The Question Parents Fear Asking
"Will my child's past prevent them from getting in?" It's a common worry. The answer depends on the school, the severity of the issues, and how the family addresses them.
The Honest Truth
Most military schools are not for "troubled teens."
College-preparatory military academies are selective institutions seeking motivated students with leadership potential. They are not therapeutic programs.
However, many students with some behavioral history are admitted—if the context is right.
What Schools Evaluate
Admissions committees consider:
Severity
- Minor classroom disruptions vs. serious offenses
- Single incidents vs. patterns of behavior
- School discipline vs. legal involvement
Recency
- Issues from years ago carry less weight
- Recent problems are more concerning
- Evidence of improvement matters
Context
- What was happening in the student's life?
- Was this behavior in response to a situation?
- Does the student take responsibility?
Trajectory
- Is behavior improving or worsening?
- What interventions have been tried?
- Is the student motivated to change?
Typically Disqualifying
These issues often (but not always) prevent admission to college-prep military schools:
- Active substance abuse or recent drug-related offenses
- Violence resulting in serious injury
- Sexual misconduct
- Active gang involvement
- Current legal probation with restrictions
- Recent psychiatric hospitalization
- Expulsion from multiple schools
- Criminal record for serious offenses
Often Workable
These issues can often be overcome with proper context:
- Past suspensions for non-violent behavior
- Academic struggles without behavioral component
- Single incidents with demonstrated learning
- ADHD-related impulsivity (with treatment compliance)
- Mild substance experimentation (past, not current)
- Defiance or disrespect (without violence)
- Truancy or attendance issues
The Application Process
Be Honest Schools conduct background checks and contact previous schools. Hidden issues discovered later result in dismissal—and no refund.
Provide Context Write a supplemental letter explaining:
- What happened
- Why it happened
- What the student learned
- What has changed since
Get Supporting Documentation
- Counselor letters showing progress
- Treatment completion records if applicable
- Teacher recommendations highlighting positive changes
Choose Appropriate Schools Some schools are more open to students with behavioral history. Ask admissions directly about their flexibility.
Therapeutic vs. College-Prep Schools
Therapeutic Boarding Schools
- Designed for struggling teens
- Licensed mental health staff
- Treatment-focused curriculum
- Often court-ordered placements
- Higher cost, specialized services
College-Prep Military Schools
- Designed for motivated students
- Structure and discipline, not therapy
- College preparation focus
- Selective admissions
- Not equipped for serious behavioral/mental health issues
Choose the right category based on your student's actual needs, not wishful thinking.
During the Interview
Admissions officers may ask directly about behavioral history. Prepare your student to:
- Take responsibility without making excuses
- Explain what they learned from the experience
- Articulate why military school will be different
- Demonstrate genuine motivation for change
Honesty and maturity impress more than perfection.
Red Flags That Worry Schools
- Blaming others for all problems
- Minimizing serious incidents
- Parent making excuses for student
- Student showing no motivation to attend
- Pattern of escalating behavior
- Ongoing untreated mental health issues
Questions to Ask Admissions
- How do you evaluate students with disciplinary history?
- What behavioral issues would disqualify an applicant?
- What support do you offer students who struggle with behavior?
- What would lead to dismissal after enrollment?
- Can you share examples of students with history who succeeded?
Next Steps
Learn about enrollment logistics and how to present your family's situation effectively. Understand the difference between military schools and therapeutic programs to ensure you're pursuing the right option.