What Makes a Good Military High School?

Hey guys, I've been looking at some military high schools in Texas, like Texas Military Institute. I'm kind of interested in a structured and disciplined environment. Can anyone brief me about what does a solid military high school look like and what should I look for while applying?

A strong military high school shapes students through a combination of academics, leadership development, and character building, modeled after the practices of the military. While evaluating military high schools like Texas Military Institute, keep an eye out for these elements:

1. Academics: Like any other school, a military school's academic program is crucial. Look at courses offered, teacher qualifications, class sizes, and graduation rates. Ideally, there should be a healthy balance between standard subjects and military subjects.

2. Leadership development: Military schools usually have robust programs focused on developing leadership skills. Look at their methods for this. This might be through regular drills, peer leadership opportunities, or mentoring programs.

3. Character Development: Military schools aim to develop traits such as discipline, responsibility, self-reliance, and courage. They typically use a structure that mirrors the military's, including uniforms, ranking systems, and codes of conduct. Look for specifics from each school that indicate how they carry this out.

4. Athletics and Extracurriculars: Check if the school stresses physical fitness, through a variety of sports, mandatory physical education, or other activities. Also, determine if there are extracurriculars such as clubs or other options available that would help you in your personal growth and explore other interests.

5. Post-Graduation Opportunities: Evaluate the school's alumni base and see where students end up post-graduation. Even if you're not considering a military career, a good military high school should also have a successful track record of placing students into reputable colleges and universities.

6. Support Services: Mental and emotional support is important, especially in a disciplined and structured environment. Check for the availability of counselors and other resources.

7. Campus Culture: Try to get a feel for the culture on campus. Are students happy and engaged? Is there a spirit of community, camaraderie, and respect? A visit or virtual tour can give you a firsthand perspective of the atmosphere.

Remember, the best military school for you is going to be one that aligns with your individual goals, values, and interests. Good luck on your search!