Understanding Your Options
Private Boarding Schools
St. John's Northwestern Academy in Delafield is Wisconsin's only private military boarding school. Founded in 1884, it offers grades 7-12 and a post-graduate year. The school operates one of the most decorated Army JROTC programs in the nation, consistently earning Honor Unit with Distinction status. The campus offers both a traditional Military Academy track (Army JROTC) and a non-military Leadership Academy added in 2020.
Youth Challenge Programs
Wisconsin Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy is Wisconsin's National Guard Youth Challenge program. This free 22-week residential program serves at-risk youth ages 16-18 who have dropped out or are at risk of not graduating. The program focuses on high school equivalency diploma (HSED) completion, life skills, and character development.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
St. John's Northwestern Academy accepts students nationally and internationally. Kenosha Military Academy serves students within the Kenosha Unified School District. Wisconsin Challenge Academy serves eligible Wisconsin residents ages 16-18.
Wisconsin's Military School Options
Wisconsin has three military school options: a private boarding academy, a free public charter school, and a free Youth Challenge program for at-risk teens.
St. John's Northwestern Academy
St. John's Northwestern Academy in Delafield (about 30 miles west of Milwaukee) is Wisconsin's only private military boarding school:
- Founded: 1884
- Grades: 7-12 plus post-graduate
- Type: Coed boarding and day
- JROTC: Army—one of the top programs in the nation
- Cost: $56,300 boarding / $24,800 day (2026-27)
The school's Army JROTC program consistently earns Honor Unit with Distinction—the highest rating an Army JROTC unit can hold—and alumni include Apollo 13 commander James Lovell Jr.
The Two-Track Option
In 2020, St. John's Northwestern added a non-military track:
- Military Academy track: Traditional military experience with uniforms, drill, and Corps of Cadets
- Leadership Academy track: Structured boarding experience without military training
Both tracks share academics, athletics, and campus life—the difference is in daily programming and whether students participate in military activities.
Kenosha Military Academy
Kenosha Military Academy in Kenosha (about an hour south of Milwaukee) is a free public option:
- Founded: 2011
- Grades: 9-12
- Type: Public charter (day school)
- JROTC: Army
- Cost: Free
As part of the Kenosha Unified School District, KMA provides military structure and college preparatory academics at no cost to families within the district.
Wisconsin Challenge Academy
For at-risk Wisconsin youth, the Wisconsin Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy (about 3 hours northwest of Madison, near Tomah) offers a free residential program:
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 22 weeks residential + 12 months mentorship
- Eligibility: Wisconsin residents ages 16-18 who have dropped out or are at risk
- Focus: HSED completion, life skills, discipline
The program has been operating since 1998 with the motto "A Choice... A Challenge... A Change."
Frequently Asked Questions
How many military schools are in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has three military schools: St. John's Northwestern Academy, a private coed boarding school in Delafield (grades 7-12 plus post-graduate); Kenosha Military Academy, a free public charter high school (grades 9-12); and the Wisconsin Challenge Academy, a free 22-week National Guard program at Fort McCoy for ages 16-18.
Is St. John's Northwestern a military school?
Yes. St. John's Northwestern operates an Army JROTC program that consistently earns Honor Unit with Distinction—the highest JROTC rating. However, in 2020 they added a non-military Leadership Academy track for students who want structure without military training.
How much does St. John's Northwestern cost?
For 2026-27, tuition at St. John's Northwestern is $56,300 for boarding students and $24,800 for day students. Financial aid is available, and Wisconsin's school choice programs and 529 limits can help offset costs.
Does St. John's Northwestern accept girls?
Yes. St. John's Northwestern is fully coed, accepting both boys and girls in all programs.
Is there a free military school in Wisconsin?
Yes. Kenosha Military Academy is a tuition-free public charter high school within the Kenosha Unified School District. It serves grades 9-12 with Army JROTC and college preparatory academics.
What is the Wisconsin Challenge Academy?
Wisconsin Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy is a free 22-week residential program for at-risk youth ages 16-18. It's run by the Wisconsin National Guard and focuses on high school equivalency diploma (HSED) completion, life skills, and character development. It's not a military enlistment program.
Can I use Wisconsin school vouchers for military school?
Yes. Wisconsin's Parental Choice Programs can be used toward private school tuition, including St. John's Northwestern Academy, for eligible families.