Thinking about sending your teen to military school? It’s certainly not surprising, given the success rate of these schools in preparing young people for college admission as well as instilling discipline, self-accountability, and a drive for excellence. Here are a few fast facts about military schools:

1. They come in different shapes and sizes. These schools have different class sizes that may range from very large campuses to very small ones.

2. Not all of them are exclusive for boys. While military schools are traditionally for boys only, these days there are quite a lot of military schools that are already open for girls as well.

3. Some may admit lower grade levels. Traditionally, boarding schools admit students from grades 9 to 12, although you may also come across schools that admit students from 6th grade. There are some military schools which may admit students as young as 4th grade.

4. There’s more to them than just JROTC. Some people think that military schools only offer military-based extracurricular activities. The truth is that these schools also usually offer a healthy sports program as well as a good arts program with a lot of variety. It’s not just JROTC, aviation, navigation or similar activities in these schools.

5. Some offer to accommodate both boarding and day students, some have more intensive programs that require all of their students to board in campus.

Just like in a military camp, students are taught to accept discipline as a regular part of their lives. Students are called cadets, they wear military uniforms (as do their teachers), they have a rigid daily schedule that starts with a bugle call early in the morning. Just like in military camps where soldiers are expected to keep order, cadets are expected to keep their living quarters clean and to keep their own belongings in clean and orderly condition. Students are taught to take pride in their appearance and achievements.

In terms of academics, military schools often go above and beyond the state-required classes. In fact, for parents who have children who are interested in different branches of the military, there are schools that offer real navigation and aviation lessons. There are also AP classes that are offered in these schools which aren’t typically offered in traditional public schools. Some schools even allow students to take advanced classes that can be credited to their college units.

There are many positive benefits for your teenager should they attend a military school. But, like most things in life, there can be a downside as well. Here is a report explaining what’s good and bad about study in a military high school.

To start with if your teen is in trouble with serious health issues or a major attitude problem, they stand little or no chance of being accepted. Military schools today set very high academic standards. They are not therapy centers for kids with problems. Two of their major goals are to produce students able to enter prestigious colleges and/or join the military.

Discipline is a major part of a military environment. If your teen is lazy and disrespectful they will get a serious jolt in a military school. They will be out of bed at 0600 hours, they will make their bed and tidy their possessions, and they will be on the parade ground and exercising before breakfast. This type of lifestyle could change your teen’s attitude to life.

Of course a military school is a residential facility and while students are allowed to attend approved activities in the local town, things like taking a part-time job in the grocery store are simply not an option.

There is a full extra-curricula program at a military school with plenty of time for artistic pursuits and outdoor education. This means your child is getting an all-round education and enjoying their schooling at the same time.

Opportunities for leadership roles are many and varied in a military education. If your child requires a challenge and enjoys being a leader, they will develop their talents and be truly extended in such a school. It is ideal for developing the total person.

If as a parent you are looking to a military school to mollycoddle your child, you will be disappointed. It’s much more a shape up or ship out approach from the school. If your child chooses to disobey and fails to complete tasks, the school will not spend a great deal of time and effort in whipping them into line.

Those who do work hard are sure to be well rewarded and for life. College entrance is likely and if a career in the military is required, this type of secondary education is perfect for such a move.

A military school is a community where teamwork and bonding is part of every day life. If this suits your child, fine. If your child is a loner and doesn’t like a regimented and disciplined lifestyle, then a military school is not for them.