Understanding Your Options
Youth Challenge Programs
Thunderbird Challenge Program in Pryor Creek has served at-risk Oklahoma youth since 1993, with capacity for about 375 students—one of the largest programs in the nation. Oklahoma Sooner Job Challenge in Oklahoma City opened in 2025 with about 60 students. Both are free 22-week residential programs.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Youth Challenge programs serve Oklahoma residents ages 16-18 who have dropped out or are at risk of not graduating.
Two Youth Challenge Programs
Oklahoma offers intervention programs for at-risk youth, but no traditional military boarding schools.
Thunderbird Challenge Program
Thunderbird Challenge Program in Pryor Creek:
- Founded: 1993
- Enrollment: ~375
- Cost: Free
Oklahoma Sooner Job Challenge
Oklahoma Sooner Job Challenge in Oklahoma City:
- Founded: 2025 (newest program)
- Enrollment: ~60
- Cost: Free
Worth the Drive
Oklahoma families seeking traditional military boarding schools consider:
- Missouri Military Academy - 5 hours from Tulsa
- New Mexico Military Institute - 6 hours, very affordable
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any private military schools in Oklahoma?
No. Oklahoma has no private military boarding schools. The state has two Youth Challenge programs (Thunderbird and Sooner Job) for at-risk youth.
What's the difference between Oklahoma's two programs?
Thunderbird Challenge in Pryor Creek has operated since 1993 and is one of the largest programs in the nation (~375 students). Oklahoma Sooner Job Challenge opened in 2025 in Oklahoma City with about 60 students. Both are free.
What's the closest military boarding school to Oklahoma?
Missouri Military Academy is about 5 hours from Tulsa. New Mexico Military Institute is about 6 hours from Oklahoma City and offers very affordable state-supported tuition.