10 Facts About Military Schools

If you are looking at a private school for your son or daughter, military school is one option worth considering, particularly if you are looking for  a boarding school. Here are some facts about military schools to help you make that decision, including a few that may surprise you. There Are Approximately 66 Military Schools in the US There are approximately 66  military schools in the U.S., most of which serve students in grades 9 through 12. However, more than 50 of those military high schools also include junior high, typically grades six, seven and/or eight. A few schools enroll students in younger grades, but the military curriculum doesnt always apply. Most military schools are residential schools, which means students reside on campus, and some schools offer the option of boarding or day.   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, but it doesnt always refer to a negative form of discipline. Discipline creates order. Order creates results. Any successful person knows that discipline is one 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. This environment is also a place for students looking to engage in advanced studies and leadership opportunities in a rigorous environment. The level of positive discipline prepares them for the rigors of college, careers or military involvement.   Build Character Being a team member, learning to execute orders and sacrificing ones 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. Students who attend military school leave with a sense of pride in themselves, their communities and their roles as good citizens of the world.   Selective Admission 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. Yes, there are some military schools devoted to helping troubled teens turn their lives around, but the majority of military schools are institutions with some of the highest admittance criteria around.   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 rigorous military training so that their graduates are poised to matriculate to college and universities everywhere. Distinguished Graduates 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. 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. Leadership Development Developing leaders is at the core of a military schools 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 students fullest potential. 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 nations service academies are extremely selective and limited. Only the best of the best get in. 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. Resource Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States    Article edited by  Stacy Jagodowski