Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville
Chicago, IL
"Building Leaders One Cadet at a Time"
The Verdict
Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville is a tuition-free CPS magnet school that combines Army JROTC leadership development with a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum. Located in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood—once known as the "Black Metropolis"—CMA draws motivated students citywide who seek structure, discipline, and a path to college or military careers.
The academy's integrated STEM approach includes dual-enrollment college courses and industry certifications, allowing cadets to graduate with transferable credits and career-ready credentials.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville is a tuition-free CPS Army JROTC magnet school (grades 9-12) with dual-enrollment college credit and industry certifications.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Chicago Public Schools application through GoCPS
- Academic records review
- Attendance history evaluation
- Behavior record consideration
- Interview (may be required)
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Urban campus within Chicago Public Schools facilities
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
209
Student:Teacher
10:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
CMA follows a structured school day with morning formation, academic classes, JROTC leadership labs, and after-school activities. Cadets wear uniforms daily and participate in drill and ceremony. The day emphasizes time management and personal responsibility typical of military-style education.
Discipline Model
CMA operates under both Chicago Public Schools conduct policies and Army JROTC cadet discipline standards. Cadets are held to a cadet code of conduct emphasizing respect, responsibility, and integrity. The cadet battalion structure includes student leadership positions—Battalion Commander, Company Commanders, and Squad Leaders—creating peer accountability and leadership development opportunities.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
Majority pursue postsecondary education
Where Graduates Go
Cadets receive guidance for service academy applications; JROTC participation strengthens military academy candidacy
Hall of Fame
CMA Alumni
Graduates have gone on to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and pursue degrees at universities across the country
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical training is incorporated through JROTC fitness requirements including the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Cadets participate in regular PT sessions, drill team practice, and Raider competitions that develop endurance, strength, and teamwork.
Facilities
Urban campus facilities include a gymnasium, athletic fields for outdoor activities, drill practice areas, and classrooms equipped for STEM instruction. The school utilizes CPS athletic resources and participates in Chicago Public League competitions.
External Ratings
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
Related Schools
Air Force Academy High School
Chicago, IL
Air Force Academy High School is a tuition-free CPS college-prep school (grades 9-12) — the nation's only public Air Force academy high school, with a flight simulator lab.
Carver Military Academy
Chicago, IL
Carver Military Academy is a tuition-free Army JROTC high school (grades 9-12) in Chicago — the first U.S. public high school converted to a military academy (2000).
Marine Leadership Academy
Chicago, IL
Marine Leadership Academy is Chicago's only Marine Corps JROTC public school — a tuition-free CPS academy serving grades 7-12 in the Hermosa neighborhood.
Phoenix STEM Military Academy
Chicago, IL
Phoenix STEM Military Academy is a tuition-free CPS high school (grades 9-12) in East Garfield Park pairing Army JROTC leadership with a college-prep STEM curriculum.
Rickover Naval Academy
Chicago, IL
Rickover Naval Academy is a tuition-free CPS selective enrollment Navy JROTC high school (grades 9-12) in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood.
Kenosha Military Academy
Kenosha, WI
Kenosha Military Academy is a tuition-free public charter high school in Kenosha, Wisconsin, serving grades 9-12 with Army JROTC and college-prep academics.
Guides & Resources
Chicago's 6 Free Public Military High Schools (CPS)
Chicago Public Schools operates six tuition-free military high schools—the largest public military academy system in America. How to apply and what to expect.
Free Military Schools: 4 Tuition-Free Options
Yes — four options charge no tuition: public military academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge. Private boarding runs $25,500-$67,000.
How to Evaluate a Military School Like an Insider
How to evaluate a military school before you enroll: read the Cadet Handbook, eat in the mess hall, and watch for 6 red flags that reveal the real culture.
What Is a Military School?
A military school is a college-prep school that uses military structure — uniforms, rank, and drill — not a boot camp. The 4 types explained, including free options.
Do Military School Credits Transfer? What to Verify
Credits from regionally accredited military schools transfer to any high school or college. Learn which accreditation to verify and 5 questions to ask first.
How Much Does Military School Cost? Tuition & Financial Aid
Military school costs range from free (public academies and Youth Challenge) to $25,000-$67,000 a year for private boarding. Compare tuition, 529 plans, and state vouchers.