Troubled tots who don't seem to follow directions and become unruly early in life may need one of the elementary military schools across the United States. Many of the schools are partially funded by the U.S. Department of Defense but do not require participants to make any commitment to join the armed services upon completion. Chicago is home to three military academy elementary schools: Carver, Chicago, and Phoenix. Chicago also is home to Marine Math and Science Academy and Rickover Naval Academy.
Similar schools catering to young cadets exist in at least nine other states: Bataan Military Academy in Albuquerque, N.M.; Cleveland Junior Naval Academy in St. Louis, Mo.; Forestville Military Academy in Forestville, Md.; Franklin Military Academy in Richmond, Va.; Kenosha Military Academy in Kenosha, Wis.; Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Tex.; Marine Academy of Science and Technology in Sandy Hook, N.J.; Philadelphia Military Academy in Philadelphia; and Toole Military Magnet Academy in Charleston Heights, S.C.
The most common military schools high school and college prep schools. Some of the most popular are: Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, N.Y.; Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va.; Lasalle Institute in Troy, N.Y.; Marion Military Institute in Marion, Ala.; Oak Ridge Military Academy in Oak Ridge, N.C.; Wentworth Military Academy and College in Lexington, Mo.; and Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, Penn.
The schools are most often closely associated with different branches of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs and can help groom a young adult for any traditional armed services. The schools are also designed to teach discipline emphasizing attention to detail, proper grooming and cleanliness, and respect for authority. Unless a cadet enters into a scholarship agreement with the college of some of these schools, there is no requirement to enter into government service after graduation.
Private military colleges allow cadets to experience a disciplined educational environment without having to enter commissioned service in the armed forces when they're done. ROTC programs are offered at a number of colleges all over the United States, but these traditionally require military service after college and do not offer an around-the-clock military environment.
Some of the 24/7 military colleges are state-supported and offer in-state students a healthy discount on tuition. All feature a strenuous freshman-year training program and a gradual increase in privileges and rank as a cadet progresses to the next class. Private military colleges include The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.; Norwich University in Northfield, Vt.; Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va.; Texas A & M University in College Station, Tex.; North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Ga.; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va.
The first year of military school is typically the toughest year, as basic training involves a rigid schedule of waking up early, always being kept on edge, and having the least experience. Freshman are called the "rat line" at Virginia Military Institute and the "rook year" at Norwich; the first year can be an extreme culture shock for a person who has never been in any military training environment. Along with a strict academic schedule and an early all-day summer initiation period, freshman cadets at these schools will always be expected to have an impeccable appearance, a well-kept dorm room, and a wealth of respect for upperclassmen.
Typically first-year students are taught a great deal about each particular school's history. As each student moves to the next year, the restrictions relax and the responsibility tends to increase. Those unconcerned with rank and authority can elect to become a "buck" by declining rank and just concentrating on keeping up appearances and going to class and formations on time. At most schools bucks are still expected to have sharp uniforms and follow the rigid set of rules.