A couple years back, one of the ALO's in my state asked me to meet with an applicant of theirs and help them with the process a little if I could. I met with him. First question I asked was: "Most of this is administrative in nature like essays, medical, etc... why can't your parents help you". First answer out of his mouth was: "I haven't told my parents yet that I'm applying".
Hmmmmmm. I gave him 2 opinions. The first was the stern and would could be viewed by some as the "unsympathetic" opinion. (If you don't have enough maturity and enough respect for your parents to tell them you're applying; then maybe you aren't mature enough yet to apply to the academy and join the military). That was purely for "REFLECTION". I felt he really needed to look inside of himself. The 2nd opinion was how to actually handle it.
For this poster, he is pretty young still, so it is understandable and acceptable to be a little apprehensive in telling a parent. This is what I would do. (I say I, you may not agree. That's cool).
I would let your parents know that you're getting interested in College and your future. Show them a list of 4-5 schools that you're interested in. One being, the academy. Get their verbal and non-verbal feedback about the schools. And by the way, I'm not suggesting 4-5 schools to play psychology 101 on your parents. If you're not applying to at least 4-5 schools, you are making a BIG MISTAKE. You can want the academy all you want. But that doesn't mean you're necessarily going to receive an appointment. 12,000+ people annually apply to the air force academy. 3000-4000 become qualified for the academy. 1000-1200 actually receive an appointment.
Then; after you receive your parent's feedback on your list, talk about the classes you'll need to take in high school to get accepted to these very good schools. Mention that you might take JrROTC or CAP so you can get a "FEEL" for the military. (On a side note; JrROTC and CAP are indeed good programs, but don't think for a minute that if you really like and know either of those programs, that you are somehow better prepared or have a better understanding for the real military and academies). YOU DON'T. Most kids I know who went to the academy and took CAP, JrROTC, or even scouting, mentioned how it helped them learn some discipline, respect, marching, saluting, and even how to maintain a uniform. But after that; it was NOTHING like they thought it would be. Not saying this to discourage you from taking those activities, just that you can learn discipline, respect, teamwork, etc... in many other activities. It doesn't have to be CAP or JrROTC. But in your case, your parents might see it as YOU trying to get a "FEEL" for the military, and it might make it easier for them to support you.
Anyway; that's what I recommend. Start with "COLLEGE" in general as you being interested in. Mention the different schools, including the academy. Mention the pros and cons of each. "If you don't know the pros and cons, then maybe you have some research to do so you know what it is you really want". Then, your parents and you can discuss it together and understand each other. best of luck.... mike....