support and build in instruction and practice for important life lessons related to leadership and character development that is especially impressive. We have not found any other school that offers such an authentic and intentional approach. Our children are surrounded by supportive adults who are invested in their education beyond the classroom and peers who are motivated and invested in their own education.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2022

Unless you are a legacy, a big donor or a star athlete, Culver doesn't care about your experience. Their Honor Code and Leadership Principles can be bought and sold - so that a good kid who follows the rules and gets good grades, but is a scholarship kid, ends up second class to the kid who gets in fights and cheats in classes. The adults toy with the kids, holding incentives and rewards over them in what amounts to little more than a power trip. Fortunately we have had largely decent instructors at least. There is no adult supervision after certain hours, and heaven forbid your child tell you what's going on. Their lives become more difficult. They *NEVER* make a mistake, and if you think they do, they will tell you why it's really your (or your child's) fault. They didn't reply to an email? You should've stopped by or called. Didn't reply to a voicemail? You should have emailed. There is very little communication, and they want very much for parents to just butt out and let them do whatever they want. "Trust the process" is a worthless, ridiculous mantra. Don't fall for it - ask questions and insist on answers.
Submitted by student on November 14, 2021

Current Student at Culver Academies perspective:First I would like to say that I am a male, and there is a significant difference between the boys (CMA) and girls (CGA) side of the school. I decided I wanted to attend this school due to family issues, and was accepted to my surprise. I decided to attend starting sophomore year of high school. I graduated last spring. PROS:Really, really good teachers. Academic experience is probably the best thing the place did for me, especially the Humanities Department. Good Athletic experiences (besides Football: Do not do Football, emotionally abusive coaches)Prepares you for life in many ways, full of adversity, learning how to talk to adults. Massive differences between public/private school studentsUnique environment in barracks, life long friendships madeCampus is EXTREMLEY ENTICING. Overall Good facilities. CONS:To be frank, the school expects you to be an absolute stud in the worlds of academia, military, and athletics. You cannot fall behind in one of these. The entire military system as a whole is absolutely worthless. Corrupt. Pointless. Petty. You name it. There are plenty of "military mentors" that add nothing but negativity to my experience here. Also, military rules are just rudimentary--there is NOTHING legit about it besides petty things like making sure your room is PERFECT in every aspect every morning. Administration (Bird/Squires) do not listen to student requests. Very patronizing and they come off as very authoritarian. The place has WAY too many rules in place its nearly outrageous. Its always a hassle checking in/signing out, they don't let you go home on 75% of weekends, too many obligations you must attend, no individualism, STRESS. The Food is atrocious. Being totally serious here--it is the cheapest of quality imaginable. Talking about money, the place is super expensive. 50k a year with no merit scholarships...stop it...also they make it mandatory that all students wear their expensive merch around (called reg-rec). You can't wear brand clothes. Too many rules, kids constantly getting kicked out for arbitary things. It's hell. No empathy.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2017

I truthfully state CULVER equipped me for lifetime success. CULVER'S Honor Code guides me. I became a life-long reader, learner, and DOER. Thank you, U.S. History teacher Al Nagy... and many others. Cadet command (1st Lt, Battery A) taught me "No excuse, sir" ... total ownership of my own conduct, work-ethic, and outcome. Thank you, Coach Russ Oliver, for doing years of sports together. Thank you, CULVER 2017 Admin and Crew for carrying our torch forward.And THANK HEAVEN, my parents expressed their love and wisdom by "sending me to Culver" LOL Norman L Wherrett, Jr Class of 1961Redmond, WA
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2016

As with most things, Culver is a mixed bag. After 4 years, this is what I observed.The good:1. Rock star teachers. Astronomy by a NASA scientist, humanities by worldly scholars...2. Harkness discussions are powerful! My son appreciates other’s points of view, speaks clearly and objectively evaluates information.3. Terrific alumni network. The post-grad connection is STRONG! 4. Beautiful facilities. The campus is breathtaking!5. Some athletics are AMAZING! Hockey, lacrosse, tennis, crew... The facilities rival any.6. Strong religious life program, for all faiths and philosophies.7. Lake Max!The not-so-good:1. The military program is antiquated, encourages bullying and treats boys badly. When one reports bullying, the leaders blame the victim & promote the bully. There are better leadership training structures.2. The boys dorms are abysmal. Old facilities, group showers, filthy rooms, poor cellular, zero disabled facilities, absence of adults overnight & a “boys will be boys” attitude.3. It’s in the middle of nowhere, far from an airport or city. Getting there is expensive & time consuming.4. Extreme wealth dominates. Like us, most parents are of above average means & donate accordingly. But the subset of extreme wealth dominates. Sports, special events, graduation, etc.5. Introverts are NOT valued. If you are <100% extroverted, Culver is not a good fit. Introverts feel inferior, blamed for not confronting others & may not enjoy the absence of privacy. So, that’s my honest recount of what we experienced. Would we do it again? Maybe. My adult child feels pride in his Culver alumni status. He is a thriving college student who appreciates independence, understands not everyone is playing with the same advantages and loves people from different backgrounds. But his high school experience may have been more positive at a more balanced school.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2016

D attended for 4 years and loved every moment. She partook in the equine program, speech, orchestra,and more. She was admitted to a top university with help and guidance for the professional college advising staff.Bullying, as reported by other posters? Hmm. Anyone confirmed of bullying - and Culver's history is testament to the fact that is does not matter who the offender is, who their family is, or how much money they have - and bullying will result in on-the-spot expulsion. Kids will be kids anywhere, regardless of school, but Culver has a demonstrated zero tolerance policy.Let me also add something else: a 14 or 15 year-old needs to be prepared for private school life. Some are just NOT ready.Our D in 9th grade was very short, very, very petite, sweet-natured, with a child's face and voice, but she was emotionally ready and incredibly excited at the prospect go attending.By the middle of the first year she was in full stride with COUNTLESS good friends, and by sophomore year she was handling all of her own decisions; which classes to sign up for, when and where to go shopping with friends, which clubs to join, weekend trips to take, roommates to sign up for for the next year, she was in 100% full independent mode. If you question whether your child will not only be CAPABLE of making those decisions, but really LOOKING FORWARD to making all of his or her own decisions, then keep them at home for a while. There are plenty of Culver students that would relate that their younger or older siblings really didn't want the all responsibility. They want parents involved in the details of their lives, picking up after them, socializing with the family, etc. And that is good.If your kid is a clinger - and there is NOTHING ABNORMAL OR WRONG about that, then you need to consider if private school is the right place for them.As to remarks that the dorms are 'unsupervised at night', that is simply not the case. Dorm moms and counselors keep a close eye on the girls, and they go through the rooms at night especially during study time. They know what goes on, believe me.AGAIN, if your child needs the security of a constant adult presence around them, then they just may not be ready. Don't push it.
Submitted by student on November 08, 2015

I need potential parents and students to listen up. I am currently attending Culver for my second year now and I have never experienced such a great disappointment. There is so much they do not tell you about what actually goes on when the parents leave and adults turn their backs (as they always do because the wealthy and legacy families have them wrapped around their fingers). There are numerous students who have developed depression, anxiety, and panic attacks due to the overly competitive nature of the school and toxic environment they are forced into every day. A large number of scholarship kids could actually afford to come here out of pocket (it's all about who you know) or didn't deserve it in the first place. They may have looked enticing on paper but in person they are the most ungrateful, spiteful, and immature children I have ever met. You think the facilities are nice? Sure they are, but they're run by a bunch of petty buffoons we refer to as "faculty". That does not go for everyone, but many of the educators here are still in high school themselves (mentally) or, again, got their job because they know someone. The adults could care less about the welfare of the students. I have gone to my counselor with several issues, some of which still prevail today, that were simply shrugged off as I was told to "Ignore it" or "Let it pass". That doesn't work so well when you are terrorized daily by your roommate. I know I am not the only one. There are students that have left for this exact reason or just bullying in general. The girls' side is especially brutal and I have spent most of my nights either alone, sobbing, or home because I simply cannot stand to be at this school. Please, do not let the beautiful campus fool you. Pretty is as pretty does. The internal turmoil and lies are extremely prevalent. The education you receive is not exemplary(mediocre at best) and EVERYTHING is corrupt. Do not send your children here and do not bother visiting. I am deeply sorry for the girls I gave a tour to last year that are currently attending because they are being harassed and beaten down just like I am right now. Show this to everyone you know because, if not, someone will either hurt themselves or hurt other people if things do not change. It is a cesspool of a place.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2015

Culver Military Academy has been an excellent experience for my eldest son. My youngest son will be a freshman next year. With regard to the parent review submitted 4/14/2015, I politely disagree with her assessment. My son is in the honors program (and he is American born and raised). He has achieved honor roll (gold A) and a 4.0 in "honors" classes and will have the opportunity to be in AP classes (according to his advisor). Also, this is a military school and I believe the expectations of the school were provided with great detail prior to attending the school. Finally, please review Culver's matriculation reports for the last 5 years. They are available on Culver's website. The top 10% of students are attending STEM and or tier 1 schools e.g., USMA, University of Chicago, Notre Dame, Princeton, University of Michigan....
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2015

Culver is beautiful, with impressive facilities & several strong teachers. But I cannot recommend it for the following reasons: 1. It is dominated by gifted international students who are academically years ahead of all American students in STEM classes. They consume the limited AP class openings and the American kids can't earn a spot. Check the matriculation statistics. Few American kids graduating from Culver are getting into top STEM schools as many are not allowed to take advanced classes in high school. In hindsight, my children's college applications would have been more impressive (GPA, class rank, AP classes) had they gone elsewhere. Kids who were top performing in American schools are competing for the second quartile at Culver. 2. There is a pervasive problem of bullying in the military leadership system. Domineering, aggressive kids are promoted with actual authority over their more tolerant, gentler peers creating an environment that is ideal for bullying. If your child is non-aggressive, this is not a welcoming environment. There are many positives, but these two negatives are show stoppers for me.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2014

Culver Academies is the best of the best with the finest facilities, the most beautiful campus, a caring staff and great teachers. An intl leadership HS with a rigorous college schedule, AP classes, Harkness style teaching in obligatory humanities class, etc. Culver also requires an intensive community project for HS graduation, similar to the IB program but much more sophisticated and elaborate. Many graduates move on to Ivy league and other top colleges with full or large scholarships. My daughter loved her time at Culver and the flood of tears of the graduates after the graduation ceremony, realizing it's time to say goodby to their Culver family is almost heartbreaking but the Culver campus will always be their home away from home.
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2014

My experience is being nothing but marvelous, every photo shows happy faces, and only the fact that my girl is willing that the summer arrives to get there, makes me fill confident that have made the right choice, is a wonderful place to send your kids.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2014

Do not consider sending your child here! My son came to culver hoping to become a leader. Turned out the school cares about one thing money. My son tells me the military program was very poor. (probably why Culver isn't considered a military school anymore after dropping their ROTC program years back) Its sad to see a once great school has took a turn for the worst.
Submitted by other on May 16, 2014

Just a flat out horrible place to be, i will not return for my senior year. This place is filled with greed and the staff is so arrogant. Don't make the mistake I made! Don't let the nice campus fool you.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2014

The school offers a great selection of courses;the teachers are fantastic and very supportive. Many teachers are college level. The curriculum is challenging and the grading is very strict. The athletic program is strong, without being all consumming. Emphasis is on the process, not the outcome for most sports. Students are encouraged to be independent and solve all problems; parental involvement is limited.
Submitted by other on February 16, 2014

Is it legal to have these kids in dorms with no supervision at night and on weekends? Many of these kids are 14-15 years old and have never been away from home before. I had a friend that sent her child there for a few years and she felt her child spent a lot of time alone and no one really reached out to him. This includes not just the kids, but counselors and teachers. He ended up leaving after 2 years because he was miserable and definitely not worth $40,000 a year. She admits she was fooled by the beauty of the campus. Buyer Beware!