Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
St. John's College High School accepts students from D.C. and the surrounding area. The war colleges admit only qualifying military officers and senior government officials.
Birthplace of JROTC
Washington D.C. holds a unique place in American military education: St. John's College High School established the first JROTC unit in America in 1917, launching a program that now serves over 500,000 students nationwide.
St. John's College High School
St. John's College High School is a Catholic, Lasallian prep school in Northwest D.C.:
- Founded: 1851
- Grades: 9-12
- Type: Private day school (coed)
- JROTC: Army (the first in America, established 1917)
- Cost: $29,950 (2026-27)
The school maintains its Corps of Cadets and military tradition while serving as a rigorous college-preparatory institution.
Senior Military Institutions
D.C. also hosts graduate-level military education at Fort McNair:
- National War College (founded 1946): Graduate-level national security strategy
- Eisenhower School (founded 1924): Graduate-level resource strategy and management
These are not open to the general public and serve only senior military officers and government officials.
Boarding Options Nearby
For families seeking military boarding schools, Virginia offers several options within 2-3 hours:
- Fork Union Military Academy - All-boys, about 2 hours
- Hargrave Military Academy - All-boys, about 3 hours
- Randolph-Macon Academy - Coed, about 1.5 hours
- Capital Guardian Youth Challenge (MD) - Free program for at-risk youth
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any military high schools in D.C.?
Yes. St. John's College High School is a Catholic prep school in Northwest D.C. that established the first JROTC unit in America in 1917. The school maintains its Corps of Cadets and Army JROTC program.
What is St. John's College High School?
St. John's is a coed Catholic, Lasallian prep school (grades 9-12) that established the first JROTC in America in 1917. It combines rigorous academics with military tradition through its Corps of Cadets. Tuition is $29,950 for 2026-27.
What is the National War College?
The National War College is a graduate-level institution that trains senior military officers and government officials in national security strategy. It's not open to the general public.
What military options exist for D.C. families?
D.C. families have St. John's College High School locally. For boarding options, Virginia offers multiple private military academies (Fork Union, Hargrave, Randolph-Macon, Fishburne) 2-3 hours away.