The military has a long and distinguished history in Indiana. Unsurprisingly, the state is home to two prestigious military academies: Culver Academies and the 138th Regional Training Institute.
I’m a former student of Culver Academies, and I can attest to the quality of education and training these schools provide. I’m also proud of the many notable alumni from Indiana military schools, including General John J. Pershing, Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, and General Colin L. Powell.
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History of Military Education in Indiana
The first military academy in Indiana was founded in 1856 by Henry Harrison Culver. Culver Military Academy was originally a boys’ school but became coeducational in 1971. Culver is one of the most prestigious military academies in the United States, and it has produced many notable alumni, including General John J. Pershing, Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, and General Colin L. Powell.
The 138th Regional Training Institute was founded in 1984 as a part of the Indiana National Guard. The 138th RTI is a public high school that offers a military-style education to students from grades 9-12. The 138th RTI is known for its rigorous academic program and strong leadership development focus.
The List of Military Academies in Indiana
There are two military academies in Indiana:
- Culver Academies
- 138th Regional Training Institute (Indiana Military Academy)
1. Culver Military Academy
Culver Military Academy is a private college preparatory boarding school in Culver, Indiana. It was founded in 1894 and is coeducational. Culver Academies is known for its rigorous academic program, solid military tradition, and beautiful campus.
Culver Military School offers a variety of academic programs, including college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement courses. The school also has a strong focus on STEM education. Culver’s graduates are consistently accepted into top colleges and universities nationwide.
In addition to its academic program, Culver offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, the arts, and clubs. The school also has a strong focus on character development and leadership training. Culver’s cadets are known for their discipline, teamwork, and responsibility.
2. 138th Regional Training Institute (Indiana Military Academy)
The 138th RTI is a public high school located in Columbus, Indiana. It is a part of the Indiana National Guard and offers a military-style education to students from grades 9-12. The 138th RTI is known for its rigorous academic program and strong leadership development focus.
The 138th RTI offers a variety of academic programs, including college preparatory, honors, and vocational courses. The school also has a strong focus on STEM education. The 138th RTI’s graduates are consistently accepted into top colleges and universities nationwide.
In addition to its academic program, the 138th RTI offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and community service projects. The school also has a strong focus on character development and leadership training. The 138th RTI’s cadets are known for their discipline, teamwork, and responsibility.
Admission Requirements for Indiana Military Academies
The admission requirements for Indiana military academies vary depending on the school. However, all Indiana military academies require students to be in good academic standing and to have a strong moral character.
Culver Military Academy has a selective admissions process. Students must submit an application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores. Culver also requires students to participate in an interview.
The 138th Regional Training Institute has a less selective admissions process. Students must submit an application and transcripts. The 138th RTI also requires students to participate in an interview.
Students interested in attending a military academy in Indiana should contact the school directly to learn more about their specific admission requirements.
Benefits of Attending a Military Academy in Indiana
There are many benefits to attending a military academy in Indiana. Some of the benefits include:
- A rigorous academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond
- A strong focus on leadership development and character building
- A variety of extracurricular activities and clubs to participate in
- A beautiful and supportive campus environment
Academic Programs
Both Culver Academies and the 138th Regional Training Institute offer rigorous academic programs. Culver provides a college preparatory program that prepares students for success in college. The 138th RTI provides a general education program that prepares students for college, trade school, or the workforce.
In addition to their academic programs, both Culver Academies and the 138th Regional Training Institute offer military leadership training. Cadets at both schools learn about discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. They also have the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and the arts.
Campus Facilities and Resources at Indiana Military Academies
Both Culver Academies and the 138th Regional Training Institute have beautiful campuses with various facilities and resources. Culver has a 1,500-acre campus with over 100 buildings, including a state-of-the-art academic center, a performing arts center, and an athletic complex. The 138th RTI has a 100-acre campus with over 20 facilities, including a modern educational center, a gymnasium, and a drill and ceremony field.
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs at Indiana Military Academies
Both Culver Academies and the 138th Regional Training Institute offer a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs. Culver offers over 100 extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, the arts, and clubs. The 138th RTI offers over 50 extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and community service projects.
Is Culver Military Academy the Most Elite Military Academy?
Culver Military Academy is one of the most prestigious military academies in the United States. It is known for its rigorous academic program, solid military tradition, and beautiful campus. However, other elite military academies exist in the United States, such as the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy.
Ultimately, the best military academy for a student is the one that best meets their needs and interests. Students should carefully consider their academic goals, their career aspirations, and their personal preferences when choosing a military academy.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to a Military School in Indiana?
The cost of attending a military academy in Indiana varies depending on the school. Culver Military Academy is a private school, and the 2024-2025 school year tuition is $65,000. The 138th Regional Training Institute is a public school, and there is no tuition to attend. However, students may be required to pay for room and board, uniforms, and other supplies.
How Old Must You Be to Attend Military School in Indiana?
The minimum age to attend a military academy in Indiana is 14. However, some military academies have higher age requirements. Students should contact the school directly to learn more about their age requirements.
Indiana Military School for Troubled Youths
There are no military schools in Indiana that are specifically designed for troubled youths. However, the 138th Regional Training Institute is a good option for students who are looking for a structured and disciplined environment. The 138th RTI has a strong focus on leadership development and character building.
Notable Alumni from Indiana Military Schools
Some of the notable military academy alumni from Indiana military schools include:
- General John J. Pershing (Culver Military Academy)
- Admiral Hyman G. Rickover (Culver Military Academy)
- General Colin L. Powell (Culver Military Academy)
- General Douglas McArthur (Culver Summer School)
- General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Culver Summer School)
- General George S. Patton (Culver Summer School)
- General Omar N. Bradley (Culver Summer School)
- General Matthew B. Ridgway (Culver Summer School)
- General James A. Van Fleet (Culver Summer School)
- General Bruce C. Clarke (Culver Military Academy)
- General H. Norman Schwarzkopf (Culver Military Academy)
- General John R. Allen (Culver Military Academy)
Conclusion
Military academies in Indiana offer a unique and challenging educational experience. Cadets at these schools learn about discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. They also have the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and the arts.
If you are considering attending a military academy in Indiana, I encourage you to research and choose the best school for you.
