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
NOMMA is a tuition-free public charter school in New Orleans serving grades 8-12. Its nearly 1,000 cadets train in the nation's largest Marine Corps JROTC program.
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
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
Photo Gallery
Related Schools
Louisiana State University (Corps of Cadets)
Baton Rouge, LA
LSU's Corps of Cadets in Baton Rouge dates to 1860. Students pursue Army, Navy/Marine, or Air Force ROTC or a civilian leadership track at public university rates.
Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy
Little Rock, AR
Tuition-free public charter high school in Little Rock serving grades 9-11 with Marine Corps JROTC, STEM academics, and first responder career pathways. Founded 2023. As of the 2026-27 school year its charter transferred to Exalt Charter Schools; contact Exalt Academy of Southwest Little Rock to confirm the program.
Marine Military Academy
Harlingen, TX
Marine Military Academy is an all-boys college-prep boarding school in Harlingen, TX, serving grades 7-12 plus a post-grad year. Boarding tuition $51,500 (2026-27).
San Marcos Academy
San Marcos, TX
San Marcos Academy is a coed Baptist college-prep boarding and day school in the Texas Hill Country serving grades PK-12. Boarding tuition $55,000 (2026-27).
Tarleton State University (Corps of Cadets)
Stephenville, TX
Tarleton State's Texan Corps of Cadets, reactivated in 2016, offers Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps commissioning. In-state cost with housing $22,475 (2026-27).
Texas A&M Maritime Academy
Galveston, TX
Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston is one of six state maritime academies, training merchant marine officers. In-state cost $30,614 (2026-27).
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.
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.
South Carolina: The Citadel Pipeline
Camden Military Academy (~$32,000 boarding) feeds The Citadel, one of six Senior Military Colleges. How South Carolina's pipeline works, plus a free alternative.
Texas Hazlewood Act: 150 Hours of Free College Tuition
The Hazlewood Act gives Texas veterans up to 150 hours of free tuition at public colleges, including Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets. Unused hours transfer to children.
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (SB10) for Military School
Georgia's SB10 scholarship gives students with IEPs or 504 Plans ~$6,000-$15,000+ toward private tuition — including military academies. How to qualify and apply.