Military Schools
When most people think of military schools, they envision scenes from West Point or the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) involving cadets performing flawless close- order drill in uniform on a green field. This image is very appealing to many, and is very close to the reality of daily life at such schools. Many include close- order drill and other military ceremonies, and nearly all require that students wear uniforms while attending class. Not all those who attend military schools intend to embark on a military career; indeed some students attend one in order to test the nature of military life, or simply because a nearby military school provides a better education than their local public school.
However, not all military schools are structured for high school aged children; many also cater to the needs of younger children and pre-teens whose parents see the need for a more structured, regimented instructional environment. Additionally, a number of military schools also focus on the specific needs of troubled teens, including those with histories of misbehavior or a lack of discipline. In general, such teens should only be sent to schools that provide this specialized environment; typical military schools are not equipped to handle behavioral and major disciplinary problems. Instead they are intended to introduce stable, capable teens to the ups and downs of military life while providing structure and positive role models.
Military schools, while often offering top-flight instructional environments, are also frequently expensive. While some schools allow students to live at home, many are still residential in nature. Tuition and fees, along with room and board at residential style military schools can cost $25,000 per year or more, depending on the type of school and its status. Sending a child to a military school for four years can easily cost as much as a Bachelors degree at an ivy league university, so parents should be prepared to seek financial assistance if necessary. Since these are not universities they do not offer the typical financial aid packages available to college-age students. All funding must be accomplished at the private level, with bank loans being the accepted norm.
Many parents see military schools as an excellent alternative to public education, since they are thought to focus more on academic achievement and teamwork than on individual expression and extracurricular activities. However, the needs and personality of the prospective student should be considered closely before selecting this option. This type of educational experience is not appropriate for every student.
