Understanding Your Options
Public Military Academies
Marie G. Davis Military and Global Leadership Academy in Charlotte is a free public magnet school serving grades 9-12. Students can pursue JROTC or a Public Safety pathway (law enforcement, firefighting, emergency services). The small school develops leaders through global citizenship education and service learning.
Private Boarding Schools
Oak Ridge Military Academy near Greensboro is North Carolina's only private military school. Founded in 1852, it's one of the oldest military academies in the nation. The coed school serves grades 7-12 with boarding and day options. Army JROTC program with small class sizes (9:1 ratio).
Youth Challenge Programs
Tarheel Challenge Academy in Salemburg is North Carolina's National Guard Youth Challenge program. Founded in 1994, it provides a free 22-week residential experience for at-risk youth ages 16-18 focused on GED completion and life skills.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Oak Ridge Military Academy accepts students nationally and internationally. Tarheel Challenge Academy serves eligible North Carolina youth only.
North Carolina's Military Education Options
North Carolina's military education includes Oak Ridge Military Academy—one of the oldest military schools in America—plus Marie G. Davis Military and Global Leadership Academy, a free public magnet in Charlotte. The Tarheel Challenge Academy provides a free alternative for at-risk youth.
Private Military Boarding
Oak Ridge Military Academy - Founded in 1852 near Greensboro (about 90 minutes from Charlotte, an hour from Raleigh), Oak Ridge is one of the oldest military schools in the nation—predating the Civil War. This coed boarding and day school serves grades 7-12 with Army JROTC. Small class sizes (9:1 ratio) and over 170 years of tradition. North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship can help with tuition.
Public Military Magnet
Marie G. Davis Military and Global Leadership Academy - Located in Charlotte, this small public magnet school serves grades 9-12 through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Students can pursue traditional JROTC or a Public Safety pathway preparing them for careers in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency services. The academy emphasizes global citizenship and service learning.
Challenge Program
Tarheel Challenge Academy - Located in Salemburg (about 45 minutes south of Fayetteville, 90 minutes from Raleigh), this National Guard program is a free 22-week residential experience for at-risk youth ages 16-18. Founded in 1994, it serves about 400 students annually, focusing on GED completion and life skills development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oak Ridge Military Academy?
Oak Ridge Military Academy is a private coed military boarding school near Greensboro, NC. Founded in 1852, it's one of the oldest military schools in the nation. Serves grades 7-12 with Army JROTC and small class sizes.
Are there any free military schools in North Carolina?
Yes. Marie G. Davis Military and Global Leadership Academy in Charlotte is a free public magnet school with JROTC. Tarheel Challenge Academy is a free residential program for at-risk youth ages 16-18. Oak Ridge Military Academy is private with tuition costs, though NC's Opportunity Scholarship can help offset costs.
Is Oak Ridge coed?
Yes. Oak Ridge Military Academy accepts both boys and girls. It offers both boarding and day options for students in grades 7-12.
Can NC vouchers pay for military school?
Yes. North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship can be used at Oak Ridge Military Academy. Eligibility and amounts vary based on family income and program rules.
How old is Oak Ridge Military Academy?
Oak Ridge was founded in 1852, making it over 170 years old—one of the oldest military schools in the United States. It predates the Civil War.