A military school is a specialized institution that teaches academics while preparing candidates for officer crew service. They are found in several countries and offer a regular high school education with an extra military training curriculum. A military school for kids is highly sought after due to its prestige.
However, like a high or secondary school, they have academic classes after breakfast. In the evening, there may be self-study classes. As a part of the military institute, seniority is essential, and juniors must obey the commands of seniors.
In general, military schools instill values like respect, discipline, accountability, and leadership through rigorous academic and physical training.
This article will examine the top 15 military boarding schools for kids in 2024.
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Table of contents
- What Is A Military School?
- What Are Military Schools For Kids Like?
- What Are The Benefits Of Going To A Military School In the USA?
- How Much Does Military School For Kids Cost?
- What Is The Minimum Age To Attend A Military School?
- What Are The Top Military Schools For Kids In the USA in 2024?
- 1. Camden Military Academy
- 2. Fork Union Military Academy
- 3. Marine Military Academy
- 4. Admiral Farragut Academy
- 5. New York Military Academy
- 6. Valley Forge Military Academy
- 7. Missouri Military Academy
- 8. Massanutten Military Academy
- 9. St. Catherine’s Academy
- 10. New Mexico Military Institute
- 11. Riverside Military Academy
- 12. St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy
- 13. Fishburne Military School
- 14. Hargrave Military Academy
- 15. Robert Land Academy
- Conclusion
- Military Schools For Kid In the USA in 2024 FAQs
- Sources
- Editor’s Recommendation
What Is A Military School?
A military school is an educational institution that prepares candidates for service in the officer corps. It usually provides education in a military environment.
A military school for kids is a type of high school that includes military cadet education, and so is a form of the military academy. They are found in several countries and offer a regular high school education but with an extra military training curriculum.
What Are Military Schools For Kids Like?
Military schools for kids offer a regular high school education but with an extra military training curriculum. For example, cadets must rise early and do physical training to be followed by games in the afternoon.
However, like a high or secondary school, they have academic classes after breakfast. In the evening, there may be self-study classes. As a part of the military institute, seniority is important, and juniors must obey the commands of seniors.
All cadets from the same batch are considered to be of the same rank. However, prefects are selected to lead the normal cadets in higher grades.
What Are The Benefits Of Going To A Military School In the USA?
America’s military school for kids carries on a proud tradition of academic and personal excellence which has withstood the assaults of negative media attention and changing fashions in education.
Other benefits of going to a military school in the USA include the following:
1. They Build Character
Being a team member, learning to execute orders, and sacrificing one’s personal needs for the good of the group – these are all character-building exercises military school for kids in the USA teaches its students. Service above self is an integral part of most military schools’ philosophy.
Students who attend military school leave with a sense of pride in themselves, their communities, and their roles as good citizens of the world.
2. They Instill Discipline
Discipline is the first word that comes to mind when considering military school. Indeed, discipline is the essence of military schools, but it doesn’t always refer to a negative form of discipline. Discipline creates order. Order creates results.
The level of positive discipline prepares them for the rigors of college, careers, or military involvement.
3. Demanding Academics and Military Training
Most military schools in the US offer extensive college preparatory courses as part of their academic curricula. They combine that demanding academic work with rigorous military training so that their graduates are poised to matriculate to colleges and universities everywhere.
4. They Offer JROTC
JROTC, or Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps, is a Federal program sponsored by the U.S. Army at high schools nationwide. The Air Force, Navy, and Marines offer similar programs. About 50% of JROTC program participants go on to active military service.
JROTC introduces military life and philosophy at the secondary school level. It is an essential part of most military school programs.
5. They Produce Distinguished Graduates
The rolls of military schools in the US are filled with distinguished graduates who have gone on to be successful in just about every endeavor you care to name. Not just in military service either.
6. Patriotism
Patriotism is at the core of military training. The history of our country and how it got to where it is in the 21st century is an important part of what military schools teach as well. Inspiring service to our nation is the mission of a military school.
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How Much Does Military School For Kids Cost?
Military school tuition rates are based on the reputation of the school and its location. The average cost of a military school is $30,000 – $40,000 per year.
What Is The Minimum Age To Attend A Military School?
Every military school in the United States has its acceptance requirements. The norm is between the grades of 6 to 8. So that would place students between the ages of 12 and 15. It does depend on the academy.
In the United States, most regions require children between the ages of 6 and 16 to receive a formal education. Parents can force their children into military school if they demand it.
What Are The Top Military Schools For Kids In the USA in 2024?
There are several military schools in the US, but here we have listed the top 15 military schools for kids in the USA.
However, To effectively rank the best military schools for Kids in the USA, we used the following ranking factors according to WSF Review. Hence, they include the following;
The grades a military school offers can determine the level of facility it operates with. That is if it has a low or high facility.
It is often said that students in lower grades usually have more facilities and hands than others.
This refers to the number of students the military school takes in an academic year.
This means the students to teachers ratio. That is, the number of students one teacher can take if the students are shared among the teachers in the military school.
Here are the best military schools for kids in the USA:
- Camden Military Academy
- Fork Union Military Academy
- Marine Military Academy
- Admiral Farragut Academy
- New York Military Academy
- Valley Forge Military Academy
- Missouri Military Academy
- Massanutten Military Academy
- Camden Military Academy
- New Mexico Military Institute
- Riverside Military Academy
- St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy
- Fishburne Military School
- Hargrave Military Academy
- Robert Land Academy
1. Camden Military Academy
Acceptance Rate: 80%
The Camden Military Academy is located in Camden, South Carolina. The institution endorses a motto of “whole man” in terms of its approach to academia.
In addition to academics, students are challenged to grow physically, emotionally, and morally.
The average class size is only 12 students. The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:7, providing a ton of face-to-face interaction. Students average a score of 1050 on the SAT and 24 on the ACT.
Tuition is way down compared to the national average for military schools. The average domestic student at Camden Military Academy only pays about $24,000 annually in boarding, less than half the national median.
However, international students do pay substantially more on tuition at $37,000 per year. Additionally, only 30 percent of students receive financial aid, and the average grant size ($2,800 per year) is far below the national average.
2. Fork Union Military Academy
Average SAT Score: 1100 – 1150
Fork Union Military Academy is a military school that performs exceptionally well on the SAT. Last year the average score was 1110, good for fifth among military prep schools in the nation.
The male-only military academy has a longstanding tradition of performing very well on college entrance exams; thus, placement into very prestigious universities is common.
Students are well-rounded as Fork Union focuses on academics, leadership, and character. Its “One-Subject Plan” curriculum has been notoriously successful in helping mold young minds.
3. Marine Military Academy
Tuition: $35,000
Marine Military Academy is located in Harlingen, Texas.
The academy provides more than 50 course offerings at reasonable prices. The median average for tuition and boarding is $35,000 per year.
Over 250 male students attend the academy for ages 7 through 12. The classroom size is relatively small, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:11.
The academy is primarily designed to provide opportunities for those interested in joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Along with honor courses, students may also enroll in Aerospace and Marine Science.
Additionally, 40 acres on campus are dedicated to Marine Corps physical training. JROTC and organized sports are also offered through the institution.
4. Admiral Farragut Academy
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Admiral Farragut Academy is a private military prep school that allows boys and girls. It provides classroom instruction for grades 8 through 12. The small campus is in Boca Ciega Bay in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The academy offers signature programs, including Naval Science (Military), Aviation, Engineering, Marine Science, Scuba, and AP Capstone.
The military prep school has a little over 300 students. The average classroom size is 17, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:15.
The average yearly tuition for students is $48,000, which includes boarding costs. The yearly amount is comparable to the nationwide average of $56,500. International students pay a slightly higher amount, at nearly $51,800 annually.
5. New York Military Academy
Average SAT Score: 1200 – 1250
New York Military Academy makes our list as one of the most exclusive military schools in the United States for 2024 and one of the highest achieving.
The average SAT score for New York Military Academy students this past year was 1200 – good for fourth in the country. The co-ed school witnessed high performance for both boys and girls and offered advanced placement into some of the top universities in the nation.
High academic performance is partly attributed to extremely small class sizes. The average class only has eight students, providing massive personal interaction and instruction.
The average tuition for New York Military Academy is $44,160.
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6. Valley Forge Military Academy
Valley Forge Military Academy is an international leadership institution comprising a middle and high school for boys in grades 7-12.
Students are immersed in a unique educational experience centered on Five Cornerstones: Academic Excellence, Personal Motivation, Character Development, Physical Development, and Leadership.
These cornerstones help cadets reach their academic potential to succeed in the classroom and beyond. From its cadet leadership ranks to the rifle club to its award-winning equestrian program, VFMAC teaches students leadership and responsibility in practical ways.
7. Missouri Military Academy
Acceptance Rate: 60% – 70%
The Missouri Military Academy is located in rural Missouri. The prep school boards all its students and relies on a heavy military tradition and focus on academic excellence.
The Missouri Military Academy is currently exclusive to just boys. It preps students in grades 7 through 12. Its 360-Degree Education promotes academic excellence, physical development, strong character, personal motivation, and leadership skills.
Classroom sizes are small, with an average of 14 students and teacher to student ratio of 1:11. Yearly tuition averages $38,000 for boarding and $9,300 for day students. Approximately 40 percent of students receive financial aid.
8. Massanutten Military Academy
Average SAT Score: 1200 – 1250
The Massanutten Military Academy is located in Woodstock, Virginia. The premier boarding school is open to boys and girls. It prepares students for secondary education in a private setting.
The challenging curriculum provides cadet development with strong academics. Its achievement in high SAT scores has allowed Massanutten Military Academy to get acknowledged as one of the top military schools in the country for decades now.
Tuition is reasonable for a boarding school. Students from the United States average paying $29,000 per year for boarding and tuition. International students average paying $38,000 per year.
Financial assistance is exceptional. The academy reports that 95 percent of students earn some financial aid, though the average grant is relatively low at $5,000.
9. St. Catherine’s Academy
Founded in 1889, St. Catherine’s Academy is a Catholic school with a military tradition for boys in kindergarten and 8th grade.
They provide young men with a faith-filled foundation for lifelong success. Their multifaceted program includes faith formation, all-boys academics, and a military tradition for leadership and self-motivation.
They offer small classes, state-of-the-art technology, marching band, athletics, and much more. They welcome day and boarding students. As the only Catholic grade school with a military tradition in the US, the school is unique.
10. New Mexico Military Institute
Tuition: $13,700
The New Mexico Military Institute was established in 1891 and is the only state-supported co-ed military college prep boarding school in the United States.
It supports grades 9 through 12. The New Mexico Military Institute is designed to provide affordable military education and training to the youth.
The academy is nationally recognized for its outstanding academic performance, leadership, character development, and physical fitness programs.
The massive campus spans 300 acres and has a student body of nearly 900 students, making it one of the larger military boarding schools in the country. Last year students only paid, on average, $13,700 for tuition and boarding.
International students are paid slightly higher. 9 in 10 students receive some financial aid with an average grant of $3,000.
11. Riverside Military Academy
Average SAT Score: 1300 – 1350
Riverside Military Academy is located about an hour north of Atlanta on a beautiful 200+ acre campus. The college prep school offers boarding for students in grades 7 through 12.
Riverside Military Academy has some of the country’s highest reported median SAT scores. Last year, the average SAT score for students at the military academy was 1323. However, the ACT median was much more average at only 20.
The JROTC program at the academy is one of the most decorated in the nation. It has been designated as a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction for over 80 years. It allows up to five cadets to be recommended annually to federal service academies.
Tuition and boarding are moderately priced at Riverside Military Academy. The average domestic student pays approximately $38,000 per year. International students spend quite a bit higher at $43,600 per year.
However, half of all students receive financial aid, and the grants are generous at approximately $15,000 or more.
12. St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy
Average SAT Score: Over 1500
St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy is a private, Christian military prep school. The co-ed institution is renowned for its high performance on college prep tests like the SAT and ACT.
Students in attendance are in grades 7 through 12. The gorgeous 110-acre campus promotes academic focus along with building self-esteem and discipline.
The average classroom size is only 12 students. Plenty of one-on-one interaction is provided for both boys and girls. There are currently about 270 students enrolled at the boarding school.
Students pay $39,000 per year on tuition, well below the national average. International students pay closer to $44,000 a year for boarding and tuition.
Financial aid is available; however, only about one-fourth of students received any assistance in 2024. The average financial aid grant was $8,500.
Check this: 10 Free Military Schools For Troubled Youth In 2024
13. Fishburne Military School
Yearly Tuition-$58,050
Fishburne Military School offers young men from across the United States and around the world a structured, safe environment that strongly encourages honor, integrity, personal responsibility, and respect for everyone.
With robust academics focusing on STEM and university preparation, Fishburne Military School features small classes where students from all cultures exchange ideas. Highly respected, award-winning athletics program where everyone plays.
Only two and a half hours drive from Washington DC, Fishburne Military School is located in the beautiful, safe Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, close to major highways and airports.
The US Army JROTC Cadet Command recognizes the Corps of Cadets at Fishburne Military School as an Honor Unit With Distinction.
14. Hargrave Military Academy
Hargrave makes a boy’s development personal by investing in skills and relationships that will last a lifetime.
Your son will be exposed to the “How to Study” program and build relationships with everyone who interacts with him, including classmates, staff, coaches, and teachers.
They turn potential into opportunity while challenging a student to give his best effort in all things. Upon graduation, their cadets feel a genuine sense of accomplishment and are well-prepared to face the challenges of college and life.
15. Robert Land Academy
In Ontario`s Niagara Region, Robert Land Academy is Canada’s only private military-style boarding school for boys in grades 5 through 12. Founded in 1978, Robert Land Academy has developed a strong reputation as an ideal choice for boys who may be exhibiting difficulties with motivation and self-discipline.
Regardless of individual circumstances, the military model provides the structure and discipline necessary for these boys to recognize academic success and encourages them to build self-confidence, respect themselves and others, and realize their true potential.
Within the first semester of enrolment, 95% of new students experience a dramatic improvement in their academic performance, and 100% of Robert Land Academy’s graduates who apply to university or college are accepted into their program of choice.
Conclusion
A military school for kids is a type of high school that includes military cadet education, and so is a form of the military academy. They are found in several countries and offer a regular high school education but with an extra curriculum of military training.
This article listed 15 top military schools for kids in the USA.
Military Schools For Kid In the USA in 2024 FAQs
The only free military schools available are those that are part of the public school system.
Every military school in the United States has its acceptance requirements. The norm is between the grades of 6 to 8. So that would place students between the ages of 12 and 15. It does depend on the academy.
Yes, absolutely. All military schools in the United States offer some type of financial assistance. The number of recipients and amount of grant money varies widely based on its endowment, among other factors.
Sources
- operation military kids-military schools for boys and girls
- Wikipedia-Military high school
Editor’s Recommendation
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