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Military Schools

Academics, Discipline and Leadership

By Robert Kennedy, About.com

Many of our finest and most brilliant military leaders have gotten their start at one of these institutions. At a minimum their graduates come away from the experience with an understanding of personal and team discipline which serves them well throughout their adult lives. Military schools have moved with the times. Exciting new technology programs and the strengthening of traditional curricula place most military schools in the vanguard of education these days.

Florida Air Academy, Melbourne, FL

Florida Air AcademyPhoto © Florida Air Academy
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-1, 6-12
School Type: Coeducational, boarding/day school

Comments: Florida Air Academy has grown from its beginnings in 1961 as a boarding school for young men to become a coeducational, military school offering the AFJROTC program. Florida Air Academy is the state's largest boarding school. It is located not far from the Kennedy Space Center.

Fork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, VA

Fork Union Military AcademyPhoto © Fork Union Military Academy
Religious affiliation: Christian
Grades: 6-12, PG
School Type: Boys, Boarding school

Comments: Fork Union Military Academy was founded in 1902. It is affiliated with the Baptist church and offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The Academy's musical program boasts an acclaimed choral ensemble as well as a band.

GMC Prep School, Milledgeville, GA

GMC PrepPhoto © GMC Prep
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: 6-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school

Comments: Georgia Military College was established by an act of the state legislature in 1879. The institution now offers middle and high school in addition to the 2 year college division.

Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham, VA

Hargrave Military AcademyPhoto © Hargrave Military Academy
Religious affiliation: Baptist
Grades: 7-12, PG
School Type: Boys, boarding/day school

Comments: Hargrave Military Academy offers young men a disciplined approach to academics, personal growth and much more. The academic program features Advanced Placement exam preparation, an ESL program, Honors section, Independent Study as well as study at a local college for college credit. The athletics component of the Academy is strong. The Academy is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Howe Military School, Howe, IN

Howe Military SchoolPhoto © Howe Military School
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: 5-12
School Type: Coeducational, boarding/day school

Comments: The Howe Military School is a college preparatory school with a distinct military emphasis. It offers Junior ROTC and AP courses including Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English. 97% of the school's students board. If you are looking for a small, coeducational military school, put Howe on your list. International students are warmly welcomed and the school offers ESL courses as well.

Lyman Ward Military Academy, Camp Hill, AL

Lyman Ward Military AcademyPhoto © Lyman Ward Military Academy
Religious affiliation: Christian
Grades: 6-12
School Type: Boys, Boarding, day school

Comments: Lyman Ward Military Academy is one of those hidden treasures in the military school world. It is a small school where your son will enjoy the structure and discipline you seek in a military education. But also important is the Academy's emphasis on developing the whole boy. LWMA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Marine Military Academy, Harlingen, TX

Marine Military AcademyPhoto © Marine Military Academy
Religious affiliation: Christian
Grades: 8-12, PG
School Type: Boys, Boarding/day school

Comments: In its literature the Marine Military Academy states that it maintains the tradition of the United States Marine Corps coupled with a superb educational environment to develop morally strong, ethical, educated young men. That's a tall order but one MMA fulfils with a strong college preparatory program, great sports and, most importantly, the discipline and structure which a military school provides. The Academy also offers professional flight training.

Massanutten Military Academy, Woodstock, VA

Massanutten Military AcademyPhoto © Massanutten Military Academy
Religious affiliation: Christian
Grades: 7-12, PG
School Type: Coeducational, Boarding/day school

Comments: Massanutten Military Academy gives young men and women a challenging and stimulating high school experience designed to provide a solid foundation for achievements in later life. In addition to all the expected military and academic programs, the Academy has an INTERACT Club and a Scuba program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is situated on 40 lovely Virginia acres about 90 minutes from the nation's capital.

Missouri Military Academy, Mexico, MO

Missouri Military AcademyPhoto © Missouri Military Academy
Religious affiliation: Christian
Grades: 6-12, PG
School Type: Boys, boarding/day school

Comments: MMA offers the traditional military school programs including JROTC and rigorous college prep in the upper school. A powerful component in the Academy's academic program is The Center for Enhanced Learning and English Proficiency. It provides support and individual attention on several levels so that your son receives the extra help and guidance he needs and deserves. The Academy is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM

New Mexico Military InstitutePhoto © New Mexico Military Institute
Religious affiliation: Christian
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, boarding school

Comments: New Mexico Military Institute offers both high school and a 2 year college experience. It is located on a 300 acre campus not far from Albuquerque. The Institute offers a strong college preparatory program coupled with the other things you expect at a military school including JROTC. The Institute attracts students from all over the country. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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