WAYNE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Parents say they were blindsided on Friday when Valley Forge Military Academy announced that it would be closing to underclass cadets earlier than expected.

"While our intent was to remain open to all cadets throughout the year, ongoing staff turnover and higher-than-expected cadet attrition have created challenges that make it increasingly difficult to provide the full educational and leadership experience that every cadet deserves," the academy's chairman said in the letter.

Anthony Ortiz Rivera, who is in 7th grade, dreamed of becoming a cadet since the 5th grade.

"It's just a big disappointment for me... I really wanted to join the military in life. I wanted to get a perspective of how the military was," said Ortiz-Rivera, who worked hard to earn a scholarship

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