MilitaryWiFi
In a typical US school setting, there are virtually unlimited distractions, temptations, and lures to undesirable habits that can keep kids from getting off on the right track in life, both academically and personally. However, the case is different in the military schools for boys in the United States.
Here, students receive structure, discipline, and an atmosphere that allows them to excel and achieve their goals in a nurturing and effective environment. As a parent or guardian looking to send your child or ward to a military school for boys in the US, we’ve got you covered as we rank in the top 10 in the country.
Today, many parents are looking for alternatives when it comes to their child’s high school education. So most parents end up asking the question:
Is a military school the best option for my son?
In general, military schools offer strict discipline, counseling, or self-destructive behavior therapy that may be necessary to get your child back on the right track.
To be more precise, the goal of most military academies and schools is to help young people to reach their potential and to be aware and open to their future options.
Military school students are taught to gain the self-confidence to accept challenges and the perseverance to come back again and again without getting discouraged.
There are many benefits you enjoy when you enroll your child in one.
Therefore, this article will shed more light on these benefits and provide vital information on the best military schools for boys in the United States.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
What is a military school?
According to Wikipedia, a military academy or service academy (in the United States) is an educational institution that prepares candidates for service in the officer corps. It normally provides education in a military environment, the exact definition depends on the country in question.
With their rich heritage and bright future, today’s military schools essentially represent a unique educational alternative to conventional college preparatory schools.
In addition to a strong academic foundation, military schools integrate military principles into the curricula. Here, students learn valuable skills that prepare them not only for college but also for lifelong success, all within a safe and nurturing environment.
As reputable, high-quality educational institutes, military schools are known to produce independent thinkers, responsible leaders, and engaged citizens.
It is also important to note that not all military schools are created equal.
Sometimes known as military prep schools or military academies, military schools today offer a college preparatory curriculum for students in grades 6-12. However, there are some military schools for primary school children, but they are less common.
Also, while military schools have historically been all-boys due to military tradition, many of them are now coeducational.
Some military schools also have a religious component.
Here is another interesting fact about military schools that you should know.
Contrary to the belief of many, military schools are not meant for troubled teens. In fact, they will not tolerate boys or girls who cause trouble on campus or in the classroom.
Why enroll your son in a military school in the US?
Military schools have always been a solid choice for parents, and more recently, military schools have become college preparatory programs as well. Academic standards at these schools have risen, and military schools are even more demanding in selecting applicants than before.
Families who choose military schools do so for a variety of reasons. So whether your goal is to help your child build self-esteem or develop lifelong leadership skills, today’s military schools offer challenges and opportunities for young people.
Furthermore, regardless of the differences that may exist between the military schools, they all share a common imperative.
And that is providing a quality education for the “whole” student.
In military schools, students have high academic standards and are prepared to meet and exceed these expectations. They are also taught respect, teamwork, and how to be successful in all aspects of life.
Second, leadership training and character development are central components of military school education and an integral part of the academic experience.
In addition, the values learned in military school remain with the students throughout their lives.
In conclusion, military schools, whether boarding or day, create young Men of character!
Benefits of enrolling your child in a military school in the United States
Here are five important lifelong benefits of enrolling your child in military school.
- Students Learn Leadership Skills: One of the basic ways military boarding schools teach leadership is by modeling it. Here, many adult leaders and instructors have strong military backgrounds and have served as leaders in the United States Armed Forces.
Therefore, these experienced role models mentor students, teaching them the best personal and professional conduct by example. - Students Have Limits: In military boarding schools, students basically thrive on a structured schedule. Here, students have assigned times for waking up, eating, class, homework, physical activity, recreation, and lights out.
This routine in turn instills time management skills, responsibility, accountability, and motivation within each student and peer group. - Students Are Taught Discipline: Students here are taught to follow specific rules, which are set to help them achieve their goals. Discipline in the military school is not harsh or punitive as people think. Rather, it focuses on helping each student develop her inner strength by managing her own actions and reactions.
- Students have a lot of personal responsibility: Students in military boarding schools learn to take responsibility for themselves in a way that is not normally required in other boarding schools. For example, they must maintain meticulous care of their uniforms, rooms, and personal hygiene, as well as learn to be on time for every class, meal, and training.
- Students learn the value of integrity: Finally, students in military boarding schools operate under a strict code of conduct. In fact, each student is responsible for behaving with respect toward their superiors and classmates.
Why should I choose a military school for boys in the US?
At a single-gender military school, your son will experience reduced peer pressure and have the freedom to express himself without fear of embarrassment in front of girls that he might not be able to at a co-educational school.
Middle school is basically a turbulent time for young children as they develop physically and emotionally, and placing them in an environment that specifically caters to the needs of adolescents has been shown to be beneficial.
Who is the ideal candidate for a military school in the United States?
Any student can attend a military school, however, students who would be better served by a military education include:
- Students with academic difficulties.
- Students who require hands-on attention.
- Who works well in social settings.
- Athletically-minded students.
- International students seeking to enhance their understanding of American culture.
- Students who require structure and training.
- Students with low self-confidence.
How much does it cost to attend a military school for boys in the US?
To begin with, it is important that you know that the cost of attending a military school will be higher than that of public schools. In fact, in some cases, it will cost considerably more.
Basically, a military day school program can cost upwards of $10,000 per year just in tuition and space, while boarding school can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 or even $40,000 per year.
What are the 10 Best Military Schools for Boys in the United States?
There are several military schools for boys in the United States. However, for the sake of this article, 10 of them will be highlighted.
So, to effectively rank these top military schools, we made use of a few factors. Ranking factors for the best military schools for boys in the United States include:
The qualifications that a coeducational school offers can determine the level of facility with which it is operating. That is if you have a low or high installation.
It is often said that lower-grade students generally have more facilities and hands than others.
This refers to the number of students who take military school in one academic year.
This simply means the ratio of students to teachers. That is, the number of students that a teacher can take if the students are shared among the teachers in the military school.
Here are the best military schools for boys in the United States:
- Valley Forge Military Academy and College
- Military Academy of the Northwest of San Juan
- Massanutten Military Academy
- fork union military academy
- marine military academy
- Camden Military Academy
- Fishburne Military School
- Army and Navy Academy
- Hargrave Military Academy
- Missouri Military Academy
#1 Valley Forge Military Academy and College, United State
Tuition: $39,995
Faculty Ratio: 1 – 10
grades: 7-14
Valley Forge Military Academy and College are comprised of three fully accredited schools, a middle school (grades 7-8), a high school (grades 9-12), and a two-year junior military college. Each of the schools offers residential and commuting options.
Before you look at the schools, here’s what you need to know about Valley Forge.
First, Valley Forge is one of only five military junior colleges and offers a direct commission into the military after just two years of study (through the Army Early Commissioning Program). Meaning, Valley Forge students can begin their military indoctrination at a very young age and carry it through to college.
Second, like most military schools, students are part of a cadet corps and abide by a strict no-nonsense code of honor. Each year Valley Forge admits about 280 students.
Third, one of the five cornerstones at Valley Forge is academic excellence, and as such, student success in the classroom is emphasized.
Additionally, as a college preparatory leadership institute, Valley Forge seeks to educate, train, and equip students for excellence in college and future career success through a rigorous, values-based, goal-focused academic curriculum. critical thinking, problem-solving, and professionalism.
Also, prospective students should note that acceptance to the Academy and the College is competitive. Therefore, applicants must have a record of academic achievement and letters of recommendation for Academy and SAT or ACT scores for college.
Now, let’s take an overview of Valley Forge schools!
Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA)
Founded in 1928, Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA) is a private, independent school for grades 7-12 offering boarding and day options. Located in Wayne, PA, VFMA’s idyllic campus offers a safe and convenient suburban location, 12 miles from Philadelphia.
Ultimately, VFMA has a long tradition of fostering personal growth and instilling values to prepare tomorrow’s business, military, and political leaders.
With a challenging curriculum, dedicated faculty, small classes, and individual attention, cadets have an environment conducive to academic success.
Valley Forge Military College (VFMC)
Founded in 1935, Valley Forge Military School (VFMC), also known as the Pennsylvania Military School, is a private, coeducational, two-year military high school.
VFMC’s mission is to prepare educated, responsible, and disciplined young men and women to transfer to quality four-year colleges and universities with the self-motivation and time-management skills they need to succeed.
Basically, VFMC offers programs leading to the Associate of Arts degree, Associate of Science degree, or Associate of Business Administration.
of academic achievement and letters of recommendation for Academy and SAT or ACT scores for college.
Now, let’s take an overview of Valley Forge schools!
#2 San Juan Northwest Military Academy, US
Tuition: $39,000
Faculty Ratio: 1 – 3
grades: 7-12
Since its creation in 1884, the San Juan Northwest Military Academy has been actively involved in helping young adults become exceptionally great leaders.
It is a private, prestigious, co-educational high school with a focus on leadership development and college preparation. Approximately 265 students are accepted each year to St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy.
Here, all students adhere to a regimented education system, as well as participate in compulsory sports programs. The highly structured, military-style environment at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy shapes young people and also helps them reach their full potential.
In addition, St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy places a strong emphasis on academic excellence. And as such, the coursework is challenging and hard study and work are required.
Exceptional class ratios of nine students to each teacher allow students to receive more individualized instruction and help for any subject they may be struggling with.
In fact, the goal of St. John’s Northwestern is to develop good citizens who understand core values such as teamwork, integrity, a good work ethic, honesty, and critical thinking.
So all students graduate from St. John’s Northwestern with a good idea of what it will take to find success in an ever-changing and challenging global environment.
#3 Massanutten Military Academy (MMA), United State
Tuition: $32,300
Teacher Ratio: 12 – 1
grades: 6-12, PG
Established in 1899, Massanutten Military Academy is a co-educational boarding and day school located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It has a long tradition of helping students reach their full potential.
His holistic approach to education not only helps your student excel academically but also grow as well-rounded human beings. Here, they focus on character development, leadership, and service to help students reach their full potential.
Here are some interesting facts about the Massanutten Military Academy.
Massanutten Military Academy is fully accredited through the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and Advanced Education, formerly the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Approximately 120 students are accepted each year to Massanutten Military Academy and the school’s mission is to prepare these cadets for success by providing a structured and superior educational experience.
In fact, the programs are designed to foster respect among cadets, faculty, and staff and to nurture cadet potential.
Also, while MMA offers a military structure, its primary focus is academic. So, as a cadet, you will receive individual attention from faculty and staff.
Additionally, through various academic and tutoring programs, students here learn to focus and work independently.
#4 Fork Union Military Academy, United States
Tuition: $32,000
Student to Teacher Ratio: 10:1
grades: 7-12, PG
Founded in 1898, Fork Union Military Academy is a military-style, college preparatory, Christian boarding school in Fork Union, Virginia. It is one of the leading US military college preparatory boarding schools for young men in grades 7-12 and postgraduate.
At Fork Union Military Academy, they offer high-quality academic and athletic activities within a structure built around character development, self-discipline, responsibility, leadership development, and Christian values.
Additionally, FUMA strives to keep its tuition as low as possible so that the cost of military school is affordable for as many families as possible.
There are about 367 students from 34 states and 11 countries at Fork Union Military Academy.
Here are some reviews from Fork Union Military Academy alumni!
Fork Union Military Academy Alumnus us #1Fork Union is a tough place to be, but a great place to be. When you are young, you learn responsibility, discipline, and how to follow instructions.
Fork Union Military Academy Alumnus US #2
Fork Union will change your child’s life. I am not exaggerating. I am not using hyperbole. I have no personal interest in convincing you of this fact.
FUMA is a special place, and it will take the boy you send him, turn him into an honorable man, and send him out into the world prepared to model decency and success.
Fork Union Military Academy Alumnus US #3
There is no other school in the country that will take immature boys and turn them into total men.
Body/Mind/Spirit are the three core values that FUMA strives to advance, and they do an amazing job crafting each one.
#5 Marine Military Academy, USA
Tuition: $38,150
Teacher Ratio: 11:1
grades: 7-12
Founded in 1965, the Marine Military Academy is a private college preparatory academy located in Harlingen, Texas, USA, offering a college preparatory curriculum for boys in grades 7-12 plus one year of graduate study. It is one of the best military schools for boys.
Since its inception, the Marine Military Academy has been helping young men realize their full potential.
The Marine Military Academy offers solutions and opportunities for all types of children. MMA can address many problems and lead children to success.
In fact, the primary goal of the Marine Military Academy is to inspire positive academic, physical, and moral growth in each cadet. To accomplish this, they provide a disciplined, distraction-free environment that allows cadets to focus on their educational and personal development.
So, along this journey, cadets learn to take ownership of their lives and develop the tools they need to succeed not only in college but in life.
In addition, the proven educational model here helps young men earn higher grades, develop exceptional character and maturity, and plan for their short- and long-term goals for the future.
#6 Camden Military Academy, USA
Tuition: $24,495
Faculty Ratio: 1 – 8
grades: 7-12
Founded in 1958, Camden Military Academy (CMA) is a private, all-male military boarding school located in Camden, South Carolina, United States. It is currently one of the best military schools for boys in the United States.
This top-rated military school in South Carolina focuses on academic and personal success. The school’s mission is to educate and inspire its cadet corps so that each cadet has the opportunity to reach their full potential and gain the educational foundation to succeed in college and in life as productive and contributing citizens.
In fact, the main vision of Camden Military Academy is to accept boys with unfulfilled talents and develop them into outstanding men for the future.
Here, cadets can do their best work with encouragement, close supervision, individual attention, and small classes. In addition, the college preparatory curriculum offers an exceptional framework to help our students.
Also, Camden Military Academy believes in its cadets. Therefore, his task is to develop the whole man so that he is prepared not only academically, but also emotionally, physically, and morally to face the trials and seize the opportunities that will be his after he leaves school.
Camden Military Academy admits around 300 students each year.
#7 Fishburne Military School, United States
Tuition: $33,900
Faculty Ratio:
grades: 7-12, PG
Founded by James A. Fishburne in 1879, Fishburne Military School is the oldest and smallest private military school in Virginia. The school is proudly located in historic downtown Waynesboro, Virginia, and is currently one of the best military schools for boys in the United States.
Fishburne Military School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.
At Fishburne Military School, academic success increases as class sizes decrease. For this reason, the school admits approximately 175 young men, which translates to an average class size of between 8 and 12. Small classes in turn mean more individual instruction.
In addition, this all-boys school offers students boarding and day attendance options. In addition to its well-respected academic offerings, the school boasts a storming team, two drill teams, and more than 10 different sports programs.
It is also important to note that Fishburne Military School graduates are leading the way in virtually all walks of life.
#8 Army and Navy Academy, United States
Tuition: $41,500
Faculty Ratio: 1 – 7
grades: 7-12
Founded in 1910, Army and Navy Academy is a college preparatory boarding school for boys in grades 7-12 in Carlsbad, California. It is currently one of the best military schools in the US, preparing children for success in college and well beyond.
At the Army-Navy Academy, students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of adventures and experiences that challenge them to set goals that will take them further.
In fact, Army and Navy academies believe that learning is about much more than academics. So the boarding school environment allows them to help students realize their potential, inside and outside of the classroom.
For more than a century, the Academy’s emphasis on responsibility, accountability, and motivation has provided a life-changing experience for many young men.
Also keep in mind that each year, the Army and Navy Academy admits about 300 students.
#9 Hargrave Military Academy, USA
Tuition: $32,800
Faculty Ratio: 1 – 6
grades: 7-12, PG
Founded in 1909, Hargrave Military Academy (HMA) is a private, all-male military boarding school located in the city of Chatham, Virginia. Hargrave is affiliated with the Virginia Baptist General Association emphasizing Christian values that focus on a college and military preparatory program.
Hargrave is a school where children strengthen their faith, develop character, learn to lead,, and realize their full potential.
Essentially, Hargrave offers a comprehensive program of university preparatory studies that establishes a knowledge base for lifelong learning.
It also maintains a military program that provides organization, structure, routine, discipline system, and leadership opportunities to challenge and develop the potential of cadets.
The school received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Council on Accreditation and School Improvement through AdvancED and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.
Also, keep in mind that Hargrave Military Academy admits around 230 students each year.
#10 Missouri Military Academy, US
Tuition: $36,300
Faculty Ratio: 1 – 7
grades: 7-12
Founded on November 22, 1889, the Missouri Military Academy (MMA) is a private preparatory school in Mexico, Missouri. It is one of the best college prep military boarding schools for boys, grades 7-12 in the US.
Basically, the Missouri Military Academy has provided the ideal environment for boys to grow into the kind of men we can all be proud of: good husbands, good fathers, good citizens, and good leaders.
The Missouri Military Academy operates four distinct but closely related programs: the high school, for young men in grades 9-12; a middle school for boys in grades 7-8; a summer program that offers camps for children ages 8 to 17; and a credit-bearing summer academy for students in grades 7-12.
However, it is important to note that all of these programs exist to motivate students to reach their full potential, build self-confidence, and develop academic and life skills that will lead to success in college and beyond.
Also, each year, the Missouri Military Academy admits about 250 students.
Top 10 Military Schools for Boys in the US in 2023
A military school is an educational institution that prepares candidates for service in the officer corps. It normally provides education in a military environment, the exact definition depends on the country in question.
Basically, a military day school program can cost upwards of $10,000 per year in tuition and room alone, while boarding school can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 or even $40,000 per year.
Conclusion
Unlike typical schools, military schools provide students with structure, discipline, and an atmosphere that allows them to excel and achieve their goals in a nurturing and effective environment.
They offer strict discipline, counseling, or self-destructive behavior therapy that may be necessary to get your child back on the right track.
As a parent, there are other benefits you’ll enjoy when you send your child to military school.
The above article provides you with vital information about the best military schools for boys in the United States.
I hope this helps you in your decision-making process.
Good luck and success!
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings
One Comment