Southern Preparatory Academy
Camp Hill, AL
"Rangers Lead The Way"
The Verdict
Deep in rural Alabama, where 330 acres of rolling countryside meet the shores of Lake Mary and Lake Ann, Southern Preparatory Academy develops students into leaders under the banner of "Rangers Lead The Way." As the Official Military Academy of Alabama and the first high school in the country with a drone demonstration team, this intimate school of ~130 students pioneers aviation education with a flight simulator donated by Auburn University.
From morning reveille to evening taps, cadets live the Ranger ethos—embracing the same motto carried by the Army's elite 75th Ranger Regiment. Here, students who benefit from structure find the environment they need to thrive.
About
Southern Preparatory Academy is a college preparatory day and boarding school serving grades 7-12. In 2025, the academy expanded to accept day students of both genders while maintaining its traditional boarding cadet program. The school focuses on developing students academically, physically, and morally.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesBoarding
$35,000
International
$42,000
*The tuition fee includes: instruction, room and board, rental of Southern Prep military uniforms, and a technology fee that will cover the costs associated with the rental of a school-owned Chromebook, wireless internet, and other technological devices. Tuition does not include: required uniform pieces from Tommy Hilfiger, athletic player packs, spending money, special medical care beyond the facilities of the infirmary, driver's education, flying lessons, airport transportation, or willful destruction of property.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Completed application and admissions packet
- Academic transcripts from previous schools
- Personal interview with admissions team
- Medical and immunization records
- Recommendation letters
Admitted Student Profile
80%
Acceptance Rate
3.40
Avg GPA
1120
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
330 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
130
Student:Teacher
10:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadets experience a demanding military routine that structures every hour from reveille to taps. The year-long academic schedule divides into two semesters, with students in grades 9-12 taking eight courses per year—four classes before winter break with final exams, then four new classes in the spring semester. Each day includes physical training, academic classes, supervised study hall, JROTC activities, athletics, and evening programs. The structured environment keeps cadets engaged while building time management and self-discipline skills.
Discipline Model
Built on a foundation of moral and ethical values, Southern Prep's military-inspired discipline model emphasizes leadership, responsibility, and service. The boarding program delivers a dedicated military experience through JROTC, fostering discipline in all cadets. The Corps of Cadets structure includes a rank system, chain of command, and peer leadership opportunities. Weekly chapel services reinforce character development, while the small enrollment ensures accountability and personalized guidance from faculty and staff.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
90%
Where Graduates Go
In recent years, graduates have received appointments to the United States Military Academy at West Point, along with scholarships to The Citadel, Marion Military Institute, University of North Georgia, Norwich University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Hall of Fame
Brian Sweeney
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.), US Army Special Forces; International Affairs Consultant
Bryant Dromey
Battalion Commander as senior cadet; University of Georgia graduate; Commercial real estate firm owner
Eli Howell
Major, U.S. Army; World War II combat veteran in Europe; Former academy leader
Wesley Smith
Korean War veteran; Academy President 1959-1989
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Required for all cadets. Each day includes physical training as part of the structured military routine, along with athletics and JROTC activities. The Rangers program emphasizes physical conditioning as foundational to developing disciplined young men.
Facilities
The Rangers compete on two athletic fields and a parade field, with access to an indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums, a tennis court, and indoor and outdoor rifle ranges. The campus also features two 5-acre lakes (Lake Mary and Lake Ann) supporting outdoor activities including kayaking, fishing, and archery. In 2025, Southern Prep announced a partnership with Under Armour as the official brand of their athletic program.
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
Air War College
Maxwell AFB, AL
The Air War College (AWC) is the senior professional military education school of the U.S. Air Force. Its mission is to develop air-minded joint warfighters and be the premier war college for forging architects of victory through intellectual rigor and creativity.
Marion Military Institute
Marion, AL
Marion Military Institute is a public Military Junior College (MJC) in Marion, Alabama—not a high school. Founded in 1842, it is the nation's oldest military junior college and one of only four authorized to offer the Army's Early Commissioning Program (ECP). Ideal for post-high school cadets seeking a fast track to an officer's commission or a second chance at a service academy appointment.
Admiral Farragut Academy
St. Petersburg, FL
Admiral Farragut Academy, founded in 1933, is a private coed college-prep school in St. Petersburg with a naval tradition. Unique programs include Aviation (students can earn their Private Pilot's License at 16 with Embry-Riddle dual enrollment), Marine Science, SCUBA certification, and NJROTC. PreK-12, with boarding for grades 8-12. Two alumni walked on the Moon.
Florida Preparatory Academy
Melbourne, FL
Florida Preparatory Academy (formerly Florida Air Academy) is a coed boarding and day school on Florida's Space Coast. Signature program: students can earn their Private Pilot's License before graduation through flight training at Florida Institute of Technology. The school has produced pilots, aerospace engineers, and leaders since 1961.
Riverside Preparatory Academy
Gainesville, GA
Riverside Preparatory Academy, founded in 1907, is a leading military college preparatory school for boys in grades 6-12. It remains true to its founding principles in preparing ethical young men of character for success in college and in life.
Benedictine Military School
Savannah, GA
Benedictine Military School is a Catholic, Benedictine, college preparatory school which forms and educates young men from diverse backgrounds, supports a deeper commitment to their faith, prepares them for life through a quality academic program, and instills leadership skills through a JROTC program, athletics, extra-curricular activities and community service.
Guides & Resources
Alabama's CHOOSE Act: Using ESA Funds for Military School
How Alabama families can use Education Savings Account funds from the CHOOSE Act to pay for private military school tuition.
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.
International Student Admissions to U.S. Military Schools
A guide for international families considering American military schools. Understand visa requirements, English proficiency, and what to expect as an overseas applicant.
Chicago's Public Military Academies: The Nation's Largest Free Network
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.