Have you ever wondered, what is military school like? Well, it is the same as normal schools, but these schools prepare their curriculum to teach students about military principles and mentor them to have a career in the military.
Military schools establish discipline, and growth both physical and mental. Also, it is an option if you are a parent and you want your child to go to military boarding school.
So what does military school teach you? What are the different types of military schools? What to expect when you get inside a military school? Continue reading this article to learn more.
Table of Contents
Basic Information About Military School
Military school definition – military schools can be public or private schools. It can also be a school that trains people for military careers as officers. It is also a place for training cadets before entering the army.
1. Types of military schools in the US:
Military schools do not limit to the college level, but there is a military school for kids. Some schools enroll students from grades 9 to 12. Fun fact: There are 66 U.S. military schools, and probably more.
About 50 of these 66 military schools are military high schools. Other types of military schools in the country are:
- Maritime colleges – There are different maritime colleges that offer degrees from marine and ocean engineering, environmental protection, and marine technology to any marine-related course or specialization.
- Senior military colleges (SMCs) – These colleges were specifically established by law to help aspiring students learn more about the military. SMCs offer programs such as Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). Students enrolled in the ROTC program will have a secured commission in any military branch (U.S. Navy, Army, Marine Corps, or Air Force).
- Military college-preparatory schools – Offered to grade 6 to 12 students and the college level. Public or private boarding schools that teach military principles that equip students professionally and academically.
- Graduate schools – Offered to college graduates, military service members, and veterans that want to earn an MBA, doctoral, and certifications.
2. Military School Enrollment
There are certain admission requirements for each military school. The reddit post that talks about “sending kids to military school a punishment” is not necessarily true.
It is even a privilege to be admitted to military schools. It is not easy to get in, but there are military schools that are for troubled youths have a better chance in life.
Moreover, parents can enroll their children in military school free admissions. There are institutions for grades K to 12. Most free military academies are public high schools or charter schools.
Examples of free U.S. military schools are Sarasota Military Academy and Carver Military Academy. The public schools in the states of Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania also offer military academies for free.
There are different sets of criteria for each military school. If you want to further your research, you can check the school of your choice’s official website.
Here are the usual requirements for military school admission:
- Physically and mentally fit
- Transcript of records
- SAT or ACT test scores
- Letter of recommendation
- Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
You must start answering potential questions and applications for military colleges after your junior year. For interested US Coast Guard applicants: You should apply for nominations.
These nominations must come from the Vice President, the Congress, and other military members. Please remember that each Congress member only has limited power when it comes to the number of nominations.
3. Lessons Tackled in Military Schools
If you are looking to develop discipline military schools, you are about right. A military school gives youths a balance of both well-rounded education and disciplinary training.
Students or sometimes referred to as “cadets” are usually tasked to be clean and tidy all the time. These include cleaning their own rooms, personal hygiene, and wearing proper attire.
Physical activities such as exercises, moral-ethical, and ROTC training are implemented in school systems. Expect to have high expectations and the right amount of pressure from school’s teachers and superiors.
As a student, you are also expected to learn and build these core values and characteristics:
- Accountability
- Comradeship
- Respect
- Self-control
- Leadership development
- Time management
- Teamwork
Many more…
4. The Daily Life of a Military School Student
The normal daily life in a military school varies depending on which school you are admitted to. Here’s what to expect your day will go in the military school:
- The morning consists of waking up early, cleaning the room/barracks for possible early inspection, eating breakfast, and preparing for class. Other schools are offering morning physical exercises before class.
- During classes: scheduled classes will be held throughout the day. There’s a break for lunchtime.
- After lunchtime: classes will continue after lunchtime. Some activities in the afternoon would be physical training, exercises, and time for outdoor leisure on the school grounds.
- The evening consists of dinner and a military Call to Quarters afterward. Also, study time in the evening is supervised. Schools also allow students to use the school’s computer lab and library.
- During nighttime: go back to the barracks, get ready to sleep, and prepare things for tomorrow. Sleeptime is lights out in the barracks.
Military School Vs Boarding School: What is the Difference?
Military schools and boarding schools are both types of educational institutions that involve living on campus away from home. However, there are some key differences between the military and boarding schools:
For military schools, they have:
- Structured schedules and curriculum that focus on character and leadership development
- College preparatory courses
- Military training, rituals, and exercises in the curriculum
- Living in barracks
- Strict rules and regulations
- Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC)
For boarding schools, they offer:
- Structured schedules
- More focus on academic curriculum range of subjects
- Extracurricular activities
- More relaxed culture
- Few rules and more freedom for students
- No mandatory training
- Enrolls international students
Frequently Asked Questions
What does military school feel like?
In military school, you will experience being disciplined better. You will also learn to be prim and proper. Expect to develop a strong sense of self-discipline that stays with you for the rest of your life.
How long do you stay in military school?
According to the specific curriculum and level of study pursued, the period spent in a military school might change. Usually, military schools provide a nine-month school year curriculum at the pre-k, elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Is admission to a military academy hard?
Yes, it is hard to be admitted to military schools. Military schools are notable for their demanding academic courses.
It takes a lot of effort and commitment to enroll in a military school since it can
be a challenging experience. In fact, acceptance rates are less than 5% to 10%.
Is military school bad for students?
It is not bad, but it will be challenging for most students. Not everyone has the chance to be admitted and passed into military schools.
Though when you Google “military schools” it is usually paired with negative comments. It is always a privilege to go to school, and there are always two sides to every story.
Is going to military school fun?
The connections that build between students throughout the military school are among its most enjoyable features. Through shared experiences like physical training sessions and team-building exercises, students at military schools normally develop close relationships with their other cadets.
The experience could be unique, thrilling, and full of opportunities for personal development that could last lifelong friendships.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed the topic on what is military school like, are you encouraged to be in one of the schools? Military school is not a normal school to be admitted to, but students who finish in these schools will be greatly recognized.
The curriculum of every military school was specialized differently. There will be fun and challenging times. But the learning in military schools will surely not be forgotten.
If you are interested in pursuing a military career or who need a disciplined environment, then enrolling in a military school is your best choice. You can check this article again and research more about military schools near you!
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