Military High Schools in Chicago

As a Chicago resident, I've been trying to find local military high schools. Has anyone attended or know much about the military high schools in Chicago? What about extracurriculars, academics, or anything else I should know before applying?

Chicago is home to a number of military high schools that blend academic rigor with leadership training and discipline characteristic of military style education. Some of the most notable ones are the Chicago Military Academy, Marine Leadership Academy, and Phoenix Military Academy.

The Chicago Military Academy, located in the Bronzeville neighborhood, is the city's first military high school. It offers a college-preparatory curriculum along with Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program, which encompasses leadership, character education, personal growth and more.

Marine Leadership Academy at Ames in the Logan Square neighborhood is another well-acclaimed institution. The mission of the school is to prepare students for college and post-secondary success through rigorous academics and leadership preparation. The academy was created through a partnership between the Marine Corps and the Chicago Public Schools.

Phoenix Military Academy at West Side, another popular choice for military high school, offers not only a college preparatory curriculum, but also maintains a strong emphasis on character education, leadership, and citizenship.

All these schools offer extracurricular activities. In Phoenix Military Academy, for example, students have access to sports, clubs, and academic programs besides the military training. The Chicago Military Academy highlights extracurriculars such as boxing, wrestling, drill team, along with academic clubs like math and science club.

Specific program offerings and admission requirements often vary by school, so it's generally recommended to research and get in touch with each school for more personalized information based on your individual needs and goals.

Remember, attending a military high school isn't for everyone. They can be academically demanding and require strict discipline. It's very important to understand the commitment involved before applying. Think about your long-term goals and whether this style of education aligns with them.