Camden Military Academy
Camden, SC
"Strength & Character Are Only The Beginning"
The Verdict
Camden Military Academy is the hidden gem of military boarding schools—offering the full cadet experience at nearly half the cost of Virginia competitors. With just 300 cadets on a historic South Carolina campus, every young man is known by name.
The school's smaller size translates to individualized attention, with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and a mission focused on transforming boys who need structure into confident, disciplined young men ready for college and life.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Camden Military Academy is a college preparatory military boarding school for young men in grades 7-12, dedicated to fostering leadership, character development, and self-discipline within a structured environment.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesBoarding
$29,995
International
$42,995
*Does not include $100 application fee or $2,495 uniform fee
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Completed application
- Official school transcripts
- Teacher recommendations
- Medical and immunization records
- Personal interview (in-person or virtual)
- Psychological evaluation (if applicable)
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
50 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
249
Student:Teacher
8:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
6:30 AM Wake Up; 7:30 AM Breakfast; 8:00 AM Drill/PT; 9:30 AM Classes Begin; 12:00 PM Lunch; 1:00 PM Classes resume; 3:25 PM Classes dismiss; 3:30 PM Intramurals; 4:00-6:00 PM Cadet free time; 6:30 PM Dinner; 7:30-9:30 PM Supervised Study Hall; 10:00 PM Lights Out. Weekends include supervised recreation, community service, and optional home visits for cadets in good standing.
Discipline Model
Traditional military merit/demerit system. Cadets earn rank through demonstrated leadership, academic achievement, and conduct. The cadet chain of command enforces standards with oversight from the Commandant's staff. The culture emphasizes positive reinforcement and personal responsibility over punishment.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
98%
Scholarships Earned
$2 million+ annually
Where Graduates Go
Regular appointments to West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy, and Coast Guard Academy. In March 2025, Camden established a **guaranteed admissions agreement with VMI**—qualified graduates receive direct admission to Virginia Military Institute.
Hall of Fame
Pat Conroy
Bestselling author of 'The Great Santini,' 'The Prince of Tides,' and 'The Lords of Discipline'; former English teacher at Camden
Marshall Chapman
Country/rock singer-songwriter, author, and actress; one of the first female songwriters signed to a major Nashville label
General (Ret.) William F. Gruber
U.S. Army Major General, commanded multiple combat units during distinguished military career
Derrick Turnbow
Major League Baseball pitcher (Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros)
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in daily physical training and afternoon athletics. Intramural competition between companies builds unit cohesion. The athletic program emphasizes participation and character development over elite recruitment.
Facilities
50-acre campus in historic Camden, SC features athletic fields, gymnasium, weight room, swimming pool, parade ground, and outdoor training areas. The Boykin Company Barracks and classroom buildings surround the central quadrangle.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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Photo Gallery
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Guides & Resources
South Carolina: The Citadel Pipeline
South Carolina offers a unique ecosystem where schools like Camden Military Academy serve as direct feeders to The Citadel. Understand how SC military schools fast-track admission to the Senior Military College of the South.
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How to Evaluate a Military School Like an Insider
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What Is a Military School?
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Alabama's CHOOSE Act: Using ESA Funds for Military School
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