There Are Only a Few Schools.
There are approximately 45 military schools in the U.S. Most operate grades 9 through 12. A few include junior high. One school starts children as early as 3rd grade. Most military schools are residential schools.
They Instill Discipline.
Discipline is the first word which comes to mind when you think of military school. Indeed, discipline is the essence of military schools. Discipline creates order. Order creates results. Any successful person knows that discipline is the real secret to her success. Put a young, rough around the edges man in a military high school and the transformation will astound you. The structure smooths and refines. The program demands greatness from its participants.
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 every good military school teaches its students. Service above self is an integral part of most military schools' philosophy. Integrity and honor are core values to which every school commits.
They Are Patriotic.
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.
They Are Selective.
The idea that anybody can get into military school is simply not true. Military schools set their own individual admission requirements. In most cases they are looking for young people who want to make something of themselves and succeed in life.
They Offer Demanding Academics and Military Training.
Most military schools offer extensive college preparatory courses as part of their academic curricula. They combine that demanding academic work with a rigorous military training so that their graduates are poised to matriculate to college and universities everywhere.
Their Graduates Are Distinguished.
The rolls of military schools are filled with distinguished graduates who have gone on to be successes in just about every endeavor you care to name. Not just in military service either.
They Offer JROTC.
JROTC or Junior Reserve Officers' 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 provides an introduction to military life and philosophy at the secondary school level. It is an important part of most military schools' programs. The instructors are usually retired officers of the armed forces.
They Develop Leaders.
Developing leaders is at the core of a military school's philosophy. One of the objectives of that kind of training is to develop students' leadership skills. Most schools offer carefully designed leadership programs designed to maximize each student's fullest potential.
They Offer A Path to the Service Academies.
Military schools are often seen as a path to the service academies. And, while it is true that they offer the right sort of training and experience the academies require, parents and students need to bear in mind that nominations to our nation's service academies are extremely selective and limited. Only the best of the best get in.
Resources