Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy
Little Rock, AR
The Verdict
Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy (AMFRA) is Arkansas's first military-style high school focused on first responder career preparation. Founded in 2023 and located in southwest Little Rock, this tuition-free public charter school combines rigorous college-preparatory academics with Marine Corps JROTC training and first responder career pathways.
Under the leadership of Commandant Lt. Col. Jason Smedley, a United States Marine Corps officer and Little Rock native, AMFRA provides a STEM-focused curriculum emphasizing pre-engineering, coding, and cybersecurity. The academy offers unique pathways for students interested in military service, law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services—all while earning a high school diploma at no cost to families.
A note on AMFRA's future. In April 2025, after the academy lost its federal nonprofit status, the Arkansas Department of Education's charter authorizing panel voted unanimously to transfer AMFRA's charter to Exalt Charter Schools effective the 2026-27 school year, allowing the high school to keep receiving state funds. Exalt Academy of Southwest Little Rock — a formerly K-8 charter about a mile from AMFRA's campus — expanded through grade 12 and stood up its own Marine Corps JROTC unit in fall 2025, and has said the combined school will offer JROTC, military, and nursing tracks. Some AMFRA parents objected at the time that a merged school would not preserve the standalone military structure that drew them to the academy. As of July 2026, AMFRA's enrollment site was still accepting applications and Exalt had not published details of the merged program; families should contact Exalt Academy of Southwest Little Rock directly to confirm grades, campus, and program for 2026-27.
About
Tuition-free public charter high school in Little Rock serving grades 9-11 with Marine Corps JROTC, STEM academics, and first responder career pathways. Founded 2023. As of the 2026-27 school year its charter transferred to Exalt Charter Schools; contact Exalt Academy of Southwest Little Rock to confirm the program.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Complete online enrollment application
- Submit proof of Arkansas residency
- Provide official transcripts from previous school
- Submit immunization records and health documentation
- Attend new cadet orientation
- No tuition required (free public charter school)
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
N/A
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
176
Student:Teacher
14:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
As a day school, AMFRA cadets follow a structured military-style schedule during school hours. The day includes morning formation, uniform inspection, and physical training. Academic classes emphasize STEM subjects including pre-engineering, coding, and cybersecurity. All cadets participate in the Marine Corps JROTC program, learning drill, ceremonies, leadership, and military customs. Afternoons include athletics, marksmanship training, or first responder elective courses. Cadets are expected to maintain high standards of appearance, conduct, and academic performance throughout the school day.
Discipline Model
AMFRA employs a Marine Corps JROTC-based discipline model with a cadet chain of command structure. All students participate in the JROTC program, learning military bearing, drill, and ceremonies. The academy emphasizes scholarship, leadership, and character development. Cadets wear uniforms daily and are held to high standards of conduct and appearance. The discipline framework focuses on developing self-discipline, respect, and personal accountability rather than punitive measures.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A
Where Graduates Go
As a newly established school (founded 2023), AMFRA has not yet produced graduates eligible for service academy appointments. The academy provides JROTC training and leadership development that prepares cadets for future military service or first responder careers.
Hall of Fame
N/A
School founded in 2023; no alumni have graduated yet
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in physical training as part of the Marine Corps JROTC curriculum. Physical fitness is a core component of the cadet experience, with regular PT sessions emphasizing Marine Corps fitness standards. The school's JROTC fitness teams have achieved notable success, with the girls' team winning the state title and the boys' team placing second in their inaugural year of competition.
Facilities
AMFRA features modern facilities including a gymnasium, weight room, and an indoor air rifle marksmanship range. Cadets train on air rifles and compete in marksmanship competitions at state and national levels. The campus provides athletic fields for outdoor sports and dedicated spaces for JROTC drill and ceremonies. In their inaugural year, the JROTC fitness teams achieved notable success with the girls' team winning state and the boys' team placing second.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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