Whether you are a teenager or a parent, you may be influenced by some common myths about military schools and even be asking if military school is bad or just for bad kids. So let’s dispel some common myths and misconceptions about military schools so you can see the many benefits of military schools and why choosing this type of college prep school makes sense for middle schoolers and high schoolers.

First and foremost, U.S. military schools can be a transformative experience by helping teens develop independence, resilience, and motivation in all facets of their life. In fact, military boarding schools are quite similar to small college campuses, allowing students to attend academic and elective classes, live in dorms, participate in JV and Varsity sports, enjoy co-curriculars and learn how to manage and balance daily life on campus.

As military school students naturally mature, they develop a growth mindset and develop executive functioning skills. These cognitive skills help students develop a passion for learning and help them organize, plan, prioritize and manage projects and processes to achieve their personal goals. These skills not only impact learning, but also affect all aspects of their lives.

In essence, military schools offer a unique and transformative secondary school experience that combines college prep academic rigor with character development and leadership training. While the military structure and protocols might seem intimidating at first, it provides a strong foundation for students to grow and thrive academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.

Key Takeaways

• Military schools attract motivated students seeking structure and growth.
• Selective admissions focus on academic promise and commitment.
• Discipline builds self-discipline, accountability, and leadership.
• Rigorous academics prepare students for top colleges and careers.
• Students gain independence, resilience, and real-world life skills.
• Army and Navy Academy is designed for boys in grades 7–12.

Now, let’s dig into some common myths and share the truth and realities about military schools located in the United States.

Myth #1: Military School is Only for “Bad Kids”

Truth: The idea that military school is for “bad kids” or “troubled teens” is a disturbing misconception and false.

• In fact, military schools attract a diverse range of students across the U.S. and internationally, including those seeking a structured environment, robust college preparatory academics, and opportunities for personal growth.
• Applicant profiles include: service academy bound high schoolers, Eagle Scouts of America, students falling through the cracks at public schools and international students from around the world.
• In reality, military academies like Army and Navy Academy (aka “ANA”) in Carlsbad, California offer admission only to boys who make a commitment to attend, demonstrate academic promise and a willingness to adhere to the school policies.

Myth #2: Military School is Harsh

Truth: While military schools emphasize discipline, the goal is ultimately to foster self-discipline, personal responsibility and accountability.

• The focus is on teaching students to make responsible choices and understand the consequences of their actions.
• Keep in mind that military schools are not reform schools, boot camps, alternative schools or like therapeutic schools or like wilderness programs.
• Truth be told, the best military schools like Army and Navy Academy combine college prep academics with a West Point-style structure to develop leadership skills, build good character, and encourage accountability for one’s actions.
• Residential Life mentorship, daily formations for attendance purposes, an honor’s council, and student governance is integral to daily life. Students, faculty, athletic coaches and residential life staff all seek to inspire values and virtues and develop tomorrow’s leaders. Virtuous you men are inspired to follow the key values: honor, integrity, respect, responsibility, compassion and gratitude.

Myth #3: Military School Doesn’t Offer Real Academics

Truth: Military schools offer a comprehensive college prep curriculum that is comparable to top private high schools including academic courses, dynamic electives, advanced placement and honors classes, as well as JROTC classes and specialized programs.

• At Army and Navy Academy, for instance, the military structure provides a framework for self-discipline and organization, but the focus is on academic achievement. As a certified Gurian Center for Educational Excellence, ANA applies neuroscience-backed strategies to align with the development of the male brain.
• Academic counselors ensure students stay on track with academic graduation requirements, college planning, and their social-emotional growth.
• Army and Navy graduates attend top public and private universities, ROTC universities, and the highly selective service academies: U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis), the U.S. Air Force Academy/U.S. Space Command, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy).
• In fact, many families choose ANA to give their son a competitive edge for admission to Ivy League, top colleges and universities, as well as the highly selective tuition-free service academies.

Myth #4: Military School Turns Your Child Into a Robot

Truth: It is true that military schools require strict adherence to school policies and cadet guidebooks; however, they strongly encourage independent thinking and leadership.

• For instance, at Army and Navy Academy, there is great pride by faculty and staff in knowing they are educating, developing and creating leaders who will have a future impact on their communities, and potentially, the nation and world at large.
• While some people may believe military schools are only for military families or to develop “good soldiers,” most military high school graduates do not actually pursue military careers.
• Unlike ROTC at the college level, taking JROTC classes in high school does not imply nor require an obligation to enlist. The leadership education training (LET) classes teach essential life skills with an eye toward cultivating character, leadership, and strong citizens.
• In reality, at Army and Navy Academy, they are preparing students for college and various career paths by focusing on transferable skills such as: leadership, teamwork, project and time management, etiquette and manners, financial skills, and good citizenship.

5 Advantages of Going to Military School

As we hope you can see, military schools are not bad and are not geared for “bad kids.” Military schools help shape lives and can be life changers for boys who may need to improve academically, socially, or in terms of their actions and behaviors.

1. Gain Motivation to Aim High and Achieve Goals
2. Acquire Self-discipline and Accountability
3. Learn Real World Life Skills and Build Character
4. Develop Grit, Resilience, Maturity and Independence
5. Get Ready for College and Life Beyond

Is Military School Right for your Child?

• Does your child need more structure and self-discipline to achieve specific goals academically and prepare for college?
• Does your child need to become more independent, responsible, and accountable for his behaviors or actions?
• Does your child need to develop strong values to mature into a virtuous young man?
• Does your child want to become a scholar-athlete to apply for college scholarships?
• Does your child have an interest in STEM subjects, aviation training or other classes and programs offered at ANA?
• Does your child need to get ready and plan where to attend college (e.g. Ivy League, public or private university, private college, service academy or ROTC university)?

 

Curious, but Nervous?

• Check out the Army and Navy Academy video featuring students with similar concerns. Know that you are not alone and be ready and open to explore how and why a military school can make a huge difference.
• Schedule a campus tour and personal visit so you can put your mind at ease and learn about daily life and what to expect.
• Ask the admission staff and cadets questions when you go on tour.

FAQs

1. Is military school just for bad kids? As noted, military schools are not reform schools, nor are they for troubled youth or “bad kids.” They are college preparatory in nature and attract students with a willingness to set goals and grow as a person.
2. What are the pros and cons of military school? The pros of military school include: improve grades, gain leadership skills, and focus on personal growth and maturity. Military schools are not for every teenager. If a teen has a severe learning issue, a significant psychological diagnosis or requires rehab for alcohol or drugs, the admission criteria may disqualify your child based on school records.
3. Do military schools use harsh or abusive discipline? There are specific protocols in place for faculty, staff, and student leaders to avoid abuse or mistreatment. There are specific and reasonable consequences applied depending on the type of infraction. Some situations like use of drugs or alcohol may result in dismissal from military schools.
4. Can students go to college after military school? Most military schools in the U.S. are college prep and they are geared to help the majority of their students gain admission to colleges or universities of their choice.
5. How do I know if military school is right for my child? Ask the key questions noted above, review the admission criteria, tuition and financial aid website pages and discuss your expectations with the admission team before visiting campus.

Interested in Exploring a Military School Geared for Boys, Grades 7-12?

Army and Navy Academy is a national model for best practices in boys’ education. We deliver a college-preparatory education grounded in leadership, character development, and academic excellence. Every element of our program is built for boys – structured, hands-on, and deeply relational.

Army and Navy Academy is a private, boys’ military boarding school located in Carlsbad, California. For over a century, we have been a transformational force in boys’ education. Serving grades 7-12, we combine structure, purpose, and mentorship to help boys become the best version of themselves.

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