California Military Institute
Perris, CA
"Leading the charge"
The Verdict
California Military Institute (CMI) stands as a pioneering public charter school that brought military-style discipline to the Inland Empire without the boot camp atmosphere. Founded in 2003 by members of the Perris Union High School District Board of Trustees, CMI was modeled after Oakland Military Institute and opened its doors with just fifty 7th graders.
The school's mascot honors Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt's legendary Rough Riders, embodying the spirit of courageous leadership and service. As one of three military-themed public charter schools facilitated by California's Task Force Torch program, CMI partners with the California Cadet Corps to develop tomorrow's leaders in a structured yet nurturing environment.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
California Military Institute is a publicly funded charter school in Perris, California, serving grades 5-12. The institute focuses on leadership development and academic rigor, with students affiliated with the California Cadet Corps.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
- No current failing classes
- High school students must be on track to graduate
- Good behavior record with no suspensions in the last year
- No expulsion history
- Must reside in Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, San Diego, or Orange County
- Complete online enrollment application
- Submit documents in person (emailed documents not accepted)
- Participation in lottery if applying during enrollment period
Admitted Student Profile
100%
Acceptance Rate
3.56
Avg GPA
1090
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Historic campus, originally built 1960
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
1,031
Student:Teacher
24:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
As a day school, CMI cadets arrive each morning for formation and uniform inspection. The academic day follows a structured bell schedule with core academics complemented by California Cadet Corps military science training, leadership development, and physical fitness. All students wear military uniforms—high school cadets don the ACU (Army Combat Uniform) while middle and elementary school students wear the Class C uniform. Cadets also wear Class B dress uniforms on designated days. The BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) in Woodland Camouflage serves as the daily duty uniform. Hair and grooming standards follow Army Regulation 670-1, with cadets maintaining high standards of military appearance. The school hosts Pass-n-Review ceremonies each semester, drawing visits from various military branches throughout the year. After-school programs include athletics through CIF competition and the free Think Together program for grades 5-8.
Discipline Model
CMI operates under the California Cadet Corps (CACC) discipline model, instilling the core values of SIR: Selfless-service, Integrity, and Respect. Cadets also uphold the ten values of the Cadet Honor Code: Loyalty, Education, Ambition, Duty, Enthusiasm, Respect, Service, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Unlike schools for troubled youth, CMI was specifically created to provide educational challenges to motivated cadets who maintain academic and behavioral standards. The military framework builds self-discipline, accountability, and leadership skills within a college preparatory academic program. Free uniforms are provided through the California Cadet Corps, with most outerwear at no cost to families.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
77%
Where Graduates Go
As a free public charter school, CMI provides college preparatory education to all students regardless of economic background. The school offers Advanced Placement courses in Computer Science, English, Human Geography, and U.S. History. Academic programs include Project Lead The Way Biomedical CTE Pathway, AVID schoolwide, Robotics Team, and Link Crew Leadership. CMI maintains a 93% A-G course completion rate, meaning nearly all graduates meet University of California and California State University admission requirements. With 88% economically disadvantaged students and 97% minority enrollment, CMI demonstrates that academic excellence transcends socioeconomic barriers, achieving a 100% graduation rate in recent years.
Hall of Fame
Class of 2009 Pioneers
CMI's first graduating class, marking the culmination of a six-year journey that began with the school's founding class of 7th graders in 2003
Class of 2021 Military Servicemembers
A dozen graduates from the Class of 2021 committed to military service, with one cadet already shipping to U.S. Army Basic Combat Training before graduation
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical fitness is integral to the CMI experience, with all cadets participating in regular physical training as part of the California Cadet Corps curriculum. The athletic program emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship while developing athletic skills and a passion for physical fitness.
Facilities
CMI's high school teams compete in the South Valley division through the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), while middle school sports compete in the South Valley middle school league. The school recently added a new 6,700 square foot Science and Music Building designed by PJHM Architects, featuring four advanced science classrooms, a music/band classroom with practice rooms, and upgraded staff facilities. Athletic Director Christopher Pearson leads a program focused on developing character through competitive sports, emphasizing how athletics teach students to respond to life's challenges and adversities.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
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Guides & Resources
California's Public Military Schools: The Tuition-Free Alternative
California has a unique concentration of tuition-free public military academies and charter schools. How to navigate the lottery system and find the right free option.
Free Military Schools: Your Complete Guide to No-Tuition Options
Yes, free military schools exist. Public academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge programs offer tuition-free military education—each with different requirements and trade-offs.
How to Evaluate a Military School Like an Insider
Tour like a pro. Read the handbook like a detective. Watch the mess hall like a spy. The complete guide to seeing past the polished presentation and finding the right school.
What Is a Military School?
Understanding the different types of military academies in the United States, from private boarding schools to public academies and Youth Challenge programs.
The Cadet Life Handbook: From Reveille to Roommates
The definitive guide to daily life at military boarding school. From the 6 AM wake-up to living with a roommate from a different world—everything parents and students need to know.
Behavioral History: What Disqualifies a Student from Military School?
Will past suspensions, legal issues, or disciplinary problems prevent admission? Learn how military schools evaluate behavioral history and when issues can be overcome.