Breaking Barriers
Women have served in military schools since the 1970s, and today they represent approximately 20% of military school enrollment. For young women seeking leadership opportunities and a challenging academic environment, military schools offer unique advantages.
Leadership Without Limits
In coeducational military schools, young women hold the same ranks and leadership positions as their male peers. They command battalions, lead companies, and serve as senior officers. This early experience in command builds confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Confidence Through Challenge
Military schools push all cadets—male and female—to exceed their perceived limits. Young women discover physical and mental strength they didn't know they had. The experience of mastering difficult challenges builds unshakeable self-confidence.
STEM Opportunities
Military schools often have strong science, technology, engineering, and math programs. Young women in these environments are encouraged to pursue STEM interests without the social pressures found in some traditional schools. Many military school alumnae pursue engineering and technology careers.
Service Academy Pathways
Military schools are proven pipelines to the U.S. service academies. Young women who attend military high schools have higher-than-average appointment rates to these prestigious institutions:
- U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
- U.S. Naval Academy
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
All-Girls Military Schools
A small number of all-girls military schools exist, offering the single-sex education experience within a military framework:
- Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University — The only all-women's Corps of Cadets in the nation
Coed Schools with Strong Female Programs
Many coeducational military schools actively recruit and support female cadets:
- Culver Academies — Separate boys' and girls' schools on one campus, with female leadership tracks
- Randolph-Macon Academy — Coed since 1974, strong female representation in leadership
- St. John's Northwestern Academy — Fully coed with female battalion commanders
- New Mexico Military Institute — Coed state-supported institution with affordable tuition
Support Systems
Successful military schools have developed strong support systems for female cadets, including female TAC officers, mentorship programs, and health resources. When evaluating schools, ask about their specific support for young women.
Next Steps
Explore all-girls military schools or find coed military schools with strong female leadership representation.