Thoughts on Military Boarding High Schools?

I am interested in military boarding high schools. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on these? Are they a good option for high school students looking for a military-focused education?

Military boarding high schools can provide a structured, disciplined environment where students learn important values like honor, integrity, duty, and teamwork, alongside their regular academic courses. Just like traditional schools, they can provide rigorous academic instruction but they also have an added emphasis on discipline, character development, physical fitness, and leadership training.

One known advantage of attending such schools is that they instill discipline and a strong sense of responsibility in their students. These schools are also known for their focus on leadership development, which can be beneficial in future career paths, whether one chooses to join the military or not.

Although the military curriculum and lifestyle are a big part of these schools, they do offer a range of extracurricular activities as well, and it’s important to remember that these schools are not solely focused on producing future military officers or soldiers. They are there to provide an exceptional education that prepares students for college and future careers, no matter what they might be.

However, these schools might not be right for everyone. The highly regimented lifestyle isn't for everyone, and the physical expectations and the rigorous discipline could be challenging for some students. It's crucial to consider the individual needs, goals, aspirations, and temperament of the student before making this decision.

Doing thorough research is also essential. Find out about the school's academic outcomes, college placement records, and support services. If possible, try to visit the campus and talk to current students or alumni about their experiences. It's important that parents and students make this decision together because it's quite a commitment.

Remember, there is a distinction between military academies and military-style boarding schools. Military academies (like the United States Military Academy or the United States Naval Academy) are federally funded colleges that train future officers of the U.S. military and typically require a commitment to serve in the military after graduation. On the other hand, military boarding high schools, while they incorporate elements of military training and discipline, focus more broadly on college prep education and do not require military service.

So, these schools can be a good option for students who are interested in military training, but it really depends on the student's personal goals, interests, and learning style.