Oak Ridge Military Academy
Oak Ridge, NC
"Tendimus In Latium (In Excellence We Strive)"
The Verdict
Founded in 1852, Oak Ridge Military Academy is one of the oldest military schools in the nation—designated the Official Military Academy of North Carolina by the state legislature in 1991, and 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 coed military boarding and day school near Greensboro, NC. Founded 1852, it serves grades 7-12 with Army JROTC and college-prep academics.
Tuition & Costs
2024-2025 RatesBoarding
$35,125
Day Student
$20,125
*School does not publish tuition rates; figures are from 2024-25 records and rounded third-party reports. Contact the academy to verify current pricing.
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
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Guides & Resources
Oak Ridge Military Academy & North Carolina JROTC Guide
Oak Ridge Military Academy—coed, grades 7-12, founded 1852—anchors North Carolina's military school options, plus JROTC and the free Tarheel Challenge Academy.
How Much Does Military School Cost? Tuition & Financial Aid
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Military School Discipline, Culture & Safety
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