Military School Info

There are a variety of summer military school opportunities available for boys, some of which tend towards academic pursuits and might be viewed as a summer session, others of which are aimed at introducing young men to a branch of the US Armed Forces, and some of which are organized like a summer camp. This article will review some of the various types of offerings.

Summer Opportunities Offered by the Service Academies

• Summer Leaders Seminar A week-long program offered by the United States Military Academy to students who have completed their junior year of high school and who want to experience West Point cadet life firsthand as they consider pursuing an appointment to a service academy. Students participate in academic classes, military and physical fitness training, and intramural athletics. admissions.usma.edu

• Summer Seminar A week-long program offered by the United States Naval Academy to students who have completed their junior year of high school and who want to experience life at Annapolis firsthand as they consider seeking an appointment to a service academy. Students participate in a university-level academic program run by midshipmen with oversight by Naval and Marine officers. usna.edu

• Summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Program  A six-day program that divides time between the Naval Academy and Washington, D.C. for students in grades 7 - 9 who have a particular interest in STEM subjects. Students focus on various aspects of technology, learn new skills, create products, and share their work with their families on the final day, while gaining an understanding of what’s involved in a career in the areas of science and engineering. usna.edu

• Falcon Sports Camps Programs run by the United States Air Force Academy for students aged 8 - 18 Run by academy head coaches and lasting from 3 to 5 days. Sports offered include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, diving,  fencing, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling. goairforcefalcons.com

• SAME/USAFA Engineering and Construction Camp A week-long program for high school students who have completed their freshman year and who are interested in a career in architecture, engineering, or a closely-related field. The camp is run by the Society of American Military Engineers and the United States Air Force Academy Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DFCE). The camp consists of hands-on engineering activities, performed in a competitive atmosphere. Engineering & Construction camps linked with the Navy and the Army are also available. posts.same.org

• Summer Seminar A 5-day program offered by the United States Air Force Academy for students who have completed their junior year of high school and want to gain a deeper understanding of life as a cadet. Teamed with a mentor, each attendee will get to attend classes and workshops, PT, inspection, and a practice Candidate Fitness Assessment. academyadmissions.com

Summer Opportunity to Introduce and Help Apply to a Service Academy

• Honor Code! The three Honor Code! Leadership week-long camps introduce students in grades 8 - 12 to the US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy, or US Military Academy. Each camp is based in a locale near the chosen academy, and spends time at the academy, where participants meet cadets or midshipmen, attend an admissions briefing, and witness a parade, among other activities. Students also sightsee in the area, and learn about the steps necessary to successfully apply to the academy of their choice. honorcamps.com

Military Prep School Summer School

A number of the military prep schools offer a summer program of some sort. Some courses may be offered as preparation for attending the school in the fall, for students who attend during the year, or for anyone who fits the age range and other eligibility requirements. Check these schools’ websites for further information:

• Camden Military Academy
• Fork Union Military Academy          
• Hargrave Military Academy
• Lyman Ward Military Academy
• Marine Military Academy
• Missouri Military Academy
• Oak Ridge Military Academy
• Riverside Military Academy
• St. Catherine’s Military Academy
• St. John’s Military School
• St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy
• Valley Forge Military Academy