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 military boarding and day school in Camp Hill, Alabama for grades 7-12, founded 1898. Boarding $25,500, day $6,700 (2026-27).
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesBoarding
$25,500
Day Student
$6,700
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 at Maxwell AFB is the U.S. Air Force's senior professional military education school, founded 1946. For senior officers — not open to civilians.
Marion Military Institute
Marion, AL
Marion Military Institute is a public military junior college in Marion, Alabama — the nation's oldest, founded 1842. Total cost about $18,200/year in-state (2026-27).
Admiral Farragut Academy
St. Petersburg, FL
Admiral Farragut Academy, founded 1933, is a coed naval prep school in St. Petersburg. Grades K-12, boarding 8-12; boarding $62,000 (2025-26). 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 in Melbourne, FL. Day grades 6-12, boarding 9-12; boarding $47,800 (2026-27).
Riverside Preparatory Academy
Gainesville, GA
Riverside Preparatory Academy is an all-boys military boarding and day school in Gainesville, Georgia, for grades 6-12. Founded 1907; boarding tuition $61,200 (2026-27).
Benedictine Military School
Savannah, GA
Benedictine Military School is a Catholic, all-boys day school in Savannah, Georgia, for grades 9-12 — college prep with Army JROTC since 1902. Tuition $18,550 (2026-27).
Guides & Resources
Alabama's CHOOSE Act ESA: $7,000 Toward Military School
Alabama's CHOOSE Act ESA provides $7,000 per student toward private school tuition, including military school. Eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply.
How Much Does Military School Cost? Tuition & Financial Aid
Military school costs range from free (public academies and Youth Challenge) to $25,000-$67,000 a year for private boarding. Compare tuition, 529 plans, and state vouchers.
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.
America's Oldest Military Schools & Academies
West Point (1802) is America's oldest military academy — see every historic U.S. military school by founding date, from Norwich (1819) to The Citadel (1842).
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.