The first reform school was the Lyman School for Boys which opened in 1886 in Massachusetts. Though it closed in 1971 there are plenty of options for reform and military schools in America. Military schools can be divided into three types:
1. Military middle schools
2. Military high schools
3. Military academies (prepare students for a military career).
Structured boarding school environments, like those offered by military reform schools are good for teenagers who struggle to motivate themselves or who have low self-esteem issues. The structured environment provides a chance to learn to focus attention, keep rules, iron out learned social problems and gain spiritual or moral values. Many students find themselves adapting well to such enforced rigor.
Military reform schools follow strict regimens. For example:
6 a.m. Rising time
7 a.m. Breakfast
7:30 a.m. Morning classes
Noon Lunch
12:30 p.m. Tech and practice classes
3 p.m. Sports
6:30 p.m. Dinner
Evening Study time and free time
10 p.m. Lights out
Weekend schedules often tend to be different to weekly schedules. Weekends involve much more free time.
Military Reform schools tend to be run as boarding schools. There are many websites full of information about boarding schools, military schools and alternatives. There is a wide range of public and private, local and national, single gender or co-educational schools available. These schools are more than happy to discuss policy and show prospective parents and students around the campus.
There are a number of alternatives to military reform schools -- such as therapeutic boarding schools and emotional growth schools. Parents can also consider sending children to temporary therapeutic wilderness programs. These kinds of programs are best for children who would be better off receiving emotional and social guidance rather than discipline.