Hollywood Hills High School and Military Academy
Hollywood, FL
"Meet the diversified educational needs of all students."
The Verdict
ELMA at Hollywood Hills High is not your typical JROTC program—it's a college-prep magnet academy that fuses military discipline with entrepreneurship education. As the only college-preparatory military magnet south of Sunrise Blvd in Broward County, ELMA cadets can graduate with up to 39 college semester hours and automatic acceptance into Broward College or Florida International University.
The curriculum includes unique courses like Aerospace Technology, Aeronautical Science and Pilot Operations, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, and Forensic Science—preparing cadets for both military and business careers.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The Entrepreneur & Leadership Military Academy (ELMA) is a tuition-free Army JROTC magnet at Hollywood Hills High in Hollywood, FL — grades 9-12, up to 39 college credits.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Broward County Public Schools student ID number
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Level 3 or higher on Florida standardized tests (reading and/or mathematics)
- Prior year nationally recognized test scores
- Complete magnet application through Broward County School Choice portal
Admitted Student Profile
2.00
Avg GPA
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Shared campus within Hollywood Hills High School
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
1,711
Student:Teacher
24:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
As a day school magnet program, ELMA cadets follow the Hollywood Hills High School bell schedule while participating in JROTC activities, drill practice, and military training. The structured military environment emphasizes discipline, punctuality, and accountability throughout the school day. Cadets wear military uniforms and adhere to grooming standards as part of daily expectations.
Discipline Model
ELMA follows Army JROTC standards with a cadet chain of command structure. Professional military instructors (retired Army personnel) enforce discipline and mentor cadets. The program emphasizes character development, leadership accountability, and peer-led responsibility. Cadets earn positions such as Company Commander, Platoon Leader, and Squad Leader based on merit and demonstrated leadership.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
High (specific percentage not published)
Where Graduates Go
JROTC program supports service academy preparation; specific appointment data not published
Hall of Fame
Alan Gelfand
Inventor of the 'ollie' skateboarding trick (Hollywood Hills High graduate)
Robert Wexler
Former U.S. Congressman from Florida (Hollywood Hills High graduate)
Willie Martinez
University of Georgia defensive coordinator (Hollywood Hills High graduate)
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
ELMA cadets participate in JROTC physical training and Raiders team activities. The Raiders program competes in military-oriented field events including 5K runs, rope bridge crossing, obstacle courses, rescue carry, and tire flipping. Physical fitness is integrated into the JROTC curriculum alongside academics.
Facilities
Hollywood Hills High School campus features athletic fields, gymnasium, swimming pool, and weight training facilities. The main building contains 75 classrooms, with an additional 25 in the three-story Ninth Grade Center (completed 2005). ELMA cadets have access to dedicated JROTC training areas and participate in school-wide athletic programs.
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
Florida FES Scholarship for Military Dependents (K-12)
Florida's FES scholarship is open to every K-12 student regardless of income — about $7,500-$9,300 a year, plus PCS residency and deadline rules for military families.
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.
Military Schools and ADHD: How Structure Helps
Military schools help many students with ADHD through a fixed daily schedule, 12:1 or smaller classes, and required physical activity — and where the limits are.
Missouri Military Academy: Tuition, Daily Life & Fit
Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, MO is the state's only military boarding school — all-boys, founded 1889, boarding ~$40,000. Daily life, funding, and fit.
