Beyond the Brochure

Every military school looks good on paper. Every campus tour is polished. Every admissions officer is charming.

But some schools are genuinely great, and some are not what they seem. This guide teaches you to tell the difference—before you sign the enrollment contract.

Part 1: The Big Picture

Key Questions to Ask

Academic Fit

• What is the school's college acceptance rate?
• Does the curriculum match your child's interests and abilities?
• What AP courses or special programs are offered?

Structure Level

• How strict is the military structure?
• Is there flexibility for students who need adjustment time?
• What is the discipline policy?

Location & Logistics

• Boarding vs. day school?
• How far from home is acceptable?
• What are the visitation policies?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Schools that accept students regardless of fit
• Excessive focus on discipline over academics
• Lack of accreditation
• High staff turnover
• No clear college prep track

The Decision Framework

1. Visit in person — Nothing replaces seeing the campus
2. Talk to current parents — Get honest feedback
3. Review accreditations — Look for regional accreditation and AMCSUS membership
4. Understand costs fully — Including uniforms, travel, and activities
5. Trust your instincts — The right school should feel right

Part 2: Reading the Handbook

The Document Most Parents Ignore

Before you sign the enrollment contract, ask for the Cadet Handbook. Then actually read it.

This document—often 50-100 pages—reveals more about a school's true culture than any glossy brochure.

The Discipline Philosophy

Principle-Based vs. Rule-Based

Some handbooks are thick with specific rules. Others focus on core principles.

Neither is inherently better, but know which you're choosing.

The Demerit System

How a school handles minor infractions tells you a lot.

Look for:

• Proportionality: Is a messy room punished the same as disrespect? It shouldn't be.
• Progressive consequences: What happens when demerits pile up?
• Path to redemption: Can cadets work off demerits?
• Staff discretion: Do TAC officers have flexibility?
• Due process: Is there an appeal process?

Red Flags in the Handbook

• Zero-tolerance everything: Minor and major infractions treated identically
• Vague definitions: "Disrespect" without examples can be arbitrary
• No appeal process: Cadets should have recourse
• Heavy punishment, light development: Should reference growth, not just control

Green Flags in the Handbook

• Clear honor code: Lying, cheating, stealing clearly defined
• Progressive discipline: Escalating consequences with chances to correct
• Emphasis on character: Language about development and leadership
• Mentorship references: Senior cadets expected to guide, not just discipline
• Positive behavior recognition: Merits and awards, not just punishment

The Honor Code Section

This may be the most important section.

Healthy honor code:

• Clear definitions
• Education on why honor matters
• Path for redemption after violations
• Cadet involvement in honor system

Concerning honor code:

• Single-sanction for all violations
• No educational component
• Applied inconsistently

Questions to Ask About the Handbook

1. "May I see the Cadet Handbook before we apply?"
2. "How often is it updated?"
3. "What's the most common reason cadets receive demerits?"
4. "What happens if my child feels a punishment was unfair?"
5. "How do you balance discipline with development?"

Part 3: The Campus Visit

Don't Watch the Parade—Watch the Mess Hall

Every campus tour is a performance. The buildings are immaculate. The cadet guide is squared away. The parade is precise.

This is real—but it's not the whole picture.

Why the Mess Hall Matters

It's unrehearable. Parades are practiced hundreds of times. Lunch happens daily—they can't rehearse it.

It's where hierarchy shows. Watch cadets interact when they don't know they're being watched.

It's where truth lives. A polished cadet in formation might be a bully at lunch. Lunch is real.

How to Get Access

Ask during your tour: "Could we eat lunch in the mess hall with the cadets?"

Good schools say yes. If they hesitate or refuse, that's data.

Time your visit during a normal school day—not special events.

What to Look For

Positive Signs:

• Genuine, relaxed laughter
• Mixed groups by age, race, and clique
• Respectful interactions between ranks
• Staff who are relaxed, not vigilant
• Cadets who look healthy

Warning Signs:

• Fear in junior cadets' body language
• Rigid segregation between ranks
• Oppressive silence
• Food as control or punishment
• Staff hyper-vigilance
• Obvious rigid cliques

Other Unscripted Moments to Observe

Between classes: How do cadets move? How do they greet each other?

Free time: This is when cadets are most themselves.

The barracks: Ask to see living quarters during a normal day, not cleaned for inspection.

Sports practice: Is coaching supportive or abusive?

Questions to Ask Cadets

• "What's your favorite part about being here?" (genuine vs. rehearsed?)
• "What's the hardest part?" (honest answers suggest safety)
• "Do you have friends from different grades?" (cross-age friendships = healthy culture)
• "If you could change one thing, what would it be?" (thinking critically)

Questions to Ask Staff

• "Can I walk around unsupervised for a bit?" (confidence in culture)
• "What's the biggest challenge you face as a school?" (honesty)
• "What do cadets complain about most?" (admission = honesty)

Part 4: Trust Your Gut

Red Flags in Any Setting

No matter where you observe:

• Cadets who won't make eye contact
• Obvious tension when certain people approach
• Staff who seem to need to control everything
• Rehearsed-sounding answers to natural questions
• Refusal to let you observe unscripted moments
• Excessive focus on parade-ground performance

The Complete Evaluation

Culture is what your child will live in every day. Make sure you understand it.

Your Homework Before Enrolling

1. Request and read the complete Cadet Handbook
2. Visit campus during a normal school day
3. Eat in the mess hall
4. Talk to current parents
5. Ask to observe unscripted moments
6. Research online reviews and news
7. Trust your instincts

The right school should feel right. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

Next Steps

Learn about the culture and safety of military school environments. Before visiting, use the cadet readiness checklist to assess whether your child is prepared. Explore schools in our directory to start your search.