How to Choose the Right Military School for Teens

11/13/2020

Which military school is right for your teen? Here are some key steps to determine the school that fits your child's needs best.

Four Steps to Selecting a School for Your Child

How do you pick the best school for your child? The following sections have questions for you to consider as you go through the process of choosing a school for your child. Remember, you are looking for a school that will make the educational experience for your child and you as rewarding as possible.

Step 1: Consider Your Child & Your Family

Start your search for the best school by thinking about what you want a school to do for your child. Keep these in mind. After all, you know your son or daughter better than anyone else does.

Your child's needs

Does your child need a more structured environment?
Does your child need a less structured environment?
Does your child need more challenging work?
Does your child need more individual attention?

Your child's learning style

Does your child learn best by seeing how things work?
Does your child learn best by reading about how something works?
Does your child learn best by listening?
Does your child like to participate in discussions?
Does your child like to learn through physical activity?
Is your child logical or mathematical?
Is your child musical or artistic?
Does your child like to learn in groups?
Does your child like to work alone?

Step 2: Gather information about schools

If you were looking to buy a car, vacuum cleaner, or refrigerator, you could talk to friends and family and find information on the Internet, in consumer magazines, or in other published resources. Similarly, when investigating schools, you may also have to make phone calls, collect written material from different schools and look for reports in your local paper to get the information you need. You can check public school report cards (see Parent Tip) and go to parent fairs and school open houses. You can find reliable school information online on sites such as www.greatschools.net and www.schoolresults.org as well as other sites. The hard work will be worth your while if you find a school that brings out the best in your child.

Along with the schools' curricula and philosophy, you will want to know about school policies and services. Parents may also wish to consider the after-school programs a school offers, for example, sports, clubs, tutoring, or academic enrichment.

Curriculum

Does the school have a strong program of core academic subjects such as English, history, mathematics, science, arts, and foreign languages?
What courses does the school offer in addition to the core subjects?
Does the school offer dual enrollment?
Does the school have a special focus or theme for the curriculum?
Does the school offer challenging courses such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and high school honors courses?
Does the school provide enrichment opportunities for all students? For gifted students?
Does the school have extracurricular activities that support what is taught?

Approach to learning

Does the school have a particular approach to teaching and learning (e.g., group projects, individual performance, frequent testing)?
If yes, do you think your child will enjoy and learn from this approach?
Does the school do all it can to make sure each child learns? Does it provide opportunities for children to get extra help when they need it?
What is the homework policy? Does it match your expectations for how much homework your child should do?
Do you want your child to go to a singlesex (all-boy or all-girl) school, or a coeducational school?
How large are the classes?

Academic performance

How do the school's test scores compare to those of other schools? (Check the school's report card if it is a public school or ask for information from the school if it is a private school. See 'Parent Tip' on school report cards.)
In the past few years, have test scores risen or declined?
How does the school explain the rise or decline? How well have children similar to yours performed on these tests?
How do students moving on to the next level of schooling perform in their new schools?
How many students leave the school before completing the last grade?
What special achievements or recognition has the school received?

Behavior policy

What does the school do to help develop character and citizenship?
What is the discipline policy? How does the school handle students who misbehave?
Are teachers fair in their responses to students? Does the school have a program and supports to prevent and address behavior problems?
What measures has the school taken to ensure safety? What security measures are in place?
Does the school have a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program?
Does the school have a dress code?
Do students wear uniforms?

Safety

Is the school safe?
How does the school prevent and handle problems with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco?
How does the school prevent and handle violence, bullying, harassment, and other forms of abusive behavior?
What measures does the school take to ensure safety? What security measures are in place?
What is the school's relationship with the local police?
Does the school have an emergency plan for local and national emergencies?
What does the school do to ensure that parents and all school administrators know the emergency plan?
Are there drills?
How does the school notify parents about emergency closings?

Special offerings

What extracurricular activities does the school offer after school or on weekends?
Do all students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities?
What interscholastic activities are available to students?
What intramural activities are available to students?
What activities receive the most attention and resources?
Are there school and student publications?
Does the school sponsor field trips?
Are they available to all students?

Facilities and services

Is there a well-stocked library where students can check out books and do research?
Is time provided in the day for students to go to the library?
Do students have access to computers and to the Internet in the classroom and library?
Is use of the Internet monitored?
Is there an auditorium or a large room for school assemblies?
Is a school nurse on duty daily?
Is there a cafeteria, and does the school offer a nutritionally well-balanced lunch program? Breakfast program?
Are there tutoring programs?
Are counseling services available to students?

Admissions procedures for public schools of choice and private schools

Is there an application process?
What is the application deadline?
Is anything else required in the application (test scores, interview, recommendations, application fees, etc.)?
Are test scores required for admission?
What are the ranges of scores for admitted students?
Do admissions requirements include a portfolio, an audition or statement of interest?
Are there any other admissions requirements?
Are admissions requirements published in languages other than English?

Additional questions about private schools

What is the tuition?
Is there a payment plan?
Is there a sliding scale for tuition, based on parish, church affiliation, or family income?
What are the other fees and expenses (room and board, uniforms, books, transportation, lab and computer fees, activity fees)?
What scholarships and loans are available?

Step 3: Visit schools

Contact the schools you are interested in and make an appointment for a visit. If possible, tour the schools during regular school hours and visit a few classes. Avoid visiting schools during the first or last week of a term in order to get a realistic sense of how the school operates.

A good way to have your questions answered is to schedule an appointment with the school Dean. If possible, attend an open house, parent-teacher meeting, or other school function that would also provide valuable information about the attitudes of staff, students, and parents.

Listen closely to what teachers say about the school. The teachers will be the adults closest to your child, and you will want to know if they are well prepared, dedicated, and happy in their work.

Culture

Is the school secretary helpful and friendly?
Is the school orderly and neat?
How does the school communicate with students and parents (weekly/monthly newsletter, e-mail, Web site)?
Do the students appear to be courteous, happy, and disciplined?
Is there a welcoming attitude toward all parents?

Dean

What is the Dean's philosophy about education?
What is the Dean's attitude toward discipline?
In what extracurricular activities is the Dean most interested?
What is the Dean's reputation in the community?
Is the Dean usually at the school and available to talk to parents?
Does the Dean get to know the students?
How often does the Dean observe teachers?
What does the school do to keep good teachers and improve teacher performance?
How does the Dean respond to parental concerns/complaints?
What is the Dean's attitude toward students with diverse learning needs (e.g., students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency)?
According to the Dean, what are the school's strengths?
According to the Dean, what are the school's weaknesses?
According to the Dean, where can the school improve?

Teachers

How do teachers grade student work?
Do teachers have high expectations for all students to achieve to high academic standards?
How do teachers inform students of their expectations?
Do teachers share the course content and objectives with parents?
When and how frequently are teachers available for parent conferences?
Do teachers assign homework? Is it rigorous? Frequent? Sufficient?
Are the teachers highly qualified to teach in their subject areas (do they know the subjects they are teaching)?
Do teachers have the skills and knowledge to address students with special learning needs?
Are specialized staffs available to address the special learning needs of a child (e.g., speech therapist, psychologist or aides)?
Do the teachers know the individual students in their classes?
Are teachers willing to provide extra help to students?
What is the school's policy regarding teacher response to parent inquiries?
Do teachers have websites with class notes and other information for students and parents?

Students

What do students say about the Dean?
What do students say about the teachers?
Do the students have school spirit?
What do students say about homework?
Do students participate in and enjoy field trips?
Do students feel safe and secure at the school?
What do student publications say?
What else do students say about the school?

Parent and community involvement

How does the school encourage parental involvement?
What are the ways parents can get involved?
Are parents encouraged to volunteer?
Does the school have an active parent- teacher organization?
How frequently does the school communicate with parents?
Are community leaders involved with the school?
Does the school partner with local businesses and organizations?
Are parents involved in the development of school policies?

Reputation

How is the school regarded in the community?
How is the school viewed by other parents?
Is the school respected by other schools, particularly those that receive its students (when they move to the next level)?
What do the graduates of the school say?
Have graduates from the school made significant contributions to the community and their field of choice?

Step 4: Apply to the schools you choose

Once you select the school(s) that you think will be best for your child, you will go through a process of applying to a school (or schools) of your choice and enrolling your child. Consider applying to more than one school, in case your child is not admitted to their first choice.

You will want to begin this process as early as possible in order to ensure you meet all the deadlines.

Admissions processes can vary. Your child may need to be tested or interviewed, and you may need to provide a school transcript, recommendations, or other information. It would be helpful to learn about admissions criteria for the schools. You will want to double check to be sure you have accurate information on when and how to apply.

Select one or more schools to apply to

To which schools do you want to apply?
What is the application deadline at each school?

Submit paperwork and applications before the deadlines

Have you completely filled out the application for each school?
Have you included all of the required additional information with the application (deposit, student transcript, test scores, letters of recommendation)?
Have you submitted applications before the deadline set by each school?

Follow up

Have you contacted each school to check on your child's application status?
When will the schools notify you that your child has been admitted?
When will you need to notify the school that your child plans to attend?
When will you notify the schools that your child will not attend?

Step 5: Stay Involved

Congratulations on all the planning you have done to reach this point. Your child will benefit tremendously from your active concern and involvement with his or her education. By collecting information, talking to other parents, visiting schools, and exercising your right to choose, you can now take the lead in making sure your son or daughter gets the best possible education. However, this is only the beginning. By staying involved in your child's education, encouraging your child to work hard, and providing additional opportunities to learn at home and in the community, you can help your child go further still. Remember it is your right, as well as your responsibility, to seek the very best education for your son.

Other websites that provide information related to school choice

Information for parents from the U.S. Department of Education (Click on the "Parents" box.)
Council of Chief State School Officers (links to state education agencies where you can learn about school performance and supplemental educational services providers)
GreatSchools.net (school profiles and comparative performance data)
National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (search for public and private schools)
Office of Non-Public Education, U.S. Department of Education (links to nonpublic school organizations, private school locator, and other information about nonpublic education)
Parental Information and Resource Centers (directory of centers across the country)
SchoolMatters.org (comparative performance data)
U.S. Charter Schools (information about charter schools)

6 Key Tips to Finding the Right Military School

Military boarding school can provide your teen with a positive academic experience, but like all schools, not all are created equal. Each military school has its own philosophy of education and academic offerings. Here are some tips to help you find the right one.

1. Look for Academic Success

The primary reason you're sending your teen to military school is for their education. Just like civilian schools, military schools are all different in their academic success. Always look at the academics offered. Make sure they are rigorous, push students to achieve much, and are led by experienced, qualified teachers.

One indicator that a school has strong academics is the success of its graduates. Where do the school's graduates go on to get further education? Are they able to get into elite schools, and graduate with high marks? These factors indicate that the high school delivers a solid educational experience.

2. Consider the Location

Next, consider the location. While many parents do travel far for their children's military boarding school experience, this can drain your budget quickly. If you have a tighter budget, choose a school that is accessible to your home to avoid unnecessary travel expenses. In addition, you'll want to see that the school is near hotels and other amenities that you will need when you travel to visit your student.

3. Explore the School's Culture

Spend some time on campus or in a virtual tour. See if the students seem to be happy and studious. Do they appear to get along well with their peers? Do they seem engaged in their studies? Does the overall culture of the school seem one of support and respect? While military schools do have strong discipline, good ones will have a student body that responds positively to the structure of the school and the care received from the faculty.

4. Ask About the Student-to-Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes give students the ability to get one-on-one help from their instructors. It also makes the instruction more effective, because each teacher can tailor the instruction to the individual students in their care. Smaller class sizes are better, so ask about the student-to-teacher ratio at the school.

5. Learn about the Physical Facilities

What facilities are on the campus that students have access to? Does the school have a computer and science lab? Does it boast its own library? Are the athletic facilities well-equipped? Is there a gymnasium that students can access? A well-run military school will have well-equipped, organized facilities. Students need access to these items to make their educational experience even more positive.

6. Check out the Extracurriculars

One of the perks of going to boarding school is the chance that students have to explore extracurricular activities. They have more time to take part in clubs, athletics, and just-for-fun programming. This means you want to choose a military school for your teen that has a number of offerings.

In addition, especially in a military boarding school that is gender-specific, these teens have less peer pressure to only pursue one track. If they find themselves more interested in the arts or science than athletics, they have less pressure to ignore those interests. This lets your teen's true skills shine. In order to benefit from this, you need a school that offers many different opportunities.

Finding the right military boarding school does take a little bit of work. With these steps, you can determine the school that fits your child's needs best. Take some time to do a little digging, and soon you will find a school that will provide the best possible experience for your child.

As you look, consider Riverside Military Academy. We are a private military boarding school in Atlanta for young men in grades 7 through 12. We offer college preparatory and college-level courses for young men who desire a greater academic challenge.

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