Son wants to attend a military school, any advice?

[Sheinster721]

I am not sure where this fits in on this forum, but maybe someone has some advice. My husband and I have basically zero experience with anything military and it's come out of the blue that my son is interested. My parents have a fair amount of money and they are willing to pay for my son to attend pretty much any private high school he wants.

When my son found out, he says he really wants to go to a military school, which was surprising because his a long haired theatre type kid (also plays sports) who has never expressed interest in the military before. Although now he says he may look at a service academy for college.

When we grilled him a bit, he said he wants to attend because of leadership opportunities and the discipline... not necessarily for himself but he wants to be around others who are all disciplined and he's willing to roll with strict rules if that's the case. Also, he says he found videos online of them, and he says he wants to be able to live with his friends, he said it would be worth the haircut and uniform.

We've been actively looking at Culver Academy and New Mexico Military Institute. Both expensive, but also... I kind of feel like my parents aren't even going even going to look at the cost before writing the check.

Anyways just wondering if anyone had any advice or experience with either school?

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

I am not sure where this fits in on this forum, but maybe someone has some advice. My husband and I have basically zero experience with anything military and it's come out of the blue that my son is interested. My parents have a fair amount of money and they are willing to pay for my son to attend pretty much any private high school he wants.

When my son found out, he says he really wants to go to a military school, which was surprising because his a long haired theatre type kid (also plays sports) who has never expressed interest in the military before. Although now he says he may look at a service academy for college.

When we grilled him a bit, he said he wants to attend because of leadership opportunities and the discipline... not necessarily for himself but he wants to be around others who are all disciplined and he's willing to roll with strict rules if that's the case. Also, he says he found videos online of them, and he says he wants to be able to live with his friends, he said it would be worth the haircut and uniform.

We've been actively looking at Culver Academy and New Mexico Military Institute. Both expensive, but also... I kind of feel like my parents aren't even going even going to look at the cost before writing the check.

Anyways just wondering if anyone had any advice or experience with either school?

FWIW, my Dad went to Culver then AROTC at Purdue. He retired as an LTC.

My DS recently received a AROTC scholarship and is now leaning toward The Citadel. He graduates from public high school this spring.

Lots of good options out there. I think the important thing is visit the ones you are serious about and pick whatever feels best for your family.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

Also, if your DS thinks he may want to go to a SA for college ask how successful each school is in preparing and placing cadets at the academies.

 

[Academician]

I have had students at Culver and also at Missouri Military Academy. Both have had good things to say about the schools and the programs there. One is heading to West Point soon and the other has a great chance to do the same. I think both programs allowed them to build good résumés. The one disadvantage is the lack of transport and access to outside activities. One issue, for example, was finding opportunities to take ACT/SATs as the schools only sponsor one or two each year. For most students, taking 4+ makes very good sense. Participating in other outside groups, such as CAP, Sea Cadets, Scouting, etc. is typically not possible. I have also had students a other boarding schools, too, and they have had similar restrictions. Point is that there are both advantage and disadvantages to this particular path so I recommend exploring all aspects of the military schools that you consider. Good luck!

 

[navy27hopeful]

Had a highschool friend who went to Culver, he loved it (actually did a 5th year.) Can't give much specifics but he was always happy and boasted about the school a lot

 

[Infantry_Dad]

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[Giovanny Moore]

If you can, visit these schools to get a better sense of what they're like and what they expect from students. Also, try to talk to people who went to these schools or are going there now. They can tell you what it's really like and what the good and tough parts are.