Oak Ridge Military Academy
Oak Ridge, NC
"Tendimus In Latium (In Excellence We Strive)"
The Verdict
Oak Ridge Military Academy isn't just America's oldest military prep school—it's a living monument to leadership development. Founded in 1852 and designated as the Official Military Academy of North Carolina by the state legislature in 1991, ORMA was also the first military boarding school to admit female cadets.
With a JROTC program rated "Honor Unit with Distinction" for over 20 consecutive years (top 20% worldwide) and a 100% college acceptance rate for over a decade, Oak Ridge combines historic tradition with proven academic results on its National Register-listed 100-acre campus.
About
Oak Ridge Military Academy is a college-preparatory military boarding school in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. Since 1852, it has focused on developing students into confident and capable leaders through a structured, disciplined, and mentored environment.
Tuition & Costs
2024-2025 RatesBoarding
$35,125
Day Student
$20,125
*7-day boarding includes tuition, room/board, uniforms, tech, and incidental fees
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Application for Admission completed by parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- Copies of all school transcripts including grade reports, health and immunization records
- Standardized test results if available
- Two confidential recommendations from school officials or community members
- Required in-person or virtual Zoom interview before acceptance
- $1,500 non-refundable deposit upon acceptance
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
100 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
93
Student:Teacher
7:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
Structured military-style day includes formation, academics, JROTC Leadership Education and Training (LET) curriculum, mandatory athletics or extracurricular activities, and supervised study periods. The small class sizes (7:1 student-teacher ratio) allow personalized academic attention within the structured environment.
Discipline Model
Honor system emphasizing personal integrity and accountability. The JROTC cadet chain of command provides peer-led leadership with positions including Battalion Commander and Company Commanders. The academy's merit-based system develops self-discipline through the structured military framework while focusing on character development and leadership training.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Where Graduates Go
Regular college placements; service academy preparation available through JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction program
Hall of Fame
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Attended ORMA for middle school; NASCAR Hall of Fame driver, 2-time Daytona 500 winner, 15-time Most Popular Driver
George Fountain Parrott
Navy Cross recipient for heroic service during World War I
George Stephens
Class of 1891, credited with catching the first forward pass in football history (UNC vs. Georgia), witnessed by John Heisman
Keith Cokely
Class of 1975, first African-American Cadet Battalion Commander and Commander of the Corps of Cadets
Jennifer Childers
Class of 1992, first female Cadet Battalion Commander and Commander of the Corps of Cadets
Nancy Mellette
Class of 1996, pioneered female admission to The Citadel, featured in People Magazine and NBC Nightly News
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in athletics or structured physical activities. The JROTC program integrates physical training with leadership development. The academy won the National High School Drill Team Championship in 1996 and captured the 2023-24 CAA4SC Boys Basketball State Championship.
Facilities
Historic 100-acre campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places features 21 buildings including Alumni Hall (1914 with tetrastyle portico), Revival Style chapel, King Gymnasium, and athletic fields. Campus includes historic Oakhurst (1897), Maple Glade (1905), Whitaker Dormitory, Holt Dormitory, and the Infirmary.
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
Marie G. Davis Military and Global Leadership Academy
Charlotte, NC
Marie G. Davis Military and Global Leadership Academy is a small public magnet high school in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The academy develops young leaders through JROTC, global leadership education, and a new Public Safety pathway preparing students for careers in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency services.
Camden Military Academy
Camden, SC
Camden Military Academy is a college preparatory military boarding school for young men in grades 7-12, dedicated to fostering leadership, character development, and self-discipline within a structured environment.
Fishburne Military School
Waynesboro, VA
Fishburne Military School, founded in 1879, is a small college-preparatory school providing a structured and personalized learning environment for boys. It holds the distinction of being a U.S. Army JROTC Honor Unit, offering a direct nomination path to U.S. Service Academies.
Fork Union Military Academy
Fork Union, VA
Fork Union Military Academy is a private, all-male, college preparatory Christian military boarding school. Its mission is to provide young men a college preparatory education in a residential, Christian environment, focusing on character, leadership, and scholarship.
Hargrave Military Academy
Chatham, VA
Hargrave Military Academy is a private, all-male, military boarding school in Chatham, Virginia. It is a preparatory institution for college and United States service academies, serving boys from around the world for grade 7 through post-graduate (PG).
Massanutten Military Academy
Woodstock, VA
Massanutten Military Academy is a coeducational, college-preparatory military school for students in grades 8-12 and postgraduate. The school offers a STEM Diploma track alongside traditional academics, and its JROTC program is consistently recognized as an Honor Unit with Distinction. MMA's co-ed environment prepares cadets for real-world leadership.
Guides & Resources
North Carolina: The Oak Ridge Tradition & JROTC Excellence
North Carolina is home to Oak Ridge Military Academy, one of the oldest military schools in America. Learn about its college-prep model and the state's JROTC programs.
Military School Costs & Financial Aid
A comprehensive guide to understanding military school tuition, scholarships, 529 plans, and state voucher programs for families.
How to Evaluate a Military School Like an Insider
Tour like a pro. Read the handbook like a detective. Watch the mess hall like a spy. The complete guide to seeing past the polished presentation and finding the right school.
What Is a Military School?
Understanding the different types of military academies in the United States, from private boarding schools to public academies and Youth Challenge programs.
Culture & Safety: Understanding the Military School Environment
Is military school safe? Is it for 'troubled teens'? How does discipline work? The definitive guide to understanding what you're actually signing up for—and how to spot good vs. toxic cultures.
Behavioral History: What Disqualifies a Student from Military School?
Will past suspensions, legal issues, or disciplinary problems prevent admission? Learn how military schools evaluate behavioral history and when issues can be overcome.