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Some Benefits and Drowbacks of Military Schools
Parents decide to send their children to military schools for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include:
Academics – achievement of above average grades is heavily emphasized.
Structure – many teens benefit from the structured environment. Too much free time for a teenager can result in bad choices. Working parents often find it difficult to monitor their teen’s activities after school.
Role models – strong male role models are important, especially for teenage boys. Military school provides many positive leaders, including instructors, tactical officers, coaches, and on-staff chaplains.
Tradition – families with a history of military school attendance often want to maintain this time honored tradition (An inside look at Military Boarding Schools).
Military schools are most appropriate for pre-teens and teens who do not struggle from any significant behavioral or emotional problem. Generally military schools do not offer or make available appropriate psychological therapy for struggling teenagers. In fact, some psychologists feel that the strict disciplinary nature of military schools could harm a teen that is suffering from a behavioral or emotional problem.
Teenagers with behavioral problems need more individualized care than most military schools can provide. Some characteristics that would suggest a military school is not a good option for an adolescent and the need for individual and specialized treatment are: signs of ADHD, depression, alcohol or drug abuse, and extreme mood swings (Troubled Teenager’s Help).
One of the drawbacks of a military school education is the cost. The cost for a new student runs approximately $23,000.00 to $26,000.00 per academic year. This figure normally includes tuition, room, board, uniforms, laundry, and cleaning fees. In addition, a reservation deposit is required which can run from $750.00 to $1000.00. Loan programs make tuition payments more affordable by providing up-front funds to the military school, and then allowing families to spread the payments over a longer period of time. Many parents simply cannot afford the high tuition and must seek other options.
There are signs that military schools are accomplishing things that public schools are struggling with. By shifting the focus from training future soldiers to preparing civic leaders, military schools are making a comeback. Of course, military schools can seem harsh and confusing to the average teenager. At a typical military school, reveille is at 6:00 a.m. every morning, cadets are required to attend formation 45 minutes later dressed in full uniform, they are called to formation before every meal, and simple pleasures, such as watching television or videos must be earned.
Even with their impressive results, military schools occupy a small niche in the education world. They aren’t for every teenager. Military schools focus on teamwork and academics. Although many have accepted troubled teens in the past, most military schools shy away from teens with more profuse problems (Troubled Teens).
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