All-Boys Military Schools in the U.S.
While most military schools today are coeducational, twelve institutions maintain the all-boys tradition. These schools believe single-gender education offers distinct advantages for young men—fewer distractions, tailored teaching approaches, and strong brotherhood.
Private Military Boarding Schools
Eight all-boys schools offer the traditional military boarding experience:
Marine Military Academy (Harlingen, TX) — The only school in the nation with Marine Corps JROTC. Known for rigorous physical training and the iconic Iwo Jima Memorial replica on campus. Grades 8-12 plus post-graduate. ~$48,000/year.
Fork Union Military Academy (Fork Union, VA) — Famous for its unique "One Subject Plan" where students focus on one course at a time. Baptist affiliation, Army JROTC. Grades 6-12 plus post-graduate. ~$42,000/year.
Fishburne Military School (Waynesboro, VA) — The oldest private military school in Virginia (1879). Small school with about 175 students, Army JROTC. Grades 7-12 plus post-graduate. ~$38,000/year.
Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, VA) — Baptist school known for strong athletics, including an elite basketball program. Army JROTC. Grades 7-12 plus post-graduate. ~$42,000/year.
Camden Military Academy (Camden, SC) — Boarding-only school with a structured environment. Army JROTC, small classes (12:1 ratio). Grades 7-12 plus post-graduate. ~$32,000/year.
Missouri Military Academy (Mexico, MO) — Over 130 years of history in the heartland. Army JROTC, 7:1 student-teacher ratio. More affordable than many East Coast options. Grades 6-12 plus post-graduate. ~$40,000/year.
Army & Navy Academy (Carlsbad, CA) — California's premier military boarding school, located near San Diego. Founded 1910, offers both boarding and day options. Grades 7-12. ~$52,000/year boarding.
Riverside Prep (Gainesville, GA) — Small school (8:1 ratio) an hour northeast of Atlanta. Army JROTC, both boarding and day. Grades 6-12. ~$35,000/year.
All-Boys Day Schools
Three military schools serve day students only:
Saint Thomas Academy (Mendota Heights, MN) — Catholic school in the Twin Cities with Army JROTC. One of the few military day schools in the nation. Grades 6-12. ~$24,000/year.
Benedictine Military School (Savannah, GA) — Catholic day school founded by Benedictine monks in 1902. Strong athletics and Army JROTC. Grades 9-12. ~$16,000/year.
Benedictine College Preparatory (Goochland, VA) — Catholic day school near Richmond with Army JROTC. Grades 9-12. ~$20,000/year.
Elementary Military School
St. Catherine's Academy (Anaheim, CA) — One of the few military schools in the nation serving younger boys. Catholic, founded 1889 by Dominican sisters. Offers boarding starting in early grades. Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. ~$19,000/year.
Honorary Mention: Culver Military Academy
Culver Academies (Culver, IN) is technically coeducational, but it maintains separate programs. Culver Military Academy (CMA) is the all-boys track where cadets live in barracks, wear uniforms, and follow Army JROTC traditions. Girls attend the separate Culver Girls Academy on the same campus. ~$67,000/year.
Why Choose an All-Boys Military School?
Families choose all-boys environments for several reasons:
- Focused Learning — Research suggests boys may learn differently; single-gender schools can tailor teaching methods
- Brotherhood — Strong bonds form among cadets who live, train, and study together
- Fewer Distractions — Some families believe removing social dynamics allows boys to focus on academics and personal growth
- Tradition — Many of these schools have 100+ years of history developing young men
How to Choose
Consider these factors when selecting an all-boys military school:
- Location — Do you want your son close to home or is distance acceptable?
- Religious Affiliation — Several schools (Fork Union, Hargrave, Saint Thomas, Benedictines) have faith-based missions
- Age/Grade — Most start at 7th grade; St. Catherine's serves elementary
- JROTC Branch — Most offer Army; Marine Military Academy offers Marine Corps
- Cost — Ranges from ~$32,000 to ~$67,000 for boarding
- Special Programs — Fork Union's One Subject Plan, MMA's physical rigor, etc.
Browse all schools in our directory or filter by state to find options near you.
Next Steps
Learn how to evaluate a military school during your campus visit. Understand the culture and safety of military school environments. For regional deep-dives, explore Missouri Military Academy and the Culver experience.