Sending son to a Military High School? Advice?

Is it a good choice to send my son to a military high school? If anyone has experience with military high schools, could you provide some pros and cons? I'm particularly interested in the impact on his college prospects and readiness.

Attending a military high school can certainly be beneficial for your son, although that largely depends on his interests, goals, and learning style.

Starting with the advantages, one of the major perks of military high schools is their structured environment. It fosters discipline, organization, and time management skills - assets that are invaluable in later academic pursuits and professional life. Moreover, these schools usually follow rigorous academic programs, which can prepare students well for the college course load, and enhance their resilience and adaptability.

Another plus is the leadership opportunities that these schools provide. Military high schools often have a focus on fostering leadership and teamwork through their curriculum and extra-curricular activities, which can be beneficial both for college applications and life skills. They also provide unique experiences that can make for compelling college essays or interviews, so long as your son is able to reflect on his experiences in a meaningful way.

As for the potential downsides, the structured and highly regimented environment might not be suitable for all students. It can lack flexibility and could be a challenging adjustment, particularly if your son is accustomed to a more relaxed or self-guided educational environment. It's important to make sure that the school's approach aligns with your son's learning style and personal needs.

Additionally, the focus on military protocols and traditions might detract some time and energy from academic endeavors or other areas of personal growth. It could also lead to a somewhat narrow set of experiences, as compared to a traditional high school's broader exposure to various fields and activities.

As for the impact on college readiness and prospects, military high schools typically offer strong academic programs and can indeed prepare students well for college-level work on an academic front. However, post-secondary schools do not inherently privilege applicants from military high schools. Admissions officers will still be looking at the student's coursework, grades, test scores, essays, and extracurricular activities to evaluate their readiness for college and fit with their institutions.

It is essential to talk with your son about all these factors and see what he thinks before making a decision, since ultimately, he would be the one attending. Encourage him to think about his personal and academic goals, and whether a military high school will align with these goals. Speak to alumni or current students to hear about their experiences. Visit the school together, if possible, to get a firsthand understanding of the environment.

Remember, choosing a high school is a significant decision but it's also not final or irrevocable - students transfer between different high schools every year. The key is to stay focused on what will best serve your son's growth, health, and long-term prospects.