Phoenix STEM Military Academy
Chicago, IL
"Empower, Equip, Elevate, & Educate"
The Verdict
Phoenix STEM Military Academy is a tuition-free Chicago Public Schools JROTC magnet high school in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. True to its name—and its Firebirds mascot—PMA offers students a fresh start through structured military discipline and rigorous college-prep academics with a STEM focus.
The academy's unofficial motto, "The 7 Ps" (Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance), encapsulates a no-excuses planning philosophy that prepares cadets for military service, college, or immediate career entry. As one of six CPS military academies, PMA provides an urban alternative for students seeking leadership development without the cost of private boarding schools.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Phoenix STEM Military Academy is a tuition-free CPS high school (grades 9-12) in East Garfield Park pairing Army JROTC leadership with a college-prep STEM curriculum.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Chicago Public Schools application through GoCPS
- Academic records review
- Attendance history evaluation
- Behavior record consideration
- Interest in JROTC and military-style education
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Urban campus within Chicago Public Schools facilities
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
372
Student:Teacher
13:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
Phoenix STEM Military Academy follows a structured school day beginning with morning formation and uniform inspection. Cadets attend academic classes, JROTC leadership labs, and participate in drill and ceremony practice. After-school activities include athletics, drill team competitions, and leadership development programs. The emphasis on the '7 Ps' means cadets learn meticulous planning and preparation as daily habits.
Discipline Model
PMA operates under Chicago Public Schools conduct policies combined with Army JROTC cadet discipline standards. The cadet battalion structure includes student leadership positions—Battalion Commander, Company Commanders, Platoon Leaders, and Squad Leaders—providing peer-led accountability. Cadets are expected to exemplify the seven Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
Majority pursue postsecondary education
Where Graduates Go
Cadets receive guidance for service academy applications; four years of JROTC participation and leadership positions strengthen military academy candidacy
Hall of Fame
PMA Alumni
Graduates have gone on to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, attend universities across the country, and pursue careers in public service and STEM fields
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical training is integrated through JROTC fitness requirements including the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Cadets participate in regular PT sessions that develop strength, endurance, and discipline. The Raider Team and drill team competitions provide additional physical challenges and foster teamwork and unit cohesion.
Facilities
Urban campus facilities include a gymnasium, outdoor athletic areas, drill practice spaces, and classrooms equipped for STEM instruction. The school participates in Chicago Public League athletics and JROTC drill and Raider competitions citywide.
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:
Related Schools
Air Force Academy High School
Chicago, IL
Air Force Academy High School is a tuition-free CPS college-prep school (grades 9-12) — the nation's only public Air Force academy high school, with a flight simulator lab.
Carver Military Academy
Chicago, IL
Carver Military Academy is a tuition-free Army JROTC high school (grades 9-12) in Chicago — the first U.S. public high school converted to a military academy (2000).
Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville
Chicago, IL
Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville is a tuition-free CPS Army JROTC magnet school (grades 9-12) with dual-enrollment college credit and industry certifications.
Marine Leadership Academy
Chicago, IL
Marine Leadership Academy is Chicago's only Marine Corps JROTC public school — a tuition-free CPS academy serving grades 7-12 in the Hermosa neighborhood.
Rickover Naval Academy
Chicago, IL
Rickover Naval Academy is a tuition-free CPS selective enrollment Navy JROTC high school (grades 9-12) in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood.
Kenosha Military Academy
Kenosha, WI
Kenosha Military Academy is a tuition-free public charter high school in Kenosha, Wisconsin, serving grades 9-12 with Army JROTC and college-prep academics.
Guides & Resources
Chicago's 6 Free Public Military High Schools (CPS)
Chicago Public Schools operates six tuition-free military high schools—the largest public military academy system in America. How to apply and what to expect.
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.
Florida FES Scholarship for Military Dependents (K-12)
Florida's FES scholarship is open to every K-12 student regardless of income — about $7,500-$9,300 a year, plus PCS residency and deadline rules for military families.
Cadet Life: Daily Schedule, Dorms & Roommates
What cadets actually do all day at military boarding school — the 6 AM to 10 PM schedule, room inspections, TAC officers, phone rules, and roommate life.