It is only natural to want the best for yourself or your family (depending on your situation), and for some families, that means considering a military school or academy. These types of schools offer a unique approach to education and discipline and can help students develop skills and values that will benefit them throughout their lives. We will explore the different types of military schools, academies, and boarding schools in the United States, and provide you with a list of schools in various categories so you can get started on making an informed decision.
Table of Contents
What Is Military School?
Military schools are educational institutions that combine traditional academic coursework with military training and discipline. They are designed to help students develop leadership, physical fitness, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Students who attend military schools are typically required to wear uniforms, follow strict rules and regulations, and participate in rigorous physical training exercises. Many military schools also offer extracurricular activities like sports, music, and clubs.
Types of Military Schools
There are several types of military schools, each with its own approach to education. Some of the most common types of military schools include:
- Federal Service Academies – Federal service academies are military academies that are directly funded by the federal government. These academies offer a four-year program that combines academic coursework with military training, and they are highly competitive to get into. Students who attend federal service academies receive a full scholarship, which covers tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
- State Military Colleges – In addition to federal military academies, there are several state military colleges that offer a military-style approach to education and training. These colleges are public institutions that receive state funding, and they offer programs that prepare students for careers in the military, government, or private sector.
- Military Boarding Schools – These are traditional boarding schools that have a military-style approach to education and discipline. Students live on campus and follow a structured daily routine that includes drills and ceremonies, physical training, and military classes.
- Military Prep Schools – Military academies are similar to boarding schools, but they are more focused on preparing students for a career in the military. They offer a rigorous academic curriculum and a structured military program, and many require students to participate in ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programs.
- Military Junior Colleges – Military junior colleges offer a two-year program that combines academic coursework with military training. Students can earn an associate’s degree and may be eligible for a commission in the military upon graduation.
Benefits of Military Schools
Military schools offer many benefits to students. The benefits will vary based on the age of the student and the specific school. However, most would agree that military schools offer the following benefits, including:
Discipline
Military schools provide a structured environment that emphasizes discipline and respect for authority. Students learn to follow rules and routines, which can help them succeed in all aspects of life.
Leadership
Military schools help students develop leadership skills, which can be valuable in any career or profession.
Physical Fitness
Military schools emphasize physical fitness and provide students with opportunities to participate in sports and other physical activities.
Academic Excellence
Military schools offer a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond.
Career Preparation
Military schools can prepare students for careers in the military, as well as other fields that require discipline, leadership, and physical fitness.
Federal Service Academies
Federal service academies are widely recognized as highly prestigious institutions that offer competitive opportunities for students. Graduates of these academies are known to have successful careers in both the military and other professional fields. The education and training provided by these institutions prioritize character development, intellectual growth, and physical conditioning, which prepare graduates to excel in their chosen paths.
| Name of School | Location | Website |
| United States Military Academy | West Point, NY | www.usma.edu |
| United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | www.usna.edu |
| United States Air Force Academy | Colorado Springs, CO | www.usafa.edu |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | www.uscga.edu |
| United States Merchant Marine Academy | Kings Point, NY | www.usmma.edu |
State Military Colleges
State military colleges offer many of the same benefits as federal military academies, including discipline, leadership training, physical fitness, and career preparation. They can also be a more affordable option for students who want to pursue a military-style education and training.
| Name of School | Location | Website |
| The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina | Charleston, SC | www.citadel.edu |
| Virginia Military Institute | Lexington, VA | www.vmi.edu |
| North Georgia College and State University | Dahlonega, GA | www.ung.edu |
| Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | www.tamu.edu |
| University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | www.ung.edu |
| Norwich University | Northfield, VT | www.norwich.edu |
| South Carolina State University | Orangeburg, SC | www.scsu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | www.uwsp.edu |
Military Junior Colleges
Military junior colleges offer many of the same benefits as full military academies, including character development, physical fitness, and leadership training, but they provide a more flexible and accessible option for students who are looking to pursue a military-style education and training.
| Name of School | Location | Website |
| Georgia Military College | Milledgeville, GA | www.gmc.edu |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | www.marionmilitary.edu |
| New Mexico Military Institute | Roswell, NM | www.nmmi.edu |
| Valley Forge Military Academy & College | Wayne, PA | www.vfmac.edu |
Military Prep Schools
Military prep schools provide a supportive and structured environment for students who are considering a career in the military. These schools can help students develop the skills and values necessary for success in the military, while also providing a strong academic foundation for future studies.
| Name of School | Location | Website |
| Camden Military Academy | Camden, SC | www.camdenmilitary.com |
| Carson Long Military Academy | New Bloomfield, PA | www.carsonlong.org |
| Culver Academies | Culver, IN | www.culver.org |
| Fork Union Military Academy | Fork Union, VA | www.forkunion.com |
| Hargrave Military Academy | Chatham, VA | www.hargrave.edu |
| Howe Military Academy | Howe, IN | www.howemilitary.org |
| Marine Military Academy | Harlingen, TX | www.mma-tx.org |
| Missouri Military Academy | Mexico, MO | www.missourimilitaryacademy.org |
| Oakland Military Institute | Oakland, CA | www.oakmil.org |
| St. John’s Military School | Salina, KS | www.sjms.org |
| St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | Delafield, WI | www.sjnma.org |
Military Boarding Schools
Military boarding schools provide a unique and enriching experience for students, offering a structured and supportive environment that prioritizes character development, leadership training, and physical fitness. By participating in a rigorous academic curriculum and a military-style program, students are empowered to develop the skills and values that are essential for achieving success in any career or profession. Not only do these schools foster a sense of discipline and commitment in their students, but they also provide a strong foundation for academic growth and future success.
| Name of School | Location | Website | For |
| Admiral Farragut Academy | St. Petersburg, FL | www.farragut.org | Boys |
| Army and Navy Academy | Carlsbad, CA | www.armyandnavyacademy.org | Boys |
| Benedictine Military School | Savannah, GA | www.thebc400.com | Boys |
| Camden Military Academy | Camden, SC | www.camdenmilitary.com | Boys |
| Fishburne Military School | Waynesboro, VA | www.fishburne.org | Boys |
| Hargrave Military Academy | Chatham, VA | www.hargrave.edu | Boys |
| Howe Military Academy | Howe, IN | www.howemilitary.org | Boys |
| Lyman Ward Military Academy | Camp Hill, AL | www.lwma.org | Boys |
| Marine Military Academy | Harlingen, TX | www.mma-tx.org | Boys |
| Missouri Military Academy | Mexico, MO | www.missourimilitaryacademy.org | Boys |
| New York Military Academy | Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY | www.nyma.org | Boys |
| Randolph-Macon Academy | Front Royal, VA | www.rma.edu | Boys |
| St. Catherine’s Academy | Anaheim, CA | www.stcatherinesacademy.org | Boys |
| St. John’s Military School | Salina, KS | www.sjms.org | Boys |
| St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | Delafield, WI | www.sjnma.org | Boys |
| Marymount California University – Military Academy | Rancho Palos Verdes, CA | www.marymountcalifornia.edu | Girls |
| Oakland Military Institute | Oakland, CA | www.oakmil.org | Girls |
| Pine Ridge School | Williston, VT | www.pineridgeschool.com | Girls |
| St. Mary’s Academy – Bay View | Riverside, RI | www.bayviewacademy.org | Girls |
| Camden Military Academy | Camden, SC | www.camdenmilitary.com | Co-Educational |
| Culver Academies | Culver, IN | www.culver.org | Co-Educational |
| Fork Union Military Academy | Fork Union, VA | www.forkunion.com | Co-Educational |
| Massanutten Military Academy | Woodstock, VA | www.militaryschool.com | Co-Educational |
| Missouri Military Academy | Mexico, MO | www.missourimilitaryacademy.org | Co-Educational |
| New Mexico Military Institute | Roswell, NM | www.nmmi.edu | Co-Educational |
| Riverside Military Academy | Gainesville, GA | www.riversidemilitary.com | Co-Educational |
| Valley Forge Military Academy & College | Wayne, PA | www.vfmac.edu | Co-Educational |