Delaware Military Academy
Wilmington, DE
"Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship"
The Verdict
Delaware Military Academy rewrote the charter school playbook. Founded in 2003 by a retired Navy Master Chief and an Army Colonel, DMA became the first successful all-NJROTC public charter school in America—and the only one built entirely on U.S. Navy traditions. Every student is a cadet. Every cadet is in NJROTC.
The result: a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School designation, a 95% graduation rate, and a 2022 NIAAA Quality Program Award at the Exemplary Level—one of only three schools nationwide to earn that distinction. This is tuition-free military education that works.
About
Tuition-free public charter high school in Wilmington, Delaware — the nation's only all-Navy JROTC charter. Grades 9-12, about 547 cadets, founded 2003.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Online application through SchoolChoice Delaware portal
- Writing sample (1-3 paragraph essay on assigned prompt)
- Interview (required for acceptance)
- 11th grade applicants must have 1 credit of JROTC from previous school
- 12th grade applicants must have 2 credits of JROTC from previous school
- NOTE: Due to high demand, admission is competitive and waitlists are common. Apply early—applications typically open in November for the following school year.
Admitted Student Profile
3.60
Avg GPA
1130
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
18 acres
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
547
Student:Teacher
15:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
The school day begins upon arrival on campus—cadets may not leave grounds once they arrive. Daily structure includes academic classes, NJROTC instruction, drill periods, and physical training. The cafeteria is called the 'mess hall' and the gymnasium is the 'drill deck.' Cadets are organized into regiments, battalions, platoons, squads, and companies based on tenure and coursework completion. Four prescribed uniforms rotate based on the Plan of the Week/Day, and civilian clothing is never worn with the uniform.
Discipline Model
Self-discipline is the core philosophy—the ability to strive toward goals without dependency on external control, punishment, or reward. All cadets follow the Cadet Handbook and Code of Conduct, with due process rights guaranteed. Military courtesies including salutes to officers and the Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI) are observed. Cadets who are out of uniform may be refused attendance.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
95%+
Where Graduates Go
Regular appointments to U.S. service academies; strong NJROTC program provides foundation for military careers
Hall of Fame
DMA Class of 2010 Ice Hockey Team
First undefeated team in school history (19-0), won Delaware Scholastic Hockey Association B Division Championship
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical training is integrated into the NJROTC curriculum. All cadets participate in drill and physical fitness activities as part of the military school structure. The athletics program earned the 2022 NIAAA Quality Program Award at the Exemplary Level—the highest obtainable level and one of only three schools nationally to receive this recognition.
Facilities
The Anthony N. Fusco, Sr. Athletic & Academic Center, a $6 million monolithic dome facility funded by donors, opened in 2017 and was named Delaware's Outstanding Large Project of the Year. The Fusco Memorial Field, a $2.5 million synthetic turf stadium, was erected in 2019. Campus improvements include a full pour track system and renovated parade field. Previously, DMA relied on nearby Banning Park and other schools' facilities before these major additions.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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Photo Gallery
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Guides & Resources
Free Military Schools: 4 Tuition-Free Options
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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.
Military School Age Requirements: How Old Do You Have to Be?
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Military Schools for Boys: All 12 All-Boys Academies (2026)
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Culver Military Academy: Tuition, Aid & Admissions
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