Understanding Your Options
Private Boarding Schools
Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, MO is the state's only private military school. Founded in 1889, MMA is an all-boys boarding and day school serving grades 7-12 plus a post-graduate year. The school operates an Army JROTC program and emphasizes academic preparation, character development, and military discipline. With a 6:1 student-teacher ratio and 65% acceptance rate, MMA offers a rigorous but accessible path to college.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Missouri Military Academy accepts students nationally and internationally. There are no geographic restrictions.
Missouri's Military School Tradition
Missouri's military education is centered on one historic institution: Missouri Military Academy. For families seeking a military school for boys in the Midwest, MMA has been developing young men since 1889.
Missouri Military Academy
Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, MO (about 2 hours from St. Louis, 2.5 hours from Kansas City) offers a traditional all-boys military boarding experience:
- Founded: 1889
- Grades: 7-12 plus post-graduate
- Type: All-boys boarding and day
- JROTC: Army
- Cost: $41,615 boarding, $8,000 day (2026-27)
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
MMA's motto—"Love, Honor, Truth"—reflects its focus on character development alongside academics. The school emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention, with a 65% acceptance rate making it more accessible than some East Coast military schools.
Because MMA is all-boys, families searching for military schools for girls in Missouri will need to look out of state — see our guide to military school options for girls and the coed alternatives listed below.
A Heartland Alternative
For Midwest families, Missouri Military Academy offers several advantages:
- Location: Central U.S. location makes travel easier for families in surrounding states
- Affordability: At ~$41,600 for boarding (2026-27), MMA costs less than many East Coast military boarding schools
- Tradition: Over 130 years of continuous operation
- All-Boys Environment: Focused, distraction-free learning for young men
What Missouri Lost
Missouri once had more military education options:
- Wentworth Military Academy (1880-2017): Closed after 137 years due to declining enrollment
- Cleveland Junior Naval Academy: Also closed
Missouri Military Academy remains as the state's sole military boarding school, carrying forward the tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there military schools for girls in Missouri?
No. Missouri's only military school, Missouri Military Academy, is all-boys and does not accept female students. Girls can consider coed military boarding schools in nearby states, such as Culver Academies in Indiana or St. John's Northwestern Academy in Wisconsin.
How much does Missouri Military Academy cost?
For 2026-27, boarding tuition at Missouri Military Academy is $41,615 and day tuition is $8,000. Financial aid is available, and Missouri's 529 plan allows up to $20,000 per year tax-free for K-12 tuition as of 2026, doubled from $10,000 by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
What happened to Wentworth Military Academy?
Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO closed in 2017 after 137 years of operation due to declining enrollment and financial difficulties. Missouri Military Academy is now the state's only military boarding school.
Does Missouri Military Academy have JROTC?
Yes. Missouri Military Academy operates an Army Junior ROTC (JROTC) program. All students participate in military training, wear uniforms, and follow a military structure.
What grades does Missouri Military Academy serve?
Missouri Military Academy serves grades 7-12 plus a post-graduate year for students who need an additional year before college.