Understanding Your Options
Public Military Academies
Delaware Military Academy in Wilmington is a free public military high school with Navy JROTC, serving grades 9-12 since 2003. First State Military Academy in Clayton is a free public charter with Marines JROTC, serving grades 9-12 since 2015. Both offer structured environments with uniforms, drill, and military discipline.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Both schools primarily serve Delaware residents. Applications through SchoolChoiceDE.org are required—you cannot simply enroll the week before school starts. Due to popularity, both schools often have waitlists. Apply early (November-January for the following fall).
Two Free Public Military High Schools
Delaware offers something uncommon: two free public military high schools with different JROTC branches.
Delaware Military Academy
Delaware Military Academy in Wilmington:
- Founded: 2003
- Grades: 9-12
- JROTC: Navy (only all-Navy JROTC charter in the nation)
- Cost: Free (public charter)
- Enrollment: ~567
- Recognition: 2019 National Blue Ribbon School
Note: DMA is highly competitive with waitlists common. Apply early through SchoolChoiceDE.org.
First State Military Academy
First State Military Academy in Clayton:
- Founded: 2015
- Grades: 9-12
- JROTC: Marines (Naval Honor School designation)
- Cost: Free (public charter)
- Enrollment: ~450
- Approach: New Tech Network project-based learning
FSMA combines Marine Corps discipline with hands-on, project-based learning. As a Naval Honor School, their Senior Marine Instructor can nominate cadets directly to service academies—a rare perk for a free public school.
A Model for Public Military Education
Delaware demonstrates that military-style education doesn't require expensive boarding schools. Both academies offer structured environments, uniforms, drill, and real JROTC training—all at no cost to families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Delaware's military schools free?
Yes. Both Delaware Military Academy and First State Military Academy are tuition-free public charter schools. However, they require applications through SchoolChoiceDE.org and often have waitlists due to high demand.
What's the difference between the two Delaware military schools?
Delaware Military Academy (Wilmington) has Navy JROTC and earned National Blue Ribbon status in 2019. First State Military Academy (Clayton) has Marines JROTC combined with project-based learning and is a designated Naval Honor School. Both are free public high schools.
Do Delaware's military schools have boarding?
No. Both are day schools—students commute daily. For boarding, Valley Forge Military College in PA is about 45 minutes away. Virginia options (Fork Union, Hargrave, Fishburne) are 4-5 hours south.