Military schools are considered a strong alternative schools for several reasons. Academics within these institutions are highly structured to promote increased educational performance. Physical fitness is also deemed important, so an exercise program is part of students' lifestyle routines. Students also experience an environment with positive peer reinforcement that is continuously reinforced through an honor code system. Overall, these educational institutions are meant to provide a well-rounded program to prepare future military members and positive role models and leaders.
Military schools are primarily designed for students experiencing difficulty maintaining focus and consistent positive academic performance within traditional school systems. It's not uncommon for children who've previously obtained poor grades in public education systems to improve their academic progress significantly by developing positive learning habits within a military school environment, which promotes high academic performance through the use of stringent discipline.
According to Military School Alternatives, this type of academic program is best suited for students who are "somewhat self-motivated to succeed and do attempt to contribute to their own success." Conversely, students who experience difficulties with self-esteem and more troubling issues with discipline and authority will have difficulty adjusting.
Many people believe military schools are good alternatives for children and teenagers with emotional and/or behavioral issues that interfere with their learning efforts. This is a popular misconception due to daytime television shows, which have long featured "troubled teens" being scared with threats of "military school" or "bootcamp" as a method to correct their behavior.
In reality, military schools usually provide an upfront disclaimer that they're not intended for youth experiencing emotional and/or behavioral problems, nor those whose academic performance is attributed to a learning disability. Many military schools won't accept students whose records have displayed these characteristics, as they're not equipped to handle such profound situations.
Military schools are privately owned alternative schools, so tuition, which can be considered costly, is required. According to FamilyFirstAid.com, most military school tuitions range from $3,000 to $5,000 per month per child as of January 2011 (and that doesn't include uniform and miscellaneous fees). While tution is expected to be paid for upfront, some schools will break the cost up into separate parts to provide payment options. Parents are urged to consider their decision thoroughly before enrollment, as there generally are no refunds if students are expelled or parents decide to withdraw their children.