Culver Academies
Culver, IN
"Duty, Honor, Service, and Truth"
The Verdict
Culver isn't a military school—it's TWO elite boarding schools sharing a 1,800-acre lakeside campus. Culver Military Academy (boys) and Culver Girls Academy operate side by side, offering the rare choice between full military immersion or rigorous prep-school academics without uniforms.
The legendary Black Horse Troop and Equestriennes have ridden in 18 presidential inaugural parades, while a $540 million endowment and alumni network rivaling Ivy League institutions make this the wealthiest military boarding school in America.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Culver Academies is a college preparatory boarding school in Culver, Indiana, composed of Culver Military Academy (CMA) for boys and Culver Girls Academy (CGA) for girls. It focuses on developing courageous leaders of honorable character.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesBoarding
$67,000
Endowment
$540 million
*Includes room and board; 38% of families receive need-based aid
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Completed application with $50 fee
- Official transcripts from current and previous schools
- Standardized test scores (SSAT, ISEE, or PSAT preferred)
- Two teacher recommendations (English and Math)
- Personal interview (on-campus preferred, virtual available)
- Graded writing sample
- Parent statement
Admitted Student Profile
49%
Acceptance Rate
3.50
Avg GPA
1200
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
1,800 acres on Lake Maxinkuckee
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
830
Student:Teacher
6:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
CMA cadets follow a traditional military schedule: reveille, morning formation, academic blocks, athletics, evening study hall, and Taps. CGA students follow a structured but non-military schedule with the same academic rigor. Both schools share classes, dining, and many extracurricular activities. Cell phone use is restricted during academic hours.
Discipline Model
CMA operates on a traditional military merit/demerit system with a cadet chain of command—Battalion, Company, and Platoon leaders enforce standards under the Commandant. CGA uses a prefect system with student leaders and faculty advisors. Both emphasize the Culver Code: 'A Culver student does not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.'
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Scholarships Earned
$40+ million annually (class average)
Where Graduates Go
Strong pipeline to all five service academies; typically 10-15 cadets receive appointments annually. Culver maintains official liaison relationships with West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.
Hall of Fame
George Steinbrenner
Legendary owner of the New York Yankees (1973-2010), 7x World Series Champion, Class of 1948
Roger Penske
Billionaire businessman, founder of Penske Corporation, 18x Indianapolis 500-winning team owner, Class of 1959
Jonathan Tisch
Chairman of Loews Hotels, Co-owner of the New York Giants, philanthropist, Class of 1971
Hal Moore
Lieutenant General, USA (Ret.), hero of the Battle of Ia Drang, author of 'We Were Soldiers Once... And Young', Class of 1942
Joshua Chamberlain III
U.S. Ambassador (great-grandson of Civil War hero), diplomat
Gene Siskel
Legendary film critic, co-host of 'Siskel & Ebert', Class of 1963
Jim Irsay
Owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Super Bowl XLI Champion, Class of 1977
Robert Keller
Admiral, USN (Ret.), former Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All students participate in afternoon athletics or fitness programs. CMA cadets have additional military drill and physical training requirements. The equestrian program is world-renowned, with the Black Horse Troop representing the pinnacle of mounted excellence.
Facilities
1,800-acre lakeside campus on Lake Maxinkuckee includes: 18-hole golf course, Olympic-size indoor natatorium, indoor hockey arena, indoor riding arena and stables (200+ horses), 400-meter outdoor track, multiple athletic fields, sailing center, boathouse, tennis courts, fitness center, and the historic parade ground. The equestrian facilities alone rival small colleges.
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
Indiana: The Culver Experience
Culver Academies is in a league of its own—a 'military ivy' with an endowment rivaling colleges. Explore the unique 'leadership laboratory' of Culver and why it's the gold standard for elite military education.
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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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Girls in Command: The Unique Benefits of Military Education for Young Women
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The Digital Detox: Parenting a Child Without a Smartphone
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