Military Prep Schools & Military Education Programs for High School Students

If you’re a high school student thinking about joining the military someday, or if you’re simply seeking a more structured, goal-focused environment, there are programs you can start now to prepare. From military prep schools to early programs like JROTC, these opportunities can set you on a path toward leadership, discipline, and future career options.

What are military high schools?

Military high schools, also known as military prep schools, are either private or public secondary schools that blend traditional academic lessons with a military-like structure and values. These schools are more than just about marching in uniform. They emphasize academic achievement, leadership, time management, physical fitness, and character growth. Students, often referred to as cadets, adhere to a code of conduct that promotes accountability, respect, and personal responsibility.

While not every student in a military high school will go on to enlist or attend a service academy, the environment is particularly beneficial for those who do well with structure and are thinking about a military career. Many of these schools provide college prep courses, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and extracurricular activities in addition to their military training programs.

What is JROTC in high school?

The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is among the most accessible early military programs available to high school students across the United States. Sponsored by the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, JROTC operates in accredited secondary schools nationwide and is taught by retired military instructors. 

The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard each run their own versions of the program. 

According to a Congressional Research Service report, 490,094 students were active in 3,514 JROTC units across the U.S. in 2024.

Through JROTC, students learn leadership, citizenship, physical fitness, and military history. They also develop skills like teamwork, public speaking, and discipline. Participation does not require a student to join the military, but it can improve their chances of earning ROTC scholarships for college or gaining admission to a service academy. 

For students who choose to enlist after high school, their JROTC experience can qualify them for a higher rank or additional pay, just like it did for my son when he joined the Marines after participating in NJROTC in high school.

Other early military programs

Beyond JROTC and military high schools, other early military programs help students explore military pathways. Here are some of them:

Civil Air Patrol (CAP): Sponsored by the U.S. Air Force, this youth program is open to students aged 12 and older and focuses on aerospace education, leadership, physical fitness, and emergency services.

Sea Cadets: Sponsored by the U.S. Navy, this program offers maritime and naval training for students aged 13 to 17, including drills, summer sessions, and exposure to naval careers.

Young Marines: A nationwide youth program for ages 8 through high school graduation, emphasizing leadership and citizenship through community service. During summer, Young Marine Encampments allow Young Marines of all ages to come together and train as a large unit of up to 700 youth at a time. Over 3,000 Young Marines participate in this Marine Corps program each year.

National Guard Youth Challenge Program: The NGYCP is available to young men and women who will be 16-18 years old when they join. The program is a voluntary five-and-a-half-month residential experience followed by a year of mentorship. During the residential phase, cadets are immersed in a military-style environment that focuses on discipline, consistency, and structure. Cadets attend daily classes to prepare for returning to high school or completing GED testing.

Army Educational Outreach Program: AEOP offers students and teachers authentic STEM experiences through competitions, internships, and research opportunities with U.S. Army scientists. Programs include:

• Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS): A contest where high school students showcase original STEM research for scholarships and recognition.
• Apprenticeships & Fellowships: Provide paid research opportunities for students from high school to post-doctoral levels in Army labs, available as summer, semester, or long-term programs.
• Pathways Internship Program
  A paid federal internship program for students that offers career exploration and potential transition into permanent civil service roles.

Military Boarding Schools: Although these schools were once primarily for children facing difficulties, they now serve a much broader purpose. Modern military boarding schools are seen as places that help shape young people into individuals with strong character. They also foster qualities like exceptional leadership. Students follow a strict routine that keeps them focused on academics while developing leadership abilities.

Military Adventure Camps: These camps offer a unique experience that enables participants to develop responsibility, confidence, and tactical skills. Activities typically include physical fitness training, team-building exercises, navigation, outdoor survival tactics, and instruction in self-defense or marksmanship. 

Naval Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program: Open to U.S. citizens who have completed at least 9th grade (including graduating seniors), SEAP offers hands-on STEM experience alongside Navy researchers. The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), administered by the U.S. Navy, offers high school students paid, eight-week research internships in Navy laboratories nationwide. Participants earn $4,000 (or $4,500 for returning students) but must arrange their own housing. About 300 students are placed annually in one of 38 labs. 

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Internship – High School Opportunities: Highly qualified high school students (age 16+) with at least a 3.0 GPA can apply for limited research positions. Interns work 40 hours weekly for eight weeks in active research labs, engaging in real-world science and engineering projects. Participants receive a $492.40 weekly stipend but are responsible for arranging their housing and transportation. Applicants must select a specific research topic and are assessed based on academic fit and experience.

US Army Research Internships: Open only to U.S. citizens aged 16 or older, these programs have no application fees and encourage students from underrepresented groups to apply. The U.S. Army offers several summer internship programs for high school students under one umbrella, lasting 8–10 weeks and providing a stipend. Selections are made on a rolling basis based on academic background, experience, and lab fit. While housing and transportation are not provided, students gain hands-on experience in various engineering fields across different Army research labs.

How do you choose the right military prep program?

Not every teen is suited for a highly structured or military-style environment, but for those who are, early military programs can lay a strong foundation for future success. Whether you're aiming for a service academy, interested in enlisting, or just seeking a disciplined educational experience, there are several paths to explore.

Ask yourself a few questions:

• Do you prefer a clear routine and structure?
• Are you interested in taking on leadership roles?
• Do you enjoy physical challenges and team activities?
• Are you thinking about serving your country someday?

If most of those apply to you, a military prep program could be a perfect fit. These programs can help you stay focused in school, boost your confidence, and get ready for whatever your next step is—whether that’s joining the military, going to college, or pursuing something else entirely.

Why start preparing for the military now?

Getting involved in these programs during high school gives you a head start. You’ll develop fundamental skills in leadership, communication, and discipline, which will look impressive on college applications or military recruitment documents. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do after high school, but joining an early military program can open more options for your future.

Whether you're considering a military career or simply interested in it, exploring these options now gives you a competitive advantage. So, take that first step. Follow the links provided in this article for more information. Talk to your school counselor, explore local programs, reach out to current cadets, or create an Appily account to learn more about military and college programs. The future begins now, and it’s yours to explore.