Try Before You Buy
Committing to military boarding school is a major decision. Summer programs offer students (and parents) a chance to experience the environment, culture, and expectations before making a full-year commitment.
Types of Summer Programs
Leadership Camps (1-2 weeks) Focused on teamwork, outdoor challenges, and introductory military skills. Less intense than full enrollment but gives a taste of structure and discipline.
Academic Enrichment (2-4 weeks) Combines academic courses with military-style living. Students earn credits while experiencing barracks life.
Full Cadet Summer (4-6 weeks) The most immersive option. Participants live as cadets, complete physical training, learn drill, and experience the daily schedule. Closest preview to actual enrollment.
Service Academy Preparation Some military schools offer summer programs specifically designed to prepare students for West Point, Naval Academy, or Air Force Academy applications.
What Students Experience
During a typical summer program, participants:
- Live in barracks with roommates
- Wake early for physical training
- Wear uniforms and learn military bearing
- Learn basic drill and ceremonies
- Participate in team challenges
- Experience structured study time
- Have limited (but some) phone/screen time
Benefits for Prospective Students
For the Student
- Discover if they thrive in structure
- Build confidence and physical fitness
- Make friends who may become classmates
- Reduce anxiety about the unknown
For Parents
- Observe how the school operates
- Meet staff, TACs, and current families
- Evaluate facilities and culture firsthand
- Make informed enrollment decisions
What to Look For
When evaluating summer programs:
- Staff-to-student ratio: Should be similar to school year
- Program structure: Does it mirror actual cadet life?
- Participants: Mix of prospective students and returning cadets?
- Outcomes: Does strong performance lead to admission advantages?
- Cost: Programs range from $1,500 to $6,000+
Questions to Ask
- What is a typical daily schedule?
- Who supervises the students?
- Can parents visit during the program?
- What happens if a student wants to leave early?
- Does participation influence admission decisions?
- Are scholarships or financial aid available for summer programs?
Finding the Right Program
Start by identifying schools you're considering for full enrollment, then check if they offer summer programs. Most schools list these on their websites under "Summer Programs" or "Admissions."
Popular programs fill quickly—many open registration in January for summer sessions.
When Summer Programs Aren't Enough
Summer programs have limitations:
- Shorter duration means less time to adjust
- Summer participants often treated as guests, not full cadets
- Academic rigor may be reduced
- May not reveal challenges that emerge over months
Consider summer as a first step, not the final test.
After the Program
If the summer went well:
- Discuss observations with your student honestly
- Contact admissions about fall enrollment
- Ask if summer performance affects admission or placement
- Request recommendations from summer staff
If concerns emerged:
- Address them directly with admissions
- Consider whether challenges are fixable
- Explore other schools' summer programs
- Re-evaluate if military school is the right path
Next Steps
Find military schools with summer programs. Learn about evaluating military schools to narrow your options.