Progressive Defense Academy
About
The Progressive Defense Academy is laser focused on providing the best education and training to help students become safe and well trained shooters. We founded the academy to share our passion for firearms education with students of every age and experience level, with a special interest in those who are completely new to firearms or may feel hesitant about becoming new firearm owners.
Meet Lamont and Bernard
Lamont and Bernard come from two different backgrounds. While they are both veterans with a passion for firearms, Lamont is an avid, experienced, and longtime competitive shooter. Bernard has an academic background as a college professor and has worked with non-profits, and is currently combining his newfound interest in firearms with a career in screenwriting. They met as instructor candidates and later became partners due to their joint interest in the education and training of safe, confident shooters. The Progressive Defense Academy is the product of their complementary skills and the place where they can share their experience with others.
What We Offer
CCW Classes
Advanced Training
Private Lessons
Defensive Shooting
Classes are open to all ages, with a special focus on new shooters and those who are curious about firearm ownership but unsure where to start.
Service Area
Proudly serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia. Please note that while we are fully certified to issue certifications in Maryland, students outside of Maryland are welcome to take our classes, though out-of-state certification is not currently available.
Courses
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See all policiesRefund Policy
Refund requests for any paid course must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the course start date or access period. Refunds may also be granted at our sole discretion on a case-by-case basis. Requests submitted less than 48 hours before the course begins are not eligible for a refund unless we determine an exception applies.
No-Show Policy
If you do not attend a scheduled course without prior notice, no refund will be issued. Refunds for no-shows may only be granted at the sole discretion of Progressive Defense Academy.
Late Arrival Policy
Anyone arriving more than 10 minutes late may be denied entry to the class. No refund will be issued solely due to a late-arrival denial, though exceptions may be made at our sole discretion.
Weather Cancellation Policy
If we cancel a course due to weather or unsafe conditions, you will receive either a full refund or the option to reschedule to a future course date.
Rescheduling Policy
If you request to reschedule a course, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative date. If a mutually suitable date cannot be reached between you and Progressive Defense Academy, a full refund will be issued.
Inclusiveness and Conduct
Progressive Defense Academy is committed to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and guests regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, religion, disability, or background. Discrimination, harassment, or hateful speech of any kind will not be tolerated. Bullying, intimidation, verbal abuse, physical aggression, or any threatening behavior toward students, instructors, or staff is grounds for immediate dismissal from the course without refund and a potential permanent ban from Progressive Defense Academy programs.
Weapons in the Classroom
Firearms, knives, and other weapons are strictly prohibited in the classroom setting unless explicitly authorized by an instructor during a hands-on training segment. Violation will result in immediate removal from the course without refund.
Photography and Video Recording
Video recording and photography are strictly prohibited in the classroom setting to protect the privacy of fellow students and the proprietary training materials of Progressive Defense Academy. Recording is permitted at the shooting range, provided all firearms safety rules are followed and no instructors or students object to being recorded. Range recording must not interfere with training or create safety hazards. Violation of the classroom recording prohibition may result in immediate removal from the course without refund and a potential permanent ban.
Reporting Concerns or Requesting an Exception
To report a concern, request a refund, discuss a late-arrival or no-show exception, or arrange a weather-related reschedule, contact us at [email protected] with your name, course name, and reason.