11 Best Military High Schools: 4 are Free

If you are looking for best military high schools in the USA, take a look at this list of 11 best military high schools: 4 are free.

Military high schools haven’t been the first choice when choosing high schools for quite some time, but over the last couples of years, they have taken the role of college preparatory institutions. While it was often considered that military high schools are the perfect solution for “troubled youth” this has changed a lot, and nowadays military high schools are a choice of those students who wish to enroll at prestigious colleges and/or serve in the military later on in life. Enrollment standards have increased accordingly, and military schools definitely do not act like “lockdown institutions” anymore. However some military academies and schools are tougher than others, so you might want to read reviews and opinions about your future school before sending your application. If you want to know more about toughest military academies in the world, we recommend you to check our list of 10 toughest military training academies in the world as well.

Military schools enforce rules and regulations to a greater extent than other high schools which mean that this lifestyle is not suitable for everyone. One’s success will largely depend on how well the person can adapt to these rules. However, for those who like discipline, there are many benefits of attending a military high school. According to data published on MMA-TX blog, military high schools have very high graduation rate and over 90% of graduates attend college. Student-to-teacher ratio is typically much lower than in regular high schools, and a lot of emphases are placed on physical activity which is great for those who like to stay active and fit. Still, most military high schools take into consideration that all students have different talents and physical activities which they offer range from rock climbing to boxing and cycling. The military high school is the best choice for students who need more individual work with teachers, those who like a team and closely-knit environment and those who prefer athletics to academic subjects. But be aware, you will definitely have to study a lot, and if you think that you will spend your days at military high school doing push-ups and jogging around, you are mistaken.

Another specific thing about military schools and academies, in general, is that in these schools a lot of emphases are placed on honor and integrity, and they aim at developing student’s whole personalities, not solely their academic knowledge. Students are encouraged to learn the importance of leadership, teamwork, responsibility, service to the community and most of all respect towards their motherland. They are required to conduct themselves with the utmost integrity and to maintain and cherish strong personal values. This is a great preparation for those who will go on to serve in the armed forces as well as for those who wish to continue their academic careers. While choosing a military high school, you should be aware that most of them are boarding schools and boys-only type. Girls, if you plan to go to military high-school, make sure to check if the school you like is open for girls as well.

In order to compile this list of 11 best military high schools: 4 are free, I used a couple of sources. Firstly I focused on Google Search results for best military high schools in the USA and read through some articles that came up about military high schools in America. Then I advised an article about military schools on Boarding School Review, Boarding Schools, Thought Co. and article about free military schools on Military School USA.  After reading through information on these websites and blogs, I singled out most frequently mentioned ones (and those that had the highest rank on most websites) and four free schools from Military School USA website (one Baaton Military Academy was closed, so I replaced it with Francis Marion Academy). Military schools on this list are ranked according to their tuition fee, from the most expensive one to the least/free expensive ones.  For this ranking, I will consider prices for boarding school option (for those schools which offer day and boarding option).

11. Admiral Farragut Military Academy, Florida

Tuition fee: For students who come on daily basis: $23,000

5-Day Boarding: $40,000

7-Day Boarding: $47,500

Admiral Farragut Military Academy located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a private school for Pre-K-12th-grade students. This military program starts at 8^th grade. Besides various academic programs, Farragut offers many extracurricular activities and helps students prepare for college and beyond. It offers day and boarding programs, and it is open for boys and girls. You can take a look at the daily schedule of boarding students as well as any additional information on their official website.

10. Valley Forge Military Academy, Pennsylvania

Tuition Fee: $45,975

Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA), the next one on the list of best military high schools: 4 are free is a private, college-preparatory school offering education for grades 7-12. This school has both, day and boarding options. Each student gets a lot of attention from his tutor and instructions are often based on one-on-one interaction. Faculty members actively participate in student’s life, supervising him during mandatory evening study hours as well as extracurricular activities. However, it is also boys-only facility.

9. Marine Military Academy, Texas

Tuition Fee: $41,050

Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, is a college-preparatory school for boys in grades 8-12 with the possibility of attending an optional post-graduate year. College campus covers 142 acres of land, and it includes four tennis courts, four athletic fields, three gyms, swimming pool and a marksmanship center. Student-to-teacher ratio is 12:1 meaning that every student will definitely get enough attention. According to their website, where you can find out more about this school, the acceptance rate is 97%.

8. Fork Union Military Academy, Virginia

Tuition Fee: $23,280

Boarding: $36,550

We are continuing our list of best military high schools: 4 are free with Fork Union Military Academy that is a college-preparatory, boarding military school for boys in grades 7-12. Their focus is placed on academic achievements as well as leadership development. Structure and discipline, as well as responsibility and respect, are the core teachings of this academy. Despite being a typical military-style environment which teaches young men how to conduct themselves with integrity, Fork Union Military Academy is not affiliated with any branch of the armed forces and students are not obliged to serve in the military once they graduate. This is a good choice for families who want their children to have a strict discipline at school without necessarily being closely connected with the armed forces.

7. Carson Long Military Academy, Pennsylvania

Tuition Fee: 7-Day Boarding: $35,000

5-Day Boarding: $31,750

Day Student: $17,000

Carson Long Military Academy, the next one on the list of best military high schools: 4 are free is a private school for boys grades 8-12. They offer daily, 5-day Boarding and 7-day Boarding options. This school provides a unique blend of leadership opportunities, academics, and athletics. Average class size includes seven cadets, and maximum number in one class is 16. Students have additional extracurricular trips to visit El Rodeo, WWI and WWII European battlefields, rock concerts, etc.

6. Hargrave Military Academy, Virginia

Tuition Fee: Day $12,900

Boarding: $34,800

A t number 6 on our list of best military high schools: 4 are free we have Hargrave Military Academy that is a boarding type military school for boys in grades 7-12 with the possibility of continuing education for post-graduate students. After finishing this school, students have very high chances of being accepted at any college they like. According to data on Military Schools USA, Hargrave Military Academy had a 99% college acceptance rate from 2003 to 2011. This school focuses mostly on college preparation in a military-structured environment. Those who prefer sports, don’t worry because Hargrave MIlitary Academy is well known for its football and basketball teams as well as an elite drill unit, The Camden Rifles.

5. Camden Military Academy, South Carolina

Tuition Fee: $25,590

Camden Military Academy is an affordable military school for boys in grades 7-12. College preparatory curriculum helps students prepare for their future careers while working in small classes with a personalized approach. They combine high-quality education and military principles to help young men to reach their potential and become persons of utmost integrity. Of course, physical education plays a large part in everyday life of Camden students who have obligatory physical training and drills every morning. We’re already halfway through our list of best military high schools: 4 are free, and each one of these schools is truly amazing. The following schools on this list are equally amazing and affordable as well.

4. Carver Military Academy, Illinois

Tuition Fee: Free

Carver Military Academy, the number 4 on the list of best military high schools: 4 are free is located in Chicago, Illinois, is a public 4-year high school for both, boys and girls. According to data published by US News, 51% of students are male and 49% female. During the formal inspection of the school, Carver Military high school earned 597 out of 600 points which testify to its quality. Since it is a public school, teacher to student ratio is 18:1, which is significantly higher than in other schools we’ve covered so far on this list. The graduation rate is 93% from 2011 to 2015.

3. Kenosha Military Academy, Wisconsin

Tuition Fee: Free

Indian Trail High School and Academy that ranks 3rd on the list of best military high schools: 4 are free is a unique public school located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It includes four different academies (besides the traditional high school) one of which is Kenosha Military Academy (KMA). Cadets in KMA regularly mix with other students in different events and the only thing that sets them apart is the uniform. KMA follows JROTC program with specialized military instruction in military science, history, and leadership.

2. Francis Marion Military Academy, Florida

Tuition Fee: Free

We are continuing our list of best military high schools: 4 are free with Francis Marion Military Academy located in Ocala, Florida that is a tuition-free, college preparatory charter high school. It offers a rigorous curriculum with special emphasis on Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering. An article published in July 2016, explains that enrollment rate in Francis Marion is soaring and that the school might soon get a new $1.8 million worth home. This means that there will be more space and better conditions for all students who wish to enroll at this school.

1. Delaware Military Academy, Delaware

Tuition Fee: Free

Delaware Military Academy is a publicly funded charter school located in Wilmington, Delaware. It is designed for boys and girls in grades 9-12, but boys (63%) significantly outnumber the girls (37%). In terms of faculty, there is a significant number of ex-military personnel besides typical academic teachers. Military discipline is a must, and all students are required to participate in Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC). Student to teacher ratio is very high (20:1). We hope that this list of 11 best military high schools: 4 are free helped you find your future school. No matter which one you choose you will enjoy military discipline that will prepare you for future careers.