Colorado Military Academy
Colorado Springs, CO
"Elevate with Precision"
The Verdict
Colorado Military Academy has produced three Spaatz Award recipients—the Civil Air Patrol's highest honor achieved by less than 1% of CAP cadets—and sent five cadets to service academies since opening its doors in 2017. As Colorado's first military academy and a tuition-free public charter school, CMA sits adjacent to Peterson Space Force Base and draws on the unique military culture of Colorado Springs' five surrounding installations.
The school's mandatory Civil Air Patrol program for high schoolers sets it apart from typical JROTC offerings, requiring full participation in aerospace education and leadership development, with opportunities for flight training and search-and-rescue activities. With 96% teacher retention and over $3 million in scholarships earned by graduates, CMA delivers a rigorous STEAM education wrapped in military discipline without the boarding school price tag.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Colorado Military Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Colorado Springs serving grades K-12, founded in 2017, with Civil Air Patrol instead of JROTC.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Completed enrollment application
- Colorado residency
- Lottery selection for available spots when oversubscribed
- No entrance exam or academic prerequisites
- Commitment to Civil Air Patrol participation for grades 9-12
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
44,000 sq ft (Phase 1); 48,000 sq ft expansion planned
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
618
Student:Teacher
17:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
CMA operates as a day school with office hours from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM during the academic year. Cadets wear uniforms daily and participate in military formations, inspections, and Civil Air Patrol activities integrated throughout the school week. High school cadets are required to participate in Civil Air Patrol from 9th grade through graduation, engaging in aerospace education, leadership development, and community service activities.
Discipline Model
CMA uses a cadet rank structure aligned with Civil Air Patrol standards. The school emphasizes Core Knowledge curriculum for grades K-8 combined with STEM and Project-Based Learning. High school cadets follow CAP's progressive leadership development model, advancing through ranks based on leadership, aerospace knowledge, and physical fitness achievements. The discipline framework focuses on self-discipline, responsibility, and community involvement with peer and mentor support. Weekly uniform inspections and military bearing standards reinforce professional development.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
30%
Scholarships Earned
Over $3 million in scholarships earned by graduates
Where Graduates Go
Five cadets accepted to service academies; multiple congressional nominations earned
Hall of Fame
Alexander Wilson
Earned General Carl A. Spaatz Award at age 16—one of the youngest recipients in CAP history; received congressional nomination to U.S. Naval Academy; scholarship offers from The Citadel and Norwich University
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical fitness is integrated through Civil Air Patrol requirements. CAP cadets must meet physical fitness standards including the Air Force Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment for advanced awards. Additional after-school activities include E-Sports, Science Olympiad, and Chess clubs. Student-athletes must maintain at least a C average in all academic classes and have no behavior referrals to participate in athletics.
Facilities
CMA operates in a 44,000 square-foot converted office building with collaboration and break-out zones integrated throughout. A master plan expansion of 48,000 additional square feet is planned. The facility includes a STEAM lab supporting hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education. The campus is adjacent to Peterson Space Force Base, providing unique access to aerospace and military resources.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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