Understanding Your Options
Private Boarding Schools
Southern Preparatory Academy (formerly Lyman Ward Military Academy) in Camp Hill is Alabama's private military school. Founded in 1898, it serves grades 7-12 with both boarding and day options. In 2025, the school expanded to accept day students of both genders while maintaining its traditional cadet boarding program. Army JROTC, focused on character development and college preparation.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Marion Military Institute accepts students from any state with in-state tuition for Alabama residents. Southern Preparatory Academy accepts students nationally for boarding; day students must be within commuting distance. Air War College serves active-duty military officers only.
Alabama's Military Education Heritage
Alabama is home to the oldest military junior college in the nation: Marion Military Institute. Combined with Southern Preparatory Academy and the Air War College, the state offers military education from high school through senior officer training.
Junior Military College
Marion Military Institute - Founded in 1842 in Marion (about 90 minutes from Birmingham, 75 minutes from Montgomery), MMI is the nation's oldest military junior college and Alabama's official state military college. All students are cadets living in barracks. MMI offers the Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program, plus crosstown agreements for Air Force ROTC and a Navy ROTC prep program. Total cost is approximately $17K/year for Alabama residents—roughly half the cost of most private military boarding schools.
Private Military School
Southern Preparatory Academy - Formerly Lyman Ward Military Academy, this Camp Hill school (about 75 minutes from Birmingham, 45 minutes from Auburn) serves grades 7-12. Founded in 1898, Southern Prep provides structured military education with Army JROTC. In 2025, the school expanded to accept day students of both genders while maintaining its traditional cadet boarding program. Alabama's CHOOSE Act ESA may help with tuition—families should verify eligibility.
Professional Military Education (Military-Only)
Air War College - Located at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, the Air War College is the Air Force's senior professional military education institution. It trains colonels and senior leaders for strategic positions. Not open to civilian applicants—this is graduate-level education for active-duty military officers, not a K-12 or undergraduate option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marion Military Institute?
Marion Military Institute (MMI) is a public junior military college in Marion, AL—the oldest military junior college in the nation (founded 1842). It offers associate degrees with full military structure and ROTC commissioning programs for Army, Navy/Marines, and Air Force.
How much does Marion Military Institute cost?
For Alabama residents, total annual cost is approximately $17,000 (tuition, fees, room & board). Out-of-state students pay around $23,000. That's roughly half the cost of most private military boarding schools. Financial aid is available—95% of students receive some form of aid.
What is Southern Preparatory Academy?
Southern Prep (formerly Lyman Ward Military Academy) is a private military school in Camp Hill, AL, serving grades 7-12. Founded in 1898, it offers both boarding and day options. In 2025, the school expanded to accept day students of both genders while maintaining its traditional cadet boarding program. Army JROTC.
What is the Air War College?
The Air War College at Maxwell AFB is a professional military education institution for senior military officers (colonels and above). It's not a K-12 or undergraduate school—it trains senior leaders for strategic positions.
Can Alabama ESA funds pay for military school?
Potentially yes. Alabama's CHOOSE Act provides ESA funds for eligible K5-12 students. Families should verify their eligibility and confirm that Southern Preparatory Academy participates in the program before planning around these funds.