Your Credits Are Safe
One of the most common concerns parents have: "If this doesn't work out, will my child lose academic progress?" The short answer: properly accredited military schools produce transcripts that transfer seamlessly.
Understanding Accreditation
Regional Accreditation (The Gold Standard)
Regional accreditation is the highest level of academic credibility. The major regional accrediting bodies are:
- Cognia (formerly AdvancED/SACS) - covers Southern states
- Middle States Association (MSA) - Mid-Atlantic region
- New England Association (NEASC) - New England
- North Central Association (NCA) - Midwest
- Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) - Pacific Northwest
- Western Association (WASC) - Western states
Why It Matters:
- Credits transfer to any other accredited school
- Colleges accept transcripts without question
- Diplomas are recognized nationally
- NCAA accepts coursework for eligibility
Red Flag: Schools with only "national" accreditation or no accreditation may have transfer issues.
Military-Specific Accreditations
Beyond regional accreditation, look for:
AMCSUS Membership The Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States. Member schools meet additional standards for military education quality.
JROTC Certification Schools with formal JROTC programs are certified by their respective military branches, indicating program quality.
Honor Unit Designation JROTC programs rated as "Honor Units" or "Honor Units with Distinction" meet the highest military program standards.
How Transcripts Transfer
To Another High School
When transferring from military school to a traditional high school:
- Request official transcript from military school registrar
- Receiving school evaluates course equivalencies
- Credits assigned based on course descriptions
- GPA may be recalculated per receiving school's policies
Common Issues:
- Military training courses may not have equivalents
- Semester vs. trimester calendars may require adjustment
- Course naming differences (military schools may call classes different things)
- Honors/AP weighting may differ between schools
To College
Colleges evaluate military school transcripts the same as any accredited high school:
- Transcript received directly from school
- Courses verified against accreditation
- GPA calculated per college's methodology
- Rigor assessed (AP, Honors courses noted)
Colleges are very familiar with military school transcripts. Many view them favorably.
What Colleges See
Military school transcripts typically include:
Academic Record
- Course names and grades
- GPA (weighted and unweighted)
- Class rank (if applicable)
- Credits earned per course
Military Record
- Rank achieved
- Leadership positions held
- Awards and recognition
- Conduct record (often separate)
How Admissions Officers View This:
Admissions officers generally view military school transcripts positively because:
- Structure suggests discipline and time management
- Leadership positions demonstrate soft skills
- Schools have rigorous academic reputations
- Students chose a challenging environment
Mid-Year Transfer Considerations
If transferring mid-year:
Credits in Progress
- Some courses may show as "incomplete" or "in progress"
- Receiving school may require course completion or exam
- Semester timing affects credit transfer
Grade Translation
- First semester grades transfer as final
- Second semester grades may be incomplete
- Some schools require final exams before releasing grades
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
"What is your regional accreditation?"
- Should be one of the six regional accrediting bodies
"Can you provide a sample transcript?"
- See exactly how courses are listed
"How do credits transfer if we need to leave?"
- Understand the process upfront
"Do colleges question military school credits?"
- Answer should be "no" for accredited schools
"What happens to credits for military training courses?"
- These may or may not transfer to traditional schools
Special Cases
Service Academy Preparation
Service academies (West Point, Naval Academy, etc.) have their own curricula. Your high school credits don't directly transfer—everyone starts fresh. However:
- Strong high school record affects admission
- AP credits may allow course validation (not exemption)
- Academic preparation matters for success
Post-Graduate Year
PG year credits at military prep schools:
- May not transfer to service academies
- Can transfer to civilian colleges
- Serve more as academic improvement than credit accumulation
International Transcripts
If transferring from military school to international schools or vice versa:
- Credential evaluation may be required
- Course equivalencies more complex
- Plan extra time for evaluation
Maintaining Your Record
While Enrolled:
- Keep copies of syllabi and course descriptions
- Document military awards and positions
- Request unofficial transcripts periodically
- Track your own credit count
If Withdrawing:
- Request official transcripts before leaving
- Get course descriptions in writing
- Obtain letters of recommendation while relationships are fresh
- Document any incomplete coursework
The Bottom Line
If a military school is regionally accredited (and virtually all reputable ones are), your credits will transfer without issue. The military school transcript is often viewed more favorably by colleges than a traditional high school transcript because it demonstrates discipline, leadership, and the choice to pursue challenge.
Next Steps
Browse accredited military schools in our directory. Learn about dual enrollment options to earn college credit during high school.