The Verdict
Summerlin Academy made history in 2006 as Florida's first public military high school, becoming the model for two other state schools. Unlike traditional military academies, Summerlin offers a unique hybrid: cadets wear uniforms and follow military structure while still accessing Bartow High School sports and electives.
The school has fielded championship teams in Archery, Drill, and Rifle Marksmanship, and graduates have earned appointments to West Point, the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. True to their Latin motto "Possim Si Velim" (I can if I will), every cadet completes a rigorous Capstone Project and 150 hours of community service before graduation.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Summerlin Academy is Florida's first public military high school — a tuition-free Polk County School of Choice in Bartow, grades 9-12, with an Army JROTC leadership model.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Polk County School of Choice application
- Commitment to wear military uniform daily
- Agreement to follow JROTC-based discipline structure
- Willingness to complete 150 hours of community service
- Completion of senior Capstone Project requirement
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Shared campus with Bartow High School
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
500
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
School hours run from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM with first bell at 6:50 AM. Cadets follow a structured day including JROTC instruction, core academics, drill periods, and participation in specialized programs like Raiders, Drill Team, or Rifle Team. As a day school, cadets return home after dismissal.
Discipline Model
JROTC-based discipline with military bearing requirements. Cadets wear issued JROTC uniforms and military-style classroom, fatigue, and physical training clothing. The faculty holds honorary military titles and wears uniforms. Leadership positions within the cadet corps (Cadet Commander, platoon leaders, squad leaders) enforce standards through peer accountability. Cadets are expected to display exemplary behavior on campus and in the community.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
Not published
Where Graduates Go
Regular appointments to West Point, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy; numerous ROTC college scholarships
Hall of Fame
Service Academy Appointees
Multiple graduates appointed to U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy since 2007
Ivy League Acceptances
Graduates accepted to prestigious universities including MIT and Harvard
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical training integrated through JROTC curriculum and specialized programs. The Raider program builds physical fitness through 5K runs, obstacle courses, and team events. Cadets may also participate in Bartow High School varsity sports.
Facilities
Suburban campus in Bartow, Florida features dedicated classrooms and training areas for the military program. Shared access to Bartow High School athletic facilities including gymnasium, fields, and pool. Specialized facilities for archery, rifle marksmanship, and drill team training. Scuba program includes pool sessions and open water certification.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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Guides & Resources
Florida FES Scholarship for Military Dependents (K-12)
Florida's FES scholarship is open to every K-12 student regardless of income — about $7,500-$9,300 a year, plus PCS residency and deadline rules for military families.
Free Military Schools: 4 Tuition-Free Options
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How to Evaluate a Military School Like an Insider
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What Is a Military School?
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Military School Discipline, Culture & Safety
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