Understanding Your Options
Public Military Academies
Four tuition-free options serve Florida students. Sarasota Military Academy is a charter school for grades 6-12 with Army JROTC and over 1,000 students. Summerlin Academy in Bartow is a military magnet within Polk County schools. The Entrepreneur & Leadership Military Academy (ELMA) at Hollywood Hills High serves Broward County students. Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership (JSMAL) in Jacksonville is a middle school magnet serving grades 6-8.
Private Boarding Schools
Florida has two private military boarding schools. Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg is a coed Naval NJROTC school founded in 1933, offering boarding and day options. Florida Preparatory Academy in Melbourne (formerly Florida Air Academy) is a coed school with Air Force traditions. Both accept students from across the country.
Youth Challenge Programs
Florida Youth Challenge Academy in Starke is a free 22-week residential program for at-risk youth ages 16-18. Run by the Florida National Guard, it provides GED preparation, life skills training, and a structured environment for youth who have dropped out or are struggling in traditional school.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Private boarding schools (Admiral Farragut, Florida Prep) accept students nationally and internationally. Public options have district requirements: Sarasota Military Academy serves Sarasota County; Summerlin Academy serves Polk County; ELMA serves Broward County; JSMAL serves Duval County (Jacksonville). Florida Youth Challenge Academy serves eligible Florida youth statewide.
The Sunshine State's Military Education Options
Florida offers a diverse mix of military education—from historic private boarding academies to innovative public charter programs. The state's generous school choice programs make private military education more accessible than in many other states.
Private Military Boarding Schools
Two private academies offer boarding options in Florida:
Admiral Farragut Academy - Founded in 1933 in St. Petersburg (Tampa Bay area), this coed school carries on a proud naval tradition. Unique programs include Aviation (earn your Private Pilot's License at 16 with Embry-Riddle dual enrollment), Marine Science, and SCUBA certification. The 40-acre waterfront campus on Boca Ciega Bay offers sailing, kayaking, and maritime training. PreK-12 with boarding for grades 8-12. Two alumni walked on the Moon.
Florida Preparatory Academy - Located in Melbourne on Florida's Space Coast (about an hour east of Orlando, 3 hours north of Miami), this coed school (formerly Florida Air Academy) offers flight training through Florida Institute of Technology—students can earn their Private Pilot's License before graduation. Small class sizes (7:1 ratio) and Air Force traditions define the experience. Boarding and day for grades 6-12.
Public and Charter Options
Florida leads the Southeast in tuition-free military education:
Sarasota Military Academy - Located in Sarasota (about an hour south of Tampa), this charter school is an IB World School offering both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Middle Years Programme. Over 1,000 students in grades 6-12 across two campuses. Army JROTC, tuition-free, 96% college matriculation. Olympic silver medalist Mary Tucker (shooting) is an alumna.
Summerlin Academy - A military magnet program within Bartow High School (about 45 minutes east of Tampa, midway between Tampa and Orlando) serving Polk County students. Grades 9-12, Army traditions, completely free for district residents.
ELMA at Hollywood Hills High - Located in Hollywood (between Miami and Fort Lauderdale), the Entrepreneur & Leadership Military Academy combines military structure with business education. Serves Broward County students, grades 9-12, tuition-free.
Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership - Located in Jacksonville (Westside), JSMAL is the only dedicated military leadership magnet middle school in Duval County. Named after General Joseph Stilwell, this grades 6-8 program prepares cadets for high school JROTC programs. Tuition-free for Duval County students.
Challenge Option
Florida Youth Challenge Academy - Located in Starke (about 45 minutes southwest of Jacksonville, an hour north of Gainesville), this National Guard program provides a free 22-week residential experience for at-risk youth ages 16-18. Focuses on GED completion, life skills, and character development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free military schools in Florida?
Yes. Sarasota Military Academy is a tuition-free charter school for grades 6-12. Summerlin Academy in Bartow, ELMA at Hollywood Hills High, and Joseph Stilwell Military Academy (JSMAL) in Jacksonville are free public magnet programs. Florida Youth Challenge Academy is free for eligible at-risk youth.
Which Florida military schools offer boarding?
Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg and Florida Preparatory Academy in Melbourne offer boarding. Florida Youth Challenge Academy is a residential program for at-risk youth. The public/charter schools are day programs only.
Can Florida school choice programs pay for military academy tuition?
Yes. Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship is now universal—all K-12 students are eligible. Awards range from $8,000-$10,000 per year, which can significantly offset private military academy tuition at Admiral Farragut or Florida Prep. Apply through Step Up for Students.
What is the naval military school in Florida?
Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg is Florida's naval military school. Founded in 1933, it requires all students to participate in the Naval Science (NJROTC) program and has a strong maritime tradition.
Is Florida Air Academy still open?
Florida Air Academy rebranded as Florida Preparatory Academy. The school is still operating in Melbourne and maintains its Air Force traditions, though it's no longer exclusively aviation-focused.