Skip to main content

Utah Military Schools

Utah Military Academy is a tuition-free public charter school with two campuses (Riverdale and Camp Williams), serving grades 7-12. The Riverdale campus runs Air Force JROTC—the largest AFJROTC program in the western United States—and the Camp Williams campus runs Army JROTC. There are no private military boarding schools in the state.

Browse by State
2 matches found
School or Program Name Location Grades Gender Service Tuition Accreditations View
Public Academy (1)
Shield-shaped crest with American flag red, white and blue stripes and central star
Utah Military Academy Riverdale, UT 7-12 Co-ed Air Force Tuition-Free residents
AMCSUS
Charter School (1)
Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams Lehi, UT 7-12 Co-ed Army Tuition-Free residents
Cognia USBE
Last verified: July 29, 2026 Report Issue or Update Info

Only 2 in-state options — Utah families also compare nearby

Military boarding schools enroll students from any state, so the strongest option is often across a border.

New Mexico

New Mexico Military Institute

State-supported military boarding school in Roswell, about 8 hours from Salt Lake City. Total cost ~$24,700/year for out-of-state cadets (2026-27).

California

Army and Navy Academy

Boys military boarding school in Carlsbad, about 10 hours from Salt Lake City.

Not sure which of these fits? Answer six quick questions and we'll narrow it down.

Recommended Guides for Utah Parents

Getting Started

Military School Discipline, Culture & Safety

Military school discipline is developmental, not punitive—nothing like a boot camp. How to tell healthy training from hazing, plus 5 questions to ask admissions.

Read guide
School Types

What Is a Military School?

A military school is a college-prep school that uses military structure — uniforms, rank, and drill — not a boot camp. The 4 types explained, including free options.

Read guide
Costs & Aid

How Much Does Military School Cost? Tuition & Financial Aid

Military school costs range from free (public academies and Youth Challenge) to $25,000-$67,000 a year for private boarding. Compare tuition, 529 plans, and state vouchers.

Read guide
School Types

Military High Schools: Free Public, Charter & Boarding

The U.S. has 50+ military high schools — most are tuition-free. Compare public and charter academies, private boarding schools, and free Youth Challenge programs.

Read guide
Costs & Aid

Free Military Schools: 4 Tuition-Free Options

Yes — four options charge no tuition: public military academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge. Private boarding runs $25,500-$67,000.

Read guide
School Types

Military Boarding Schools: The Complete U.S. List (2026)

Every private military boarding school in America — 20 academies with 2026-27 tuition from $25,500 to $67,000 — plus coed options and free alternatives.

Read guide

State Guide

Understanding Military Education in Utah

Admissions & Residency Rules

Geographic Requirements

Utah Military Academy serves Utah students in grades 7-12. As a day school, families must be within commuting distance of the Riverdale or Camp Williams campus.

A Free Public Military Charter School

Utah offers free military-style education through its public charter school system at two campus locations.

Utah Military Academy

Utah Military Academy operates two campuses in Utah:

Utah Military Academy - Riverdale (original campus):

  • Founded: 2013
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Type: Public charter (day school)
  • JROTC: Air Force (AFJROTC)—the largest program in the western United States
  • Cost: Free

Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams (southern campus):

  • Founded: 2017
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Type: Public charter (day school)
  • JROTC: Army
  • Location: On the Utah National Guard's Camp Williams installation
  • Cost: Free

The Camp Williams campus offers a unique setting on an active National Guard installation, providing cadets with authentic military exposure and facilities not available at typical schools.

Utah's Advantage

Utah's generous 529 plan—allowing up to $20,000/year for K-12 tuition—gives families strong financial tools if they choose to pursue out-of-state military boarding schools.

Worth the Drive

Utah families seeking military boarding consider:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Utah Military Academy free?

Yes. Utah Military Academy is a tuition-free public charter school.

Does Utah Military Academy have boarding?

No. UMA is a day school—students commute daily. For boarding, consider New Mexico Military Institute (total cost ~$24,700/year out-of-state, 2026-27) or schools in California.

What JROTC program does UMA have?

The Riverdale campus operates Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC)—the largest AFJROTC program in the western United States—and the Camp Williams campus operates Army JROTC.

What grades does UMA serve?

Utah Military Academy serves grades 7-12 at both its Riverdale and Camp Williams campuses.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Answer a few questions and we'll help you find military schools that match your goals, budget, and location preferences.