What is Life Like at a Military Academy?

Military schools are not for everyone, but they can be suitable for specific situations. When kids need extra learning resources, or lack direction, or even fall into the wrong crowd, parents may be surprised to learn that a military school offers resources that other educational alternatives do not.

One-on-one attention may be rare in secondary education these days. However, for kids who are not maximizing their potential, additional resources from educators can pay big dividends in the long run, helping them with their study habits and increasing their comprehension and knowledge.

Other times, students may be aimless. Hey may lack motivation or direction, and many schools may not be equipped to address this. AP and GT programs are excellent resources for students who are willing to utilize them, but fewer programs help give students a purpose.

Sometimes, kids who would otherwise get good grades are drawn astray by bad influences. They may get into the “wrong crowd” and make poor decisions with long-term ramifications. In this case, there may be no better option than leaving the environment and getting a fresh start in a new school in a new location.

Parents searching for assistance in tackling these challenges should look no further than military schools. While the name may seem foreboding, it can better be thought of as a strict school. Students are not required to enter the military and most often do not. Instead, military schools offer strict structure in their educational offerings.

Military schools tend to be minor, private schools. They are often boarding schools as well. By their very nature, they feature small class sizes. Well-run schools will also maximize the advantage by offering additional tutoring sessions, study halls, and so on. 

Enrolling students in a military school can also improve their focus.  The disciplinary system and structured days can bring focus to students who lack vision.  For example, in a given school day, a typical schedule may look like the following:

• Wake up at 6 AM
• Assist with cleaning the dormitory between 6:30 – 7:00
• Breakfast from 7:00 – 7:30
• Attend classes from 8:00 – 4:00 PM
• Attend team practice (football, basketball, etc) from 4:00 to 6:00
• Dinner from 6:00 to 7:00
• Study hall from 7:00 to 9:00
• Lights out at 10:00

All of these activities are mandatory.  Put another way, there may not be enough time to stay aimless when they are constantly doing something, whether it’s cleaning, studying, playing sports, etc.

For students who need a fresh start, a change of pace, and a new environment, it’s harder to think of a bigger contrast. They will be thrust into a situation in which they will be low on the totem pole. By shifting the responsibility to the cadet leader’s IP, the student will be incentivized to progress within the school, not against it.

Ultimately, parents will need to consider their specific situations.  They will know better than anyone else which option makes the most sense for their kids, and they are ultimately responsible.  In some instances, however, it may make sense to be in military school.