Rickover Naval Academy
Chicago, IL
"Learning to lead, in order to serve"
The Verdict
Named after Admiral Hyman G. Rickover—the "Father of the Nuclear Navy"—Rickover Naval Academy carries the legacy of the man who revolutionized American naval power. As a Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment magnet school, Rickover combines rigorous college-preparatory academics with Naval Junior ROTC training.
The school pairs military structure with a curriculum emphasizing "self-discipline, self-discovery and leadership." Admission is selective — 7th-grade academic records, NWEA MAP scores, and an interview all factor in — and cadets regularly earn nominations and appointments to U.S. service academies.
About
Rickover Naval Academy is a tuition-free CPS selective enrollment Navy JROTC high school (grades 9-12) in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- CPS selective enrollment application
- 7th grade academic performance review
- NWEA MAP test scores
- Attendance and behavior records
- Interview with Naval Science instructors
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Urban campus
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
527
Student:Teacher
16:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
As a day school, cadets report in uniform each morning for inspection and colors ceremony. The school day integrates Naval Science classes, academic coursework, and leadership training. Cadets participate in drill practice, physical training, and community service activities. The structure emphasizes punctuality, personal responsibility, and teamwork within the CPS school day framework.
Discipline Model
Naval JROTC rank structure with cadet leadership positions including Company Commander, Executive Officer, and Department Heads. Discipline is maintained through the cadet chain of command, uniform inspections, and merit-based promotions. The system teaches cadets to lead peers and take ownership of unit performance while developing the self-discipline that Admiral Rickover exemplified throughout his 63-year naval career.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
High percentage pursue post-secondary education
Where Graduates Go
Cadets regularly receive appointments and nominations to U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Hall of Fame
Admiral Hyman G. Rickover (Namesake)
Father of the Nuclear Navy, served 63 years in the U.S. Navy, developed the world's first nuclear-powered submarine USS Nautilus
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical training is integrated into the Naval Science curriculum. Cadets participate in unit PT sessions, drill competitions, and maintain physical readiness standards aligned with Navy JROTC requirements. Athletic participation is strongly encouraged as part of the holistic cadet development program.
Facilities
Urban campus facility in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood includes gymnasium, drill deck, Naval Science classrooms with navigation and seamanship equipment, computer labs, and athletic fields. The school leverages Chicago Park District facilities for additional athletic and training needs.
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.
Phoenix STEM Military Academy
Chicago, IL
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.
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.
Do Military School Credits Transfer? What to Verify
Credits from regionally accredited military schools transfer to any high school or college. Learn which accreditation to verify and 5 questions to ask first.
Career Paths After Military School: Most Grads Go Civilian
70-80% of military school graduates go on to civilian colleges and careers—in business, law, medicine, and tech—and employers value the discipline they bring.