Chicago's Public Military Academies: The Nation's Largest Free Network

Chicago's Military Academy System

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) operates the largest network of public military high schools in the United States—six Service Leadership Academies serving thousands of students, completely tuition-free.

For Illinois families seeking military-style education without private school costs, Chicago offers an unparalleled option: rigorous JROTC programs, college prep academics, and the discipline of military structure—at no cost.

The Six CPS Military Academies

Air Force Academy High School

• JROTC Branch: Air Force
• Location: South Side (Avalon Park)
• Focus: Aerospace, STEM

Carver Military Academy

• JROTC Branch: Army
• Location: South Side (Altgeld Gardens)
• Focus: Leadership, college prep

Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville

• JROTC Branch: Army
• Location: Bronzeville
• Focus: Leadership, discipline, college prep

Marine Leadership Academy

• JROTC Branch: Marine Corps
• Location: Near West Side
• Focus: Marine Corps values, physical fitness

Phoenix Military Academy

• JROTC Branch: Army
• Location: Near West Side
• Focus: STEM, college prep

Rickover Naval Academy

• JROTC Branch: Navy
• Location: Portage Park (Northwest Side)
• Focus: Navy traditions, STEM, leadership

What Makes Them "Military"

These are full public high schools with mandatory JROTC programs:

Daily Military Elements:

• Uniforms worn daily
• Morning formation
• Military courtesies and customs
• Rank structure (cadet officers)
• Drill and ceremonies
• Physical training

Academic Program:

• Full CPS college prep curriculum
• JROTC classes count toward graduation
• AP courses available
• Extracurriculars including drill team, color guard, athletics

Not Boarding Schools: All six are day schools. Students live at home and commute daily.

Completely Free

As CPS public schools, there is zero tuition:

For families who want military structure but cannot afford $40,000+ private academy tuition, this is the solution.

Admission Process

CPS military academies use the district's selective enrollment process:

Step 1: Apply Through GoCPS

• Applications open in fall (October-December)
• Apply through the GoCPS portal
• Can list military academies among school choices

Step 2: Entrance Exam

• Take the CPS selective enrollment exam
• Scores factor into admission

Step 3: Selection

• Admission based on:
  • Test scores
  • Grades (7th grade)
  • Attendance
  • Geographic tier (ensures citywide diversity)

Step 4: Accept and Enroll

• Accept your offer
• Complete enrollment paperwork
• Attend summer orientation

Admission Competitiveness

These schools are selective but accessible:

• Less competitive than Chicago's top selective enrollment schools (like Payton or Northside)
• More competitive than neighborhood schools
• Cutoff scores vary by school and year
• Geographic tier system helps students from all neighborhoods

Who Should Apply

Good Fit:

• Chicago residents seeking structure
• Students who respond well to discipline
• Families wanting college prep without private school cost
• Students interested in military careers
• Those who thrive with clear expectations

Consider Carefully:

• Students who struggle with authority
• Those unwilling to wear uniforms daily
• Students who cannot commit to JROTC requirements

The JROTC Advantage

All six schools are JROTC programs, which means:

High School Benefits:

• Leadership training
• Physical fitness emphasis
• Discipline and time management
• Team building
• Scholarship opportunities

College/Military Benefits:

• Advanced placement in college ROTC (skip freshman year)
• Preferred consideration for ROTC scholarships
• Pathway to service academies
• Resume differentiator

Students with 3+ years of JROTC often receive advanced standing in college ROTC programs.

Comparing the Six Schools

Choosing Based on Location: Many families choose based on commute. All provide quality military programs; branch differences are secondary to daily travel time.

Choosing Based on Branch: If your student has a specific military interest (aviation → Air Force, ships → Navy), that can guide the choice.

Daily Life

Typical Schedule:

• Morning formation before first period
• Academic classes (standard CPS curriculum)
• JROTC class period
• After-school drill, athletics, or activities
• Home by late afternoon/evening

Uniform Requirements:

• Class A uniform (dress uniform) for inspections
• Class B uniform (daily wear)
• PT uniform for physical training
• Civilian clothes on non-school days

Military Expectations:

• Address officers and NCOs by rank
• Follow chain of command
• Maintain grooming standards
• Participate in mandatory events (parades, ceremonies)

Extracurriculars

Beyond standard sports and clubs, military academies offer:

• Drill Team — Precision marching competition
• Color Guard — Flag ceremonies
• Rifle Team — Marksmanship (air rifles)
• Raiders/Orienteering — Physical team challenges
• Academic Bowl — JROTC academic competition
• Cyber Patriot — Cybersecurity competition

These activities build resumes for ROTC scholarships and service academy applications.

College and Career Outcomes

CPS military academy graduates pursue:

• Four-year universities — With ROTC or as civilians
• Service academies — West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy
• Military enlistment — With advanced rank for JROTC experience
• Trade and technical careers — Discipline transfers to any field
• Community college — With strong work ethic foundation

Questions to Ask During Visits

1. "What is the daily schedule like?"
2. "How much of the day is in uniform?"
3. "What happens if a student struggles with the military structure?"
4. "What are your college acceptance rates?"
5. "How many students pursue ROTC or service academies?"
6. "What transportation options exist from my neighborhood?"

For Suburban Illinois Families

CPS military academies are only for Chicago residents. Suburban families have fewer options:

Private Options:

• Marmion Academy (Aurora) — Catholic military day school, grades 7-12
• There are no public military academies in suburban Cook County or collar counties

JROTC Programs: Many suburban high schools have JROTC programs, though not full military academies.

Application Timeline

Resources

• GoCPS Application Portal
• CPS JROTC Office
• Individual school websites for each academy
• CPS School Finder tool

Key Takeaways

1. Chicago operates 6 tuition-free public military high schools—the largest such network in the U.S.
2. All are day schools (not boarding); students commute daily
3. Apply through GoCPS during fall application window
4. JROTC participation is mandatory and offers significant college/military advantages
5. Selection is competitive but less so than top selective enrollment schools
6. Only available to Chicago residents—suburban families have limited public options

Next Steps

Learn what military school is really like. Understand how to evaluate military schools during your visit.