Before we look at the military schools for troubled teens, it is important you know what the term “troubled adolescent” means.
A ‘troubled adolescent’ is a word used to describe a young person who is experiencing challenges that are creating negative behaviors, and if these problems continue to plague the teen, he or she will not develop into a happy, successful adult.
These concerns are either beyond the regular issues that all adolescents confront, or they are the result of an incapacity to deal with the normal issues that teenagers face.
They can range from the teen’s immediate surroundings, such as abusive relationships, poor peer groups, or risky neighborhoods, to physical and mental health difficulties. Read on to find out the military schools for troubled teens.
Signs Of A Troubled Teen
Teens can exhibit these symptoms at various periods; however, when more than six of these warning signs are present for an extended length of time, you will know you are dealing with a problematic adolescent. The following are the warning signs:
- failing grades;
- severe mood swings that are inappropriate for the scenario
- a fiery temper and/or deep grief
- disinterest in activity;
- a rapid shift in peer group and/or avoidance of favorable friendships
- purposefully attempting not to blend in with peers;
- becomes secretive;
- disregards regulations and limitations;
- feels compelled to lie in order to evade all penalties for misconduct;
- Teen starts experimenting with alcohol and drugs;
- finds humor in other people’s misery;
- a more arrogant and rebellious demeanor;
- publicly demonstrates rebellion;
- and spending too much time alone or sleeping
Why Send Your Teen To A Military School?
Unless they come from a military family, the majority of American families never consider attending a military academy. After all, fewer than 1% of the populace of the nation is a member of the military.
But a military school can provide your children with superior education and give them important contacts for the future.
Whether or not they want to enlist in the military, any college-bound student can profit by attending a military institution.
Here are a few justifications for enrolling your kid in a military school.
1. Curb Difficult Behavior
Parents frequently send their kids to military school if they have problems getting them to follow the rules.
They might be getting into fights, using drugs and alcohol, or driving erratically.
2. Responsibility
Childhood ought to be carefree and enjoyable. You should still develop your sense of responsibility, though.
Military academies need their students to maintain their living quarters, uniforms, etc.
Their schedules are quite structured, and they are accountable for arriving on time to class.
3. Honesty
Good character development demands conscious effort. That’s where military academies come in.
Military schools place its students in a challenging setting with a rigid and unyielding code of behavior.
They learn the value of hard effort and how to respect themselves and others.
4. Social
Children can socialize safely in a military setting. They are not concerned with the typical problems affecting pupils in America. Drug use, fighting, etc.
Thus, when meeting new friends, kids have nothing to be concerned about.
If you want your children to improve, attending a military institution is not your only choice.
But it’s an excellent one, particularly if your youngster has ever shown any interest in enlisting in the military.
The List of Best Military Schools For Troubled Teens
Learning the skills required for a lifetime of success is one of the main reasons a young person should enroll in a military boarding school. Graduates from these institutions receive a set of abilities that will set them apart from their peers for the rest of their lives thanks to the special blend of excellent academics and life skills training.
These are the best military schools for troubled teens that you should consider:
New York Military Academy
The New York Military Academy, established in 1889, puts students “One Step Ahead” by offering both discipline and quality education.
An NYMA education helps cadets grow in mind, physique, and character, laying the groundwork for future learning and leadership.
A cadet’s everyday existence is filled with patriotism, tenacity, and pride.
A sound education is instilled by the Academy, a hub of learning whose etymology dates back to Ancient Greece.
The course of teaching is mapped out in the curriculum, which is customized for each cadet.
The Cadets of the Corps receive valuable training for life outside the Academy’s walls thanks to the close ties between this education and military discipline. Cadets depart the academy in good order, on time, with good manners, and with confidence.
The New York Military Academy offers a distinctive high school curriculum that integrates academic, physical, and leadership program that develops character in a rigidly controlled and demanding 24/7 military atmosphere. NYMA is for individuals who have the fortitude to put in the effort necessary to achieve their objectives as well as a vision for the future.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: To communicate and access information about the Academy experience, you should first register a login for your personal student site.
A candidate for the Academy must be between the seventh and PG grades and be of Sound Moral Character.
Parents submit Part I of the application online and pay the $100 application fee to start the admissions process.
The Authorization to Release Records form, along with parts 2 through 5, will then be delivered to you.
The school must receive this release form signed and returned. The existing school will thereafter receive a copy of the form and the applicant’s academic records.
Potential students are scheduled for interviews once the student application and academic records have been examined.
The goal of the interview is to determine how well the educational programs at New York Military Academy prepare the student for success.
Skype interviews are conducted with candidates from abroad.
Tuition: $34,850 and $46,250 for day and boarding cadets respectively.
Camden Military Academy
Camden Military gives young men in grades 7 through 12 self-confidence, leadership skills, and future preparation.
This is not a school for reform. Young boys attend the college-preparatory Camden Military Academy. They work to provide young men a chance to be successful in both the classroom and in life.
A student who has not been performing to his full academic ability is their typical cadet.
Additionally, some students might have modest learning difficulties (ADD, ADHD, etc.), in which case a smaller classroom setting or more individualized attention might be helpful.
More than just a top-notch education is required at boarding schools. Camden Military is a distinctive fusion of a top-notch education with military values.
So, in addition to a solid academic foundation, Camden Military provides a young man with structure, organization, and self-discipline.
This is not a boot camp. However, being physically healthy is crucial. Camden has morning drills and/or physical training requirements.
Camden Military Academy places a lot of emphasis on sports as well. There are 13 different interscholastic sports offered, in addition to intramural games.
In conclusion, Camden will work to develop a well-rounded young man who can conduct himself with assurance, respect, and dignity in any social situation.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: The official Camden Military Academy application for the current academic year can be found on this website.
Please be sure to fill in all relevant fields. You can use a credit or debit card to pay the $100 application fee on page 3 of the application.
Please be aware that if the application cost is not paid, the application will not be considered. Call 1-800-948-6291 or 803-432-6001 if you run into any problems when completing the application.
Tuition: $26,995 and $37,995 for domestic and international students respectively.
Fork Union Academy
One of the top boarding military schools in the USA for college preparation is Fork Union Military Academy.
They provide top-notch academics and extracurricular activities based on Christian values and character, self-control, responsibility, and leadership development.
Their environment of structure and discipline encourages kids to concentrate on academic, athletic, and personal growth success while limiting distractions.
The cadets of Fork Union are connected by understanding and friendship ties that are based on things that are solid, lasting, and true.
Click here to see more information.
Admission Requirements: You can submit an application for admission here, finish the necessary school forms, upload your documents, and use the online checklists to keep track of how the admissions process is going.
Tuition: $19,150, $37,900, and $46,150 for day student, USA boarding student and international boarding student respectively.
Missouri Military Academy
Missouri Military Academy was established in 1889 and is a non-profit independent private institution that is accredited.
For boys in grades 7 through 12, MMA offers both boarding and day school options, as well as a selection of summer camps.
The 288-acre Missouri Military Academy is situated in Mexico, Missouri, in the Midwest, about two hours from St. Louis and three hours from Kansas City.
The ideal atmosphere for boys to develop into the kind of men we can all be proud of — good husbands, good dads, good citizens, and excellent leaders — has been offered by Missouri Military Academy since 1889.
Boys who want to get ready for college and life will benefit most from the 360° Education program at the Academy.
The demanding daily schedule gives high school and middle school boys structure and responsibility, which aids in their development into young men.
There are both residential boarding school programs and day schooling options.
Click here for more information
Admission Requirements: After receiving your question or application, a member of the admissions staff will get in touch with you that day or the day after the weekend.
Please feel free to send an email with the best day and time to contact you if you would rather arrange a phone session.
Step 1: Application:
Click here to access the online application and complete it. Call (573) 581-1776, extension 321 or send an email to the admissions office if you’d prefer a printed version.
Step 2: Pay Application Fee:
Use a credit card or an ACH transfer to pay the mandatory $100 non-refundable application fee when you apply (electronic check). Your payment can be made right here.
Step 3: Transcript & Recommendations:
Please submit the following in cooperation with your son’s present school:
- Current academic record for your son
- A letter of recommendation from a principal
- Two teacher recommendations
- A reference for character
.
Tuition: $38,000 for domestic and international boarding students in America, and $6,500 for day students.
Oak Ridge Military Academy
A college prep school, Oak Ridge Military Academy strives to offer a comprehensive educational experience that promotes academic performance, honors self-discipline, and fosters leadership potential.
The regimented military atmosphere adds a transforming set of principles and abilities that may be used in everyday life, reinforcing the purpose.
Oak Ridge has been producing knowledgeable and competent leaders since 1852. If you want to give your child a better organized, customized, and engaging educational experience
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: The following forms must be filled out and submitted by the prospective student’s parents and guardians before they may be considered for enrolment at Oak Ridge Military Academy:
- The parent (s) or legal guardian(s) of the student who is enrolling in ORMA must complete the Application for Admission.
- Copies of all academic records to date, including grade reports, immunization records, results of any standardized tests, and any supporting documentation (such as an Individualized Education Program)
- Two private recommendations from a representative of the school, the principal, the guidance counselor, or another member of the community
- Finished psychological assessment
Note: This is relevant to prospective students with learning disabilities like ODD, OCD, etc.
- $50.00 charge (non-refundable)
Please submit the following address once you have acquired all of the aforementioned items:
Oak Ridge Military Academy:
- Attn: Admissions
- 2317 Oak Ridge Road
- Oak Ridge, NC 27310
- Or email: admissions@ormila.com
Tuition: $18,600 for day students, $26,900 for 5-days boarding students, and $34,600 for 7-days boarding students.
Massanutten Military Academy
Registering your child for Massanutten Military Academy as soon as possible is advised. Massanutten’s holistic approach to education has a long history of assisting students in realizing their full potential.
To assist your youngster reach their greatest potential, they put a strong emphasis on character development, leadership, and service.
Massanutten knows how difficult it may be to know your child is capable of more but lacks the resources to improve their performance.
They have been producing young, respectable leaders for more than a century and have a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements:
STEP 1: Complete the online application
The Massanutten Military Academy accepts applications online. To start the procedure, please create a username and password.
This enables you to finish the application whenever is most convenient and ensure that all questions are addressed before submitting it.
Please be aware that there is a $50 application fee that is not refundable for Massanutten Military Academy.
Step 2: Submit school records and recommendations from teachers.
Please send two recent teacher recommendations together with your most recent two years’ worth of detailed academic records.
STEP 3: Examining and Accepting the Application.
You will have regular contact with the admissions team throughout the application and enrolling processes.
Tuition: $20,000 for day students, $28,000 for 5-days boarding students, and $32,500 for 7-days boarding students.
Fishburne Military Academy
This school will prepare you for the biggest test of all—your life—whereas too many schools educate to the test.
They will not just guarantee that you learn the material you need for the future you want.
However, their intensely individualized instruction will also assist you in identifying your abilities, catching a glimpse of your goals, and taking confident action.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: Schedule interview and campus visit, submit application 6 weeks in advance of desired enrollment date, and schedule standardized testing.
Tuition: $18,900 for day students, $45,900 for international boarding students, and $38,400 for 7-days boarding students.
Riverside Military Academy
Since 1907, Riverside Military Academy has helped young men realize their full potential by offering a demanding curriculum and individualized attention in a secure, well-organized atmosphere with few distractions, enabling students to get ready for success in both college and life.
At Riverside Military, every facet of cadet life is intended to promote great academic success and personal development.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: Through collaboration with parents and adherence to regional, state, and federal health regulations, Riverside Military Academy has created a secure, safe, and healthy environment for on-campus, in-person learning.
Their top priorities include maintaining in-person instruction, which we know is best for the cadets, while also ensuring the safety and health of the staff and cadets. Click here to apply.
Tuition: $26,500 for day students, $56,600 for international boarding students, and $48,900 for USA boarding students.
Randolph Macon Academy
Private, coed Randolph-Macon Academy serves students in grades 6 through 12.
They provide a top-notch curriculum for preparing students for higher education, together with a premier Air Force JROTC program that prepares graduates for meaningful and prosperous careers.
With the Class of 2022 graduating with 59 students who received more than $16.6 million in scholarships, 100% of graduates are accepted to the top colleges in the world each year.
R-MA is honored to be listed in the following Niche.com categories for 2022:
- #4: Virginia’s Most Diverse Private High Schools
- #4: Top Virginia Boarding High Schools
- #10: Virginia’s Top Private High Schools
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: To submit an application via the R-MA Application Portal, click here (preferred method)
All R-MA Online Applications must include the following information:
Personal Statement:
For both Upper and Middle Schools, each applicant is required to write an essay on the subject specified in the application.
Evidence of Identity:
A passport or birth certificate copy.
School Records: To contain all pertinent data about the schools. Every school the student has attended in the last three years should get a School Record Request Form.
Recommendation:
Fall and Spring applicants must submit one completed Recommendation Form.
Interview:
After receiving the aforementioned materials, your admissions counselor will schedule this with you.
Application signed and fee paid:
Parent and student signatures will be included on the online application. When submitting an online application, applicants must pay an application fee of $125 for international applicants and $75 for domestic applicants.
The Admission Committee will analyze the information to establish the applicant’s eligibility for acceptance after all application requirements have been satisfied, and the family will be promptly informed of the result.
Tuition: Click here to see the breakdown.
Hargrave Military Academy
More than 20,000 boys have come to the front steps since 1909 seeking a different approach to education and personal development.
They graduated as young men who had a strong academic, physical, and spiritual foundation and were leaders of character.
Both society and education have undergone significant transformations in the last century.
But Hargrave has persisted in putting a strong focus on academic excellence, conventional values that emphasize character and spiritual development, leadership advancement, and healthy interpersonal interactions.
The world has never needed Hargrave more than it does right now!
The Hargrave experience starts with kind teachers and staff who get to know their kids and develop enduring bonds.
These men and women’s commitment to “their” boys is clear every day in the mentoring, counseling, coaching, and simple availability.
Graduating students write or visit Hargrave every year to express their gratitude to the faculty, coaches, and staff members who had such a significant impact on their lives.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: Successful candidates will exhibit the moral and character qualities required to succeed at an all-boys military school and be prepared to enroll and take part.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Step 2: Submit Application
Step 3: Application Fee
Pay the $150 application fee (or $75 for domestic applicants).
Step 4: Speak With an Admissions Counselor
You will be contacted by an admissions counselor to go through your first application, get help getting references, and set up an interview.
Tuition: $15,924 for day cadets, $39,437 for boarding cadets, and $49,419 for international cadets.
Southern Preparatory Academy
The goal of Southern Preparatory Academy, which has been around for 125 years, has always been to develop and prepare the leaders of tomorrow.
Southern Prep is a military boarding school in Camp Hill, Alabama, committed to fostering a good environment free from the distractions prevalent in public schools where its students can live and learn.
Their Corps of Cadets class is intentionally small, consisting of only about 125 young men. This fosters a close-knit community among students who are facing similar new challenges.
The reputation of Southern Prep is built on its outstanding academics, honorable military traditions, competitive sports, and creative unique activities.
Since 1898, they have given pupils the structure and rules necessary for concentration, independence, and achievement.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: click here to apply.
Tuition: $27,025 for day students.
Marine Military Academy
A post-graduate year is a possibility at this private boarding military school in Texas for boys in grades 7 through 12.
Students can concentrate on their academic and personal development in MMA’s regulated, noise-free environment.
Small class numbers, individualized attention, and a wide range of extracurricular activities assist them in producing young men who are well-behaved, morally upright, college-ready, and capable of taking on responsible leadership.
Training young men for college and responsible leadership has been their goal since 1965.
They offer a disciplined setting and strong academics to motivate and prepare young men for prosperous futures.
Every student in their military academy is encouraged to reach their full potential.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: You must submit an application to the Marine Military Academy in order to enroll as a cadet.
You have the option of submitting your application materials online or on paper with a pen. Please apply early as space is limited.
You must include the application cost with your submission.
- Complete the application here.
- Submit medical history.
- Submit transcripts.
- The birth certificate and documents listed should be submitted to admissions@mma-tx.org
Tuition: $46,650 Fall entrants 2022-23.
St. John Northwestern Academy
St. John’s Northwestern Academies is a private, independent college preparatory school located in Delafield, Wisconsin.
They provide both boarding and day school for boys and girls in grades 6 through 12.
St. John’s Northwestern Academies educates and develops young men and women to be responsible citizens and moral and ethical leaders inspired to seize today’s and tomorrow’s prospects.
They accomplish this by focusing on academic achievement, spiritual and character development, exceptional athletic programs, and superior leader development training in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: Your application will include:
- Application fee – $25
- Student profile
- Parent statement
- Student essays
- Grades/transcripts
- Teacher recommendations
- Guidance counselor recommendation
Click here to apply.
Through active learning, experimentation, and cooperation, the Army and Navy Academy fuel students’ will to succeed.
In and out of the classroom, their dedicated professors and staff promote boys’ college and career ambitions.
Cadets in the Army and Navy Academies can get a head start on their professional interests, such as aviation, computer science, psychology, and other unique programs, in addition to a college preparatory curriculum.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: The Army and Navy Academy are now accepting highly qualified applicants for the 2022-2023 School Year, which begins on August 17th, 2022.
If you have any problems applying to the Academy, please contact the Office of Admission at 888.762.2338 or admission@armyandnavyacademy.org.
Click here to apply.
Tuition: $48,000 and $28,000 for boarding students and day students respectively.
Valley Forge Military Academy
Valley Forge Military Academy and College, founded in 1928, is a worldwide leadership institution that includes a middle school, high school, and college.
The Governor and the Pennsylvania Legislature have recognized this college as the Military College of Pennsylvania.
They have a long history of shaping character in young men. Academic Excellence, Character Development, Personal Motivation, Physical Development, and Leadership are the five cornerstones of their philosophy.
Through their integrated military and academic communities, they are able to attain this deep, transforming character formation.
Cadets form lifelong friendships and hold each other responsible for the Academy’s ideals and traditions within the setting of this disciplined community.
Click here for more information.
Admission Requirements: click here to apply.
Tuition: $39,304 and $23,779 for domestic and day tuition respectively.
FAQs
What is the most prestigious military school?
The United States Military Academy, the country’s most famous and difficult military school, has been teaching American soldiers for almost two centuries.
What is the most prestigious military school in the US?
The United States Military Academy, also known as West Point, is one of the world’s best and most prominent military academies.
Where can I send my troubled youth for free in Texas?
The Texas National Guard sponsors Texas ChalleNGe Academy, a 5 ½ monthly quasi-military residential academy. This is a tuition-free educational program for 16-18-year-old disengaged students.
What is the youngest age for military school?
Each military school in the United States has its own set of admission standards.
The norm is between grades 6 and 8. That puts pupils between the ages of 12 and 15.
- Which military school is the hardest to get into?
In terms of admissions, USNA is the most competitive of the service academies, with just 9% of candidates being accepted.
Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 23, unmarried, without children, and of good character.
Why is West Point so prestigious?
West Point is one of the most elite universities in the country, and admission is exceedingly tough.
It also has a thorough application process with some unique requirements not found at non-military institutions and universities.
According to self-reported data provided by US News, West Point has an academic advantage over the Navy.
How much does it cost to put your kid in boot camp?
Bootcamps are priced differently based on the length of the program. For a 30-day stay, boot camps normally cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
However, as stated throughout this essay, boot camps do not produce long-term improvement and are not always a wise investment in your child’s future.
Do troubled teens get better?
Most problematic teenagers benefit from expert guidance in understanding the underlying causes of their problems and dealing with them.
Getting treatment for a troubled teen when problems arise is usually considerably more successful than waiting until things worsen.
Is military school free?
Most college-prepared military boarding schools charge between $25,000 and $50,000 per year in tuition.
When compared to ordinary boarding schools, where the median tuition is almost $53,000, military schools are a great deal.
What happens if you misbehave in military school?
Most military schools have discovered that if a cadet violates the code of conduct, the most powerful consequence that can be imposed is a restriction on one’s personal time.
Military schools provide cadets with a regulated daily schedule to help them focus by reducing distractions and spare time.
Can you force your kid to go to military school?
Yes, parents have the authority to compel their minor children to attend military school.
Most states in the United States mandate children between the ages of 6 and 16 to attend school.
The most common option is a public school, but in most areas, parents can choose the educational approach for their children.