Posted by The Military boarding schools for troubled youth listed in this article have proven to help develop the character, as well as leadership skills of youth who exhibit unpleasant attitudes.
Statistically, there are about 1.1 billion youths in the world which is approximately 16 percent of the world’s population.
In today’s world, youth exhibit some negative behavioral problems which can be termed as being ‘troubled’. This attitude if continued could result in academic failure.
Table of Contents
Who is a Troubled Youth?
A troubled youth is a term used to describe a young person who is experiencing problems that are causing negative behaviors and may prevent them from developing into a happy and successful adult.
These problems are beyond the normal issues that all adolescents face or they may be a result of a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, or abuse.
Troubled youths may exhibit a range of behaviors, including violence, depression, substance abuse, and more. If you are a parent or guardian of a troubled youth, it is important to seek professional help and support to help your child transition into a happy and successful adult.
Attributes of a Troubled Youth
Below are the attributes of a troubled youth:
- Performing/dropping poorly in school grade
- Difficulty in learning and assimilating.
- Abuse of Drug/Substance
- Experience an extreme mood swing that doesn’t fit the present scenario.
- Losing interest in social and school activities they were fully involved in.
- Becoming Secretive, always sad, and alone
- A sudden engagement with negative peer groups
- Disobedient to school rules and regulations as well to parents and elders
- Tell lies and feel the need to not be corrected.
List of the Best Military Boarding Schools for Troubled Youth
Below is a list of the top military boarding schools for troubled youth:
- New York Military Academy
- Camden Military Academy
- Fork Union Academy
- Missouri Military Academy
- Oak Ridge Military Academy
- Massanutten Military Academy
- Fishburne Military Academy
- Riverside Military Academy
- Randolph-Macon Academy
- Hargrave Military Academy
- Southern Preparatory Academy
- Marine Military Academy
- St. John Northwestern Academy
- Army and Navy Academy
- Valley Forge Military Academy.
15 Military Boarding Schools for Troubled Youth
1. New York Military Academy
- Founded: 1889
- Location: Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY, United States
New York Military Academy is a private boarding school located in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. It was established in 1889 and is one of the oldest military schools in the United States.
The school has a highly structured military environment and an average class size of 10 students. It allows enrollment of both male and female students from grades 7 to 12.
The academic system at New York Military Academy is designed to build positive character in students through a combination of educational, physical/sport, and leadership programs.
The school aims to develop the mindset of troubled youth for further educational journeys and to become responsible and value-adding citizens.
New York Military Academy is a college preparatory school that has a 100% college placement record.
2. Camden Military Academy
- Founded: 1950
- Location: Camden, SC, United States
Camden Military Academy is a military boarding school for boys in grades 7-12 located in Camden, South Carolina, United States.
The school’s mission is to develop and prepare young men academically, emotionally, physically, and morally. It is a recommended military boarding school for troubled youth that builds a positive approach to facing life’s trials and opportunities.
CMA is known for its well-structured military environment and is involved in many athletic activities such as football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, cross country wrestling, and track.
The school has an average class size of 15 and approximately 300 male students, making learning very effective.
3. Fork Union Academy
- Founded: 1898
- Location: Fork Union, Virginia
Fork Union Military Academy is a Christian male military boarding school located in Fork Union, Virginia. It was established in 1898 by Dr. William E. Hatcher, a prominent local Baptist minister, as Fork Union Academy.
The academy has a rich tradition of promoting character, leadership, and scholarship. It is a college preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12 and postgraduates.
The school’s curriculum is based on a military academy structure and discipline, which aims to develop the cadets’ character, leadership, and scholarship alongside a high-level education. The academy has approximately 250 students and a teaching staff of 45.
At Fork Union Military Academy, cadets are privileged to engage in group Bible study, sports/athletic activities, as well as other extracurricular activities such as debating, playing chess games, and film or video clubs.
The academy has a one-year postgraduate program and offers high-quality academics and athletics built on character development, self-discipline, responsibility, leadership development, and Christian values.
4. Missouri Military Academy
- Founded: 1889
- Location: Mexico, Missouri
Missouri Military Academy is a prestigious college preparatory military boarding school for boys in grades 7-12, located in Mexico, Missouri.
The academy has been providing quality education since 1889 and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). The school has a diverse domestic and international student population.
The academy’s mission is to provide a structured and disciplined environment that fosters academic excellence, character development, leadership, and physical fitness.
The academy’s curriculum is designed to prepare young men for college and beyond. The academy offers both boarding and day school options for boys in grades 7-12, as well as a variety of summer camps.
The academy’s motto is “A man of character in a world of conformity”.
5. Oak Ridge Military Academy
- Founded: 1852
- Location: Oak Ridge, North Carolina
Oak Ridge Military Academy is a military boarding school located in North Carolina that was founded in 1852. It is a co-educational institution that caters to students from grades 7-12.
The school has an average class size of 10, which allows for personalized attention and a more focused learning experience. Oak Ridge Military Academy is known for its community of caring teachers and mentors who help students reach their full potential and become successful leaders.
The school creates an environment that builds values, encourages academic excellence, and provides opportunities for young men and women to build better futures for themselves.
Oak Ridge Military Academy has a rich history, having been established by local families in the surrounding community, some of whom were associated with the Society of Friends (Quakers).
Oak Ridge Military Academy has a 100% college acceptance rate and offers a diverse educational experience that encourages academic excellence, rewards self-discipline, and develops leadership potential.
6. Massanutten Military Academy
- Founded: 1899
- Location: Woodstock, Virginia
Massanutten Military Academy is a military boarding school located in Woodstock, Virginia. It was founded in 1899 and offers college preparatory education for grades 7-12. The school is co-educational, meaning it accepts both boys and girls.
The school’s primary focus is to prepare its cadets for success by providing high-quality education and learning opportunities. However, Massanutten Military Academy also provides unique involvement in critical thinking, innovation, and a valued culture that builds students to be global citizens.
The school’s curriculum is challenging and includes STEM subjects, cadet development, opportunities for leadership, and the shared experience of teamwork. The school has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate.
The school’s motto is “Non Nobis Solum” which means “Not For Ourselves Alone”.
7. Fishburne Military Academy
- Founded: 1879
- Location: Waynesboro, Virginia, United States
Fishburne Military Academy is a private military boarding/day school for boys in grades 7-12 located in Waynesboro, Virginia, United States.
Fishburne Military School is the smallest military school in Virginia and has an average class size of 12 students. The school is committed to providing a disciplined environment that is conducive to learning and encourages honor, integrity, and respect for everyone.
Fishburne Military School is involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Key Club, National Honor Society, Photography Club, Rocketry Club, Robotics Club, XSTEM, Cyber Patriots, and more.
The school also offers 16 interscholastic sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, drill team, football, golf, lacrosse, marksmanship, riflery, soccer, swimming, track, track and field, and wrestling.
Fishburne Military School is known for its commitment to academic excellence and has a 100% college acceptance rate for graduates.
8. Riverside Military Academy
- Founded: 1907
- Location: Gainesville, Georgia, United States
Riverside Military Academy is a private military boarding school established in 1907, located in Gainesville, Georgia. It is an all-boys school catering to students from grades 6-12, with an average class size of 12 students.
The school is known for its exceptional training of young potential and providing its cadets with a well-structured and safe learning environment, creating an educational system with limited distractions.
The academy’s mission is to develop ethical young men who are prepared for success in college and life. The school’s curriculum is designed to provide a challenging academic experience while also instilling leadership, character, and discipline in its students.
The academy’s military program is an integral part of the school’s educational philosophy, which aims to develop leadership skills, self-discipline, and teamwork among its students.
9. Randolph-Macon Academy
- Founded: 1892
- Location: Virginia, United States
Randolph-Macon Academy is a private preparatory day and boarding school located in Front Royal, Virginia.
The school is co-educational and caters to students from grades 6-12. The average class size is 12 students.
The academy focuses on building its students’ mindset towards achieving success, being supportive, working as a team, and preparing them for further education.
The school has a superior university-preparatory curriculum with military values that prepare graduates to pursue lives of meaning and success.
10. Hargrave Military Academy
- Founded: 1909
- Location: Chatham, Virginia
Hargrave Military Academy is a private military boarding school for boys in grades 7-12, located in Chatham, Virginia, USA. The school has an average class size of 10 students and is known as the National School of Character.
It was founded in 1909 and has been building its cadets’ character towards leadership and ethics, as well as assisting in the spiritual building of a student.
Hargrave Military Academy is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia and emphasizes Christian values that focus on a college and military preparatory program. The school has a strong academic program that continuously engages students in academic and athletic activities.
11. Southern Preparatory Academy
- Founded: 1898
- Location: Camp Hill, Alabama, United States
Southern Preparatory Academy is a private military boarding school for boys located in Camp Hill, Alabama, United States.
It was founded in 1898 and has since been dedicated to providing a well-structured environment for learning without distractions. The school is known for its academic excellence, discipline, and structure needed for focus.
Southern Preparatory Academy is renowned for its exemplary academics, commendable military traditions, competitive athletics, and innovative signature programs. The school is not just a military high school but also a boarding school, private school, and college prep school rolled into one.
12. Marine Military Academy
- Founded: 1965
- Location: Harlingen, Texas, United States
Marine Military Academy is a private college preparatory military boarding school for boys in grades 7-12, located in Harlingen, Texas, USA.
The academy provides a well-structured and distraction-free learning environment with small class sizes, which helps students stay focused on their academics and develop self-discipline.
In addition to academics, the school also engages its cadets/students in extracurricular activities and leadership training to make them better and prepare them for further education.
As of 2021, there are approximately 261 students enrolled at the academy, with an average class size of 11 students.
13. St. John Northwestern Academy
- Founded: 1884
- Location: Delafield, Wisconsin
St. John Northwestern Academy is a private boarding and day academy for boys, established in 1884 in Delafield, USA. The academy is a college preparatory school that focuses on academic success, athletics, leadership development, and character development.
The school’s mission is to educate and develop young men and women to be responsible citizens, as well as moral and ethical leaders who are inspired to take advantage of today and tomorrow’s opportunities.
The academy has two programs: Military Academy and Prefect Academy. The Military Academy is a co-ed program that challenges cadets to excel at leadership of self and others. The program forms character and skills for life, and provides clear military careers and pathways for students.
The Prefect Leadership Academy is a co-ed program that prepares students to take their place as influential global citizens.
Through the academy’s proprietary leadership curriculum, students explore an innovative preparatory approach to leadership and character-driven success.
14. Army and Navy Academy
- Founded: 1910
- Location: Carlsbad, California
Army and Navy Academy is a private military boarding school for boys in grades 7-12. It was founded in 1910 in Carlsbad, California. The school has an average class size of 12 students.
The Academy’s mission is to help young men build a better version of themselves by providing academic, sports, and individual study attention to all cadets. The Academy is known for its emphasis on building responsible and accountable young men.
The school’s JROTC leadership program teaches cadets to be their best selves and sets them up for success in life beyond high school. The Academy’s rigorous after-school team sports, dozens of clubs, and a West Point-style leadership structure make the Academy experience an unparalleled educational environment for boys.
15. Valley Forge Military Academy
- Founded: 1928
- Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania, United States
Valley Forge Military Academy is a private junior military boarding school for boys in grades 7-12 and PG located in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
The school is known for its Five Cornerstones: Academic Excellence, Personal Motivation, Character Development, Physical Development, and Leadership, which are designed to help young students achieve their goals.
The school’s academic program is rigorous, and the average class size is 11.
FAQs on the Military Boarding Schools for Troubled Youth
What is a military boarding school for troubled youth?
A military boarding school for troubled youth is an educational institution that combines a structured military environment with academic programs. These schools aim to address behavioral issues, instill discipline, and provide a supportive environment for students facing challenges.
Are military boarding schools only for students with disciplinary problems?
While military boarding schools often cater to troubled youth, they may also admit students seeking a structured environment or a military-focused education.
Do these schools offer academic programs?
Yes, most military boarding schools offer a comprehensive academic curriculum alongside their focus on discipline. They strive to provide a well-rounded education to support students' overall development.
Are there financial aid options available for families who cannot afford tuition?
Some military boarding schools offer financial aid or scholarship opportunities. Families facing financial constraints should inquire with the schools about available assistance programs.
Are there alternatives to military boarding schools for troubled youth?
Yes, there are alternative approaches and institutions for troubled youth, such as therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness programs, or traditional boarding schools with a focus on counseling and support.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re a troubled youth looking for a fresh start, a military boarding school may be just what you need. With the right support and guidance, you can overcome your challenges and achieve your full potential.
These Military boarding schools help troubled youth by offering a structured environment, instilling discipline, and providing a rigorous academic curriculum. They often focus on character development, leadership skills, and personal responsibility.
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