Boys enrolled in a military academy receive an education with an emphasis on discipline and structure. Typical days for the boys include exercise, formation and drill, classroom studies and team-building activities. The program shifts focus away from video games, television and surfing the Internet, and fosters a desire for achievement in education and emotional growth, according to Military-School.org. It's important to research each school carefully and consider instructors, accreditation, cost, financial assistance and location.
Tuition can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $30,000 a year. The cost varies depending on the school and the services offered. At St. Catherine's Academy in Anaheim, California, for example, fees cover items such as instructional materials, registration, meals, insurance, spending accounts for students, haircuts and military instruction. Financial assistance is available for students and parents at most military academies. Available grants, scholarships and loans are determined through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid.
Several military schools exist in the United States. St. John's Military School (sjms.org) and St. Catherine's Academy (stcatherinesacademy.org) are among the few schools open to elementary students. St. John's, located in Salina, Kansas, is the only military school on Business Week Magazine's GreatSchools list, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. Its program offers intense educational instruction and complete character building. St. Catherine's Academy offers a Catholic education mixed with military tradition. St. Catherine's prides itself on small class sizes, personal instruction with academics and music, and a prestigious sports program.
According to Military-School.org, parents cite several reasons for choosing a military school environment for an elementary-aged boy. They praise the strong team-building programs the schools feature. Discipline is woven into all school activities. Students learn manners, consideration and respect. Military schools teach children the importance of service to one's country and God. Training in service activities carries through to adulthood and encourages graduates to play an active role within their communities.