St. John's Northwestern Academy
Delafield, WI
"Laborare, Ludere, Orare (Work Hard, Play Hard, Pray Hard)"
The Verdict
St. John's Northwestern solves the "Military vs. Prep School" dilemma by offering both. With its unique Dual-Track system, families can choose the intense discipline of the Military Academy or the structured focus of the Leadership Academy.
Set on a stunning 150-acre lakefront campus, SJNA delivers results: the Class of 2024 earned over $7 million in college scholarships with students averaging $115,000 in offers and the opportunity to earn 50+ college credits through dual enrollment. Notable alumni include NBA player Brandin Podziemski, and the school's Esports team won the Division 3 State Championship in Valorant.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
St. John's Northwestern offers a Dual-Track system where students choose either the Military Academy (JROTC, uniforms, rank structure) or the Leadership Academy (structured academics without military participation). Both tracks share the same rigorous college-prep curriculum, with specialized programs in Engineering, Robotics, Aviation, and DME Basketball.
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesBoarding
$56,300
Day Student
$24,800
International
$62,700
Endowment
$9 million
*Weekday lunches, Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Team Participation, SJNA required in-house Standardized Testing, Academic Support and Tutoring, Guidance Counseling, College and Career Counseling, Pastoral Counseling
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts from current and previous schools
- Two teacher recommendations (English and Math preferred)
- Standardized test scores (if available)
- Personal interview (campus visit strongly encouraged)
- Medical and immunization records
- Character reference from non-family adult
Admitted Student Profile
84%
Acceptance Rate
2.50
Avg GPA
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
150 acres (lakefront on Nagawicka Lake)
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
222
Student:Teacher
12:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Structured day begins with reveille and morning formation, followed by breakfast and academic blocks. Afternoons include athletics, specialized academy programs, or extracurriculars. Evening includes dinner, study hall (Call to Quarters), and free time before Taps. Chapel services held weekly in the Episcopal tradition. Weekends feature supervised activities, off-campus privileges for cadets in good standing, and family visits.
Discipline Model
Dual-track system: Military Track cadets follow a traditional merit/demerit model with cadet ranks, chain of command, and uniform requirements. Academy Track students follow the same structured schedule but without military drill or rank progression. Both tracks share the same academic rigor, honor code, and character development expectations. The Commandant's staff oversees discipline; peer leadership is emphasized through the cadet officer corps.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Scholarships Earned
$115,000 average per student
Where Graduates Go
Regular appointments to U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Coast Guard Academy; strong representation at VMI and The Citadel
Hall of Fame
Brandin Podziemski
NBA player (Golden State Warriors); 2021 SJNA graduate; showcases DME Basketball Academy success
James Lovell Jr.
NASA astronaut, commander of Apollo 13; recipient of Congressional Space Medal of Honor
Spencer Boldman
Actor known for Disney XD's 'Lab Rats' and 'Cruise Ship'
Thomas E. Fiedler
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist; former Dean of Boston University College of Communication; exposed Gary Hart scandal (1987)
Gus Frerotte
NFL quarterback with 15-year career; played for Washington, Denver, Minnesota, and others; Pro Bowl selection
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All students participate in daily athletics or structured physical training. The DME Basketball Academy, led by NBA coach Daniel Panaggio, offers an elite prep basketball program with NCAA D1 placement focus. Military Track cadets also participate in drill, ceremonies, and occasional field training exercises.
Facilities
150-acre lakefront campus on Nagawicka Lake features a modern gymnasium, natatorium with competition pool, weight and fitness center, multiple athletic fields, tennis courts, outdoor track, and access to lake activities including sailing. Historic barracks and academic buildings blend with modern facilities including the STEM and robotics labs.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
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