Boarding schools typically provide students with an advantage in college preparedness and development of the life skills needed for later success in the workplace. Research by the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) has shown boarding school students spend twice as many hours per week on homework as public school students and reports 87% of boarding schools students say they are well prepared for college compared with 39% of public school students.
But there are several additional features college prep military boarding schools offer that students typically can’t get at a private boarding school. Military schools differ from other boarding schools by specifically emphasizing leadership, structure, discipline, self-sufficiency, and values. Success at a military school is based on personal merit and accomplishment, developing the self-confidence that leads to success in college and life.
In a military boarding school environment, the established chain of command first teaches Cadets how to listen, focus and follow others, then how to lead. To effectively develop leadership skills students must know how to follow before they can effectively lead others. The entire student body is organized into a formal military structure. There are clearly defined opportunities at each level: the individual, platoon, company and battalion. The rank system helps foster leadership skills and mentorship.
Structure
Structure is one of the cornerstones of a military boarding school education. Each day is highly structured, with all of the essential activities put into a schedule. There is a specific time for waking up, homework, physical training, relaxation, and even bedtime. The routine of a daily structure helps students develop qualities like responsibility, accountability and motivation, qualities that will help them succeed in the future.
Discipline requirements at military academy provide a consistent set of rules that are necessary for achieving goals especially for teenagers. True discipline is neither harsh nor unusually punitive; rather it focuses upon inner-strength, self-control, and the ability to manage actions and reaction. Discipline creates boundaries and over time builds character. Learning how to exert self-control and assume responsibility can improve executive function skills and build a high level of confidence in teens.
Self Sufficiency
Cadets attending a military boarding school are expected to attain a degree of self-sufficiency not typically required in a boarding school environment. Developing the time management skills needed for early morning and evening formations are one example. Daily room, uniform, grooming inspections require personal responsibility and well-developed organizational abilities.
Values
The military school code of conduct clearly defines a standard of behaviors that all students operate within. Formal accountability to others both in leadership and peers is a singular characteristic of military academies. Participation in the regular leadership education training courses is an effective method for developing good values and promoting character development across the student population.
All boarding schools offer academic and life skills advantages. A college prep military boarding school delivers those advantages and more.
