First State Military Academy
Clayton, DE
"Learning today, leading tomorrow."
The Verdict
First State Military Academy represents a groundbreaking educational model—the nation's first combination of Marine Corps JROTC and New Tech Network project-based learning. Founded in 2015 on the historic grounds of St. Joseph's Industrial School (established 1896), this tuition-free public charter school proves that military structure and innovative academics can transform students from any background.
As one of only two high schools in America directly supported by the U.S. Marines, FSMA has earned consecutive Naval Honor School recognition, ranking third among 70 MCJROTC programs in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region.
About
Tuition-free public charter high school in Clayton, Delaware, pairing Marine Corps JROTC with New Tech Network project-based learning. Grades 9-12, founded 2015.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Delaware state residency
- Complete online application through SchoolChoiceDE.org
- State-required immunization records
- Valid DIAA sports physical for athletics participation
- Attend mandatory Summer Orientation Camp (SOC)
Admitted Student Profile
3.46
Avg GPA
1050
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
35 acres
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
433
Student:Teacher
18:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
As a day school, cadets follow a structured schedule that includes morning formation, academic blocks using project-based learning methodology, MCJROTC leadership instruction, physical training, and athletics or extracurricular activities. The Summer Orientation Camp (SOC) runs four days prior to the school year (0800-1530 daily) introducing new cadets to close order drill, physical fitness training, military customs and courtesies, and proper uniform wear.
Discipline Model
Rooted in Marine Corps Core Values of honor, courage, and commitment, the discipline model emphasizes trust, respect, and responsibility. Cadets are evaluated through observation of performance, proficiency, appearance, military bearing, and attention to duty as demonstrated during uniform inspections, close order drill, physical training, physical fitness testing, and other military skills-related events. The cadet rank structure allows students to earn promotions based on performance, leadership, and merit, with senior cadets mentoring younger students.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
73%
Where Graduates Go
As a Naval Honor School, the Senior Marine Instructor can nominate up to six cadets annually to the U.S. Naval Academy, Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Air Force Academy. These nominations carry equal weight to nominations from U.S. Representatives or Senators.
Hall of Fame
Recent Graduates
Multiple student-athletes have signed to play college sports at institutions including Albright College, Lycoming College, Coker University, and others. Current students have earned over $2.5 million in college scholarships through RaiseMe.
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Daily or weekly physical training integrated into the MCJROTC curriculum ensures cadets meet Marine Corps fitness standards. All cadets participate in leadership education courses that include basic training in physical fitness, drill and ceremonies, and physical fitness testing. First-year cadets (LE-I) complete combined classroom instruction and practical application emphasizing physical fitness alongside leadership development.
Facilities
The 35-acre historic campus in Clayton occupies the former St. Joseph's Industrial School site, featuring three contributing historic buildings including an 1896 Italianate-style Chapel, 1951 Colonial Revival Administration Building, and 1960 St. Michael's Hall. Athletic facilities support the school's comprehensive sports program. The campus includes the historic Entry Arch (1896) and the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
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
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.
Career Paths After Military School: Most Grads Go Civilian
70-80% of military school graduates go on to civilian colleges and careers—in business, law, medicine, and tech—and employers value the discipline they bring.
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.
Sports, Arts & Extracurriculars at Military Schools
Military schools offer varsity sports from football to rifle team, plus marching band, drama, robotics, and flight training toward a private pilot's license.
Military Schools for Girls: Every Option in the U.S. (2026)
Military schools for girls: the nation's only all-female cadet corps, Culver Girls Academy, coed boarding from ~$32,500/year, and free public options by state.