Boarding at Military High Schools: An Opportunity?

What's good, everyone? I'm a high school junior and I'm looking at different choices for my senior year. I'm particularly interested in coed military boarding high schools. Got any info on how it's different from regular high school especially academically and socially? Any insights would be awesome!

Hello! Opting for a military boarding high school can certainly offer a unique experience both academically and socially. Let's take a look at each aspect.

Academically, these schools are often known for having more rigorous curriculum, with a focus on college preparation. They might offer a wide range of AP courses and emphasize STEM subjects more than a typical high school. The structure and discipline aspects in military schools also translate into academic routines, which means you might find yourself adhering to strict study schedules and high expectations for academic performance.

Socially, military boarding schools instill a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Many of the activities revolve around cooperation, leadership training, and community-oriented tasks. Sports and physical training are essential aspects, too. There are plenty of opportunities for development in communication and leadership, which can shape your character in a positive way. However, it's worth noting that the social life in a military boarding school can be more structured and less leisurely than in a regular high school.

Furthermore, students typically live on campus in a strictly regimented environment, following a structured daily routine that includes regulated sleep times, physical training, chores, and uniform inspections. This disciplined lifestyle can often translate into a strong work ethic, time management skills, and self-discipline.

However, it's important to consider whether this type of setting suits your personality and aligns with your future goals. Going to a military boarding high school means immersing yourself in the military lifestyle, from living in dorms to following a hierarchy and rules quite different from regular high schools.

Some well-known military high schools like the Randolph-Macon Academy or the Carlsbad International School offer excellent academics alongside military-inspired discipline. It would be beneficial to visit some of these schools if you can, or reach out to current students or alumni to get a first-hand account of their experiences.