New York Military Academies for High School

Hey everyone! NY resident here exploring options for military academies for my high school years. What's it like to go to a military academy here in New York? Do these schools provide strong academic environments or are they mainly focused on military training?

In New York, there are a couple of notable military academies that offer high school programming, such as the New York Military Academy and the La Salle Institute. Each has its own unique focus and approach to education, so considering your personal interest and academic goals is important in this process.

Generally, these schools offer comprehensive educational experiences combining both athletics and academics, with an emphasis on character development and leadership training - elements distinct to a military academy environment.

While these academies do prioritize military discipline and training, they also do not compromise on academics. The curriculum usually aligns with the state's education standards, and the class sizes are often smaller. The coursework at these academies is designed to prepare students for college-level study, and it often includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Some even offer dual enrollment programs, where students can earn college credits while still in high school.

As an example, the New York Military Academy offers diverse course offerings, ranging from the natural and social sciences to the arts, allowing students to explore a wide range of academic disciplines. Moreover, the school boasts a high percentage of its graduates attending four-year colleges.

On the other hand, schools like La Salle Institute, though military-inspired, offer both military and non-military programs for students who want a disciplined academic environment but are not necessarily interested in military vocational training.

However, one key thing to note is that life at a military academy is more structured than what you might experience at a traditional public or private school, with routines such as early morning physical training, wearing uniforms, and abiding by strict codes of conduct. Therefore, it's important to ensure you are comfortable with this level of discipline and regimentation.

Remember, every student's experience is unique, and visiting these schools, talking to current students, or reaching out directly to the school office could help you better understand whether a military academy would be the right fit for you.

In sum, military academies in NY offer a blend of rigorous academics, sports, military discipline, and leadership training. Whether this is the right environment for you depends on your academic and career goals as well as your willingness to adapt to the disciplined lifestyle.