In the United States., teenage boys are being educated in several types of learning institutions, including: public schools, charter schools, private schools, micro-schools, home schools, and military schools. In this article, we will explore ten benefits of military schools for boys in particular.

This article is especially applicable to those seeking a single gender education approach for middle school and/or high school, but the benefits could also be applicable to some co-educational military schools. We hope this will help you determine if a military school could be the right fit and provide you with a number of resources to explore further.

As you may know, historically, most military schools began as all-male military schools but some are now co-educational. In the U.S. there are some all-male schools, including: Army and Navy Academy (CA), Marine Military Academy (TX), Fishburne Military School (VA), Fork Union Military Academy (VA), and Hargrave Military Academy (VA).

“The military education model provides a structured learning environment where young men and women truly thrive. Our students gain critical thinking and leadership skills, while learning the importance of values, character, and personal responsibility. Our graduates possess the skills and resilience to succeed in whatever path they choose. We invest in a brighter tomorrow, one student at a time.” – The Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS)

To dispel common misunderstandings about military schools, keep in mind that these schools are college preparatory, develop life and leadership skills and instill strong values and good character. Although a small percentage of military high school graduates apply and are accepted by one of the five service academies or enter an ROTC university, most attend public and private universities and colleges.

In addition, it is important to note that military schools generally seek applicants with a high commitment to attend, academic success and/or promise to improve their grades, and the intention to contribute to the Corps of Cadets through leadership and other contributions. Application requirements may vary from school to school, but here is an application used by Army and Navy Academy if you wish to check out the process.

10 Benefits of Military School
Are you asking yourself whether a military school is the right fit?Whether you are looking at single gender or coeducational private schools, let’s take some time to review the reasons why a college preparatory military school is good for boys in middle school and/or high school. As you review this list, bear in mind that most private military schools offer both boarding and day options so these benefits tend to apply whether a student lives on or off-campus.

  1. Military boarding schools build character. A military school environment is designed to shape students (aka “cadets”) into strong leaders and build their character. Boys move from boyhood to manhood because character-building lessons are integrated into all aspects of campus life, from academics to athletics to co-curricular activities. Values at military schools often focus on honor, integrity, respect, responsibility, compassion, and gratitude. Boys become mature and responsible young men as they establish a moral compass to guide their decisions and actions.
  2. Military schools help boys learn leadership skills. Leadership Education Training (LET) required classes include topics such as: leadership, civics, geography and global awareness, health and wellness, language arts, life skills, etiquette, and U.S. history. But beyond the classroom, cadets put these lessons into action through specific leadership positions in their junior and/or senior years of high school. These are highly responsible roles where leaders mentor and guide the Corps of Cadets and must act as role-models for their peers and younger cadets. Cadets acquire real world skills in leading, delegating, managing, organizing, goal-setting, time management, and more.
  3. Military structure provides consistency and predictability. Military schools for teens help students develop essential life skills such as: responsibility, accountability, discipline, and self-motivation. Military school cadets have a highly structured routine, including: morning formations, mealtimes, classes, tutorials, athletics, extra-curricular activities, mandatory study time, and periods for rest and relaxation. This daily schedule equips cadets with time management skills, self-discipline, and motivation which, again, sets them apart from their counterparts in traditional schools. The result is young men with the self-discipline and organizational skills to excel in college and beyond.
  4. Military schools are dedicated to a quality education.  U.S. military schools are college preparatory schools that prepare students to excel in the classroom. The curriculum is based on performance-based, learner-centered education and promotes life-long learning, responsibility for one’s actions and choices, respecting others, and critical thinking techniques. Cadets are required to meet the high school graduation requirements established by their school, state standards, and/or specific university standards. This allows them to apply to top-tier colleges, universities and service academies of their choice. To ensure college acceptance, Army and Navy Academy, for instance, adheres to the highly rigorous University of California standards.
  5. Military school education provides professional skills. Many military academies offer an interactive hands-on approach to education with ties to specific high-demand career tracks. At Army & Navy Academy in California, for example, they offer programs in growing professional fields, such as: aviation, UAS/ drones, business, leadership, management, science, technology, engineering, and math (aka “STEM”). Military schools also offer dynamic electives, clubs, trips, and activities to ignite a passion for learning and to expose students to a variety of career options.
  6. Military boarding schools provide extra academic support. Whether a cadet lives on or off-campus, there are a number of support systems in place to accelerate learning. At Army and Navy Academy, for instance, they offer after school tutorials, evening office hours, mandatory study time, and specialized programs for learning differences. For international students, they even have special ESL/ESOL classes to help international students improve their English proficiency.
  7. Military schools hold boys to high standards and expectations. As you might expect, military schools for teens demand more of their students and hold them to a higher standard of conduct and accomplishment than most public or even rigorous private schools. And, that difference does not escape the attention of college and university admissions offices, and beyond that, future employers. These skills are particularly valuable in several professions and industries, including, but not limited to business, law, medicine, engineering, technology, government service, the arts, and the military.
  8. Military schools create notable leaders in various fields. Military academies (middle and high school) and the higher education military service academies in the U.S. have a long history of educating future leaders, with notable leaders on their alumni list. To see a long history of top leaders in various industries, check out West Point’s notable graduates. This network can prove helpful as cadets seek advice, apply to college or look for professional opportunities in their respective field.
  9. Military schools teach critical life skills. Life skills gained at military schools include: proper etiquette and good manners, personal hygiene, grooming and appearance, good posture, effective communication skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These skills are all integral to a military high school education and are part of the 24/7 campus experience at military boarding schools.
  10. Military schools for boys create a sense of brotherhood. Cadets leave high school with strong friendships, one of the greatest takeaways for many students attending a military school. The close bonds are created by living in dorms together and facing mental, physical, and social challenges alongside one another. This makes for lasting friendships that often result in professional and personal connections throughout their lives.

As you can see, students at military schools are set up for a lifetime of learning, leadership and success. The combination of rigorous academics and life skills development through leadership and character programs provide graduates from these schools with a set of powerful tools.

If you’re interested in exploring an all-boys military school in California, check out Army and Navy Academy, grades 7-12. Army and Navy Academy also offers a summer leadership camp for boys, grades 7-12.

Resources: 

  • Admission Offices at Military Schools
  •  Reviews: Niche, Great Schools, Boarding School Review
  •  Association Websites: WBSA. AMCSUS, NAIS, Gurian Institute
  • Related Blogs: Why Go to Military Boarding Schools

Explore Army & Navy Academy: Located on a beachfront campus in Southern California’s Carlsbad Village, Army and Navy Academy is a college preparatory school with boarding and day options. Geared exclusively for boys in grades 7-12, we are a model school for boys in middle school and high school and are ranked in the top five boarding schools in California.

Army & Navy Academy Admission Office: 

Phone: 888-762-2338

Request Information 

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