New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy
New Orleans, LA
"Academics, Leadership, and Citizenship"
The Verdict
New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy (NOMMA) operates the nation's largest Marine Corps Junior ROTC program, with 100% of its nearly 1,000 cadets participating in MCJROTC. Located on a former Naval base in New Orleans' historic Federal City—between the Marine Forces Reserve national headquarters and the NOPD 4th District—the secure military-feel campus adds authenticity to the cadet experience.
Founded in 2011 with just 105 cadets, NOMMA has grown into a powerhouse earning an 'A' School Performance Score and Naval Honor School designation. The academy fields strong CyberPatriot teams and career pathways in maritime, cyber engineering, and digital media.
About
New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy (NOMMA) is a public charter school that provides a high-quality college preparatory education and character development for students in grades 8-12. All students are cadets in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) program, which provides a disciplined military framework to train future leaders.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Promotion to appropriate grade level (8th-12th grade)
- Mandatory participation in Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC)
- Open enrollment with no academic prerequisites
- Completed application through NOLA Public Schools enrollment process
- No discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or national origin
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
10+ acres
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
945
Student:Teacher
11:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
As a day school, cadets arrive for morning formation and attend classes throughout the day in a structured military environment. The schedule integrates academic instruction with JROTC training, including physical training during JROTC class periods. Cadets wear Class B uniforms during regular school days and Physical Training (PT) gear during fitness sessions. Weekly inspections assess uniform standards, professionalism, and military bearing. After-school activities include athletics, drill team practice, color guard, and band rehearsals.
Discipline Model
NOMMA employs the Marine Corps JROTC structure with a cadet chain of command led by senior cadet officers and NCOs under the supervision of retired military instructors and the Senior Marine Instructor. The JROTC program provides each cadet with adult and older-student mentors while maintaining a meritocratic reward structure based on classroom success and compliance with JROTC requirements. The discipline system emphasizes personal accountability, with consequences tied to both academic performance and adherence to the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
51%
Where Graduates Go
As a designated Naval Honor School, NOMMA's cadets may pursue service academy appointments with enhanced eligibility support. The Naval Honor School distinction—earned through JROTC excellence, academics, and community service—can support nomination eligibility through various categories available to outstanding JROTC units.
Hall of Fame
NOMMA Graduates
Since 2011, graduates have pursued careers in military service, maritime industries, and various professional fields; 56% graduate with industry-based credentials in transportation/logistics, arts and AV technology, business management, or information technology
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical training is integrated into the MCJROTC program, replacing traditional physical education classes. All cadets participate in PT during JROTC class periods, with training and competition opportunities in Military Drill, Physical Fitness, and Raider contests involving five-kilometer runs, rope-bridging, CrossFit-type exercises, and obstacle courses. The program also includes air rifle marksmanship instruction. Cadets wear authorized PT gear during fitness sessions.
Facilities
Located on a former Naval base in historic Federal City on over 10 acres including riverfront property, the secure campus gives NOMMA an authentic military atmosphere. The campus features renovated historic buildings with classrooms, science and technology labs, band room, and library. The academy recently acquired the former Federal City Fitness Center through a 60-year lease, providing gymnasium facilities. Adjacent Federal City amenities include a YMCA, full auditorium, and community facilities that NOMMA utilizes as part of its extended campus.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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Photo Gallery
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Guides & Resources
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