Sarasota Military Academy
Sarasota, FL
"Honor, Integrity, and Respect"
The Verdict
Sarasota Military Academy produced Olympic silver medalist Mary Tucker, who taught herself precision rifle shooting through countless hours of practice in her family's garage after joining SMA's air rifle team. Founded in 2002, this tuition-free public charter school operates two campuses in Sarasota, Florida.
An IB World School with 96% of graduates going on to college, SMA offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Middle Years Programme. As an Army JROTC campus, specialized teams in Raiders, Rifle, and Drill earn national recognition and scholarships to colleges and service academies.
About
Sarasota Military Academy is a tuition-free public charter and IB World School offering both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Middle Years Programme. The Army JROTC campus serves 1,000+ students in grades 6-12 across two campuses. 96% of graduates go on to college.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Residency in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County School Districts
- Completed application
- Selection lottery for available spots
- No discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or national origin
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
N/A
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
997
Student:Teacher
15:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
High school hours run 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, while the middle school (SMA Prep) operates 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM. Cadets wear Class B uniforms Monday through Thursday, with authorized polo uniforms permitted on Fridays. Physical training occurs on Fridays with authorized shorts, t-shirts, and running shoes. Weekly formal inspections assess appearance, professionalism, and military standards.
Discipline Model
As an Army JROTC campus, SMA follows a cadet rank structure with a Regimental Commander and Command Sergeant Major leading four operational battalions. The Leadership and Education Training (LET) grading system emphasizes academics (40%), employability and behavior (30%), physical training (10%), and uniform inspection (20%). Violations for uniform infractions, missed PT gear, and academic dishonesty result in administrative referrals. The cadet chain of command enforces standards through peer-led accountability.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
96%
Where Graduates Go
JROTC program provides pathways to service academies through leadership development, with rifle and drill teams earning scholarships to colleges and service academies
Hall of Fame
Mary Tucker
Two-time Olympian (2020, 2024), Olympic silver medalist in Mixed 10m Air Rifle at Tokyo 2020, World Champion in 10 meter air rifle, multiple NCAA National Championships
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Friday physical training is integrated into the JROTC program. All cadets participate in athletics or physical activities. Military sports including Raiders, Rifle, and Drill have earned national recognition and college scholarships.
Facilities
Two-campus operation with the high school located at 801 N. Orange Avenue near Bobby Jones Park, and SMA Prep middle school at 3101 Bethel Lane. The school has completed a second brand new classroom building. Athletic facilities support FHSAA team sports including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and wrestling.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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Guides & Resources
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The New Cadet's Guide: Preparing Body, Mind, and Habits
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