Illinois has the largest number of public military high schools, colleges, and academies for troubled youth: boys and girls in the United States. This makes Illinois a good state to scout for military schools in the USA.
Six of the Illinois military academies are under the management of the Chicago Public Schools. Schools under CPS offering Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), are partly funded by the Department of Defense, which makes them tuition-free schools.
So, if you’re here searching for tuition-free or the best military schools in Illinois, you will find the best pick. This guide shows you the best military high schools and colleges in Illinois and their admission requirements, tuition cost, and academic style.
Let’s dive in!!!
Table of Contents
How Many Military Schools Are In Illinois?
Illinois has seven military schools: 6 military high schools and one college. Of the seven schools, 5 are public schools, and 2 are private schools.
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Illinois Best Military Schools to Apply to
There are many choices when selecting the best military school in Illinois. There are charter, public magnet, and private school options, all with different unique military programs. Here are fine details on the top military schools in Illinois;
#1. Phoenix Military Academy
- Grades: 9-12
- Founded: 2004
- School Type: Public
- Number of Students: 540
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Location: 145 S Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Phoenix Military Academy (PMA) is a military college prep school for ages 9-12 in Illinois, open to just students who reside in the Chicago metro area. Since its inception, Phoenix Military Academy has established a stellar track record in graduating cars who have excellent character and leadership development.
PMA emphasizes development in character, leadership, service, academics, and producing students with core citizenship qualities. In addition to the military training programs, PMA incorporates a STEM program and the Leadership Academy Pilot Program.
As a public school, tuition at Phoenix Military Academy is free. Also, cadets do not live on campus. All prospective students must meet the eligibility criteria and complete the Chicago Public Schools application to enroll.
ENROL AT PHOENIX MILITARY ACADEMY
#2. Carver Military Academy
- Grades: 9-12
- Founded: 1947
- School Type: Public
- Number of Students: 480
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Location: 13100 S Doty Ave, Chicago, IL 60827
Another of Illinois’s top-rated public military high schools is Carver Military Academy. Carver Military Academy Is also under the management of Chicago Public Schools.
Cadets train in a structured military environment, engage in academics, and compete in extracurricular activities such as the Chicago Public League (CPL). Also, leadership development is a core foundation of Carver Military Academy and the values of respect, integrity, and self-awareness.
Remember that all cadets who enroll in Carver Military Academy must serve in the Army JROTC program. No on-campus living or dining, and tuition is free.
ENROL AT CARVER MILITARY ACADEMY
#3. Air Force Academy High School
- Grades: 9-12
- Founded: 2008
- School Type:
- Number of Students: 360
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Location: 3630 S. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60609
Just like the name signifies, Air Force Academy High School is the perfect military school for Illinois students looking out for Air Force schools.
As a college military prep school in Illinois, Air Force Academy High School prides itself as the only public USAF high school in the nation. It is also Illinois’s only public military academy connected with the US Air Force.
The White Sox Field on the campus engages cadets to think and dream big. Also, there are over 20 school-sponsored organizations and athletics in the school.
Remember that the Air Force Academy High School is a day school. Upon graduation, cadets are required to serve in the Air Force JROTC program.
ENROL AT AIR FORCE ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
#4. Chicago Military Academy
- Grades: 9-12
- Founded: 1999
- School Type: Public
- Number of Students: 320
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Location: 3519 S Giles Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
One of the recognized military academies in Illinois is the Chicago Military Academy: another public military school.
Chicago Military Academy is a military school with multiple academic departments. Options existing for cadets include Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) School, advanced placement (AP) courses, honor courses such as Computer Science, Foreign Language, and Fine Arts and then the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program.
To enroll for the JROTC program, prospective students must apply through Chicago Public Schools. Also, there are a variety of extracurricular activities and organizations for cadets.
Tuition at Chicago Military Academy is free. No on-campus living or dining. Only to all residents of Illinois, including those in all Chicago neighbourhoods.
ENROL AT CHICAGO MILITARY ACADEMY
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#5. Marmion Academy
- Grades: 9-12
- Founded: 1933
- School Type: Private
- Number of Students: 530
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Location: 1000 Butterfield Rd, Aurora, IL 60502
If you’re considering a private military school, Marmion Academy is one of the schools in Illinois you should consider. Marmion Academy is a private military school and a faith-based Catholic school.
The foundations of the school are built on spirituality, academics, and leadership hence why the Marmion Academy Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program is well regarded.
Marmion Academy offers the United States Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), which all cadets must take and a compulsory 2 years of a foreign language and theology.
As a private school, Marmion Academy charges tuition of $13,400, which does not include the cost of books, uniforms, and other school fees. No on-campus living or dining. Scholarships and other forms of tuition assistance are available.
To enrol into Marmion Academy, prospective students are encouraged to take an 8th-grade online qualifying exam.
#6. Rickover Naval Academy
- Grades: 9-12
- Founded: 2005
- School Type: Public
- Number of Students: 560
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Location: 3519 S Giles Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
Enlisting Rickover Naval Academy as one of Illinois’s best military high schools is undoubtedly deserving. Rickover Naval Academy emphasizes creating an enabling environment for growth in academics and leadership.
In addition to classroom classes, Rickover Naval Academy engages cadets in out-of-the-classroom trips where they receive real-world experiences. This, of course, includes national and international travel opportunities, partnership programs, participation and interactions with personnel of the U.S. Navy.
Cadets must take Advanced Placement and Dual-Enrollment courses to excel in Rickover Naval Academy, complete 40 hours of community service, and become responsible leaders.
As part of the Chicago Public Schools, Rickover Naval Academy is free. Scholarships are also available.
ENROL AT RICKOVER NAVAL ACADEMY
#7. Illinois State University
- Grades: College
- Founded: 2005
- School Type: Private
- Number of Students: 2000
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Location: 100 N University St, Normal, IL 61761
Students at Illinois State University who participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps program get more than the traditional college experience has to offer.
The ROTC program prepares students physically and mentally for the challenges of leadership. There are a wide variety of extracurricular activities to help cadets become better leaders.
Also, physical fitness standards are an important component of the ROTC program. Illinois State University is one of the best military colleges in Illinois.
ENROL AT ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC
Are There Military High Schools In Illinois?
Yes, there are 6 military high schools in Illinois. Each is in different locations and offers unique Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs (JROTC).
All military high schools in Illinois are open to cadets in ages 9-12 who meet the individual school requirements and eligibility criteria.
How Much Does It Cost To Attend Military Schools In Illinois?
All military schools in Illinois under the Chicago Public Schools are tuition-free. The exception of a tuition-free military school in Illinois is Marmion Academy which charges tuition of $13,400, which does not include the cost of books, uniforms, and other school fees.
To be sure that the tuition status of each is the same, visit the school’s website for clarity and updated information. Also, keep in mind that some military schools in Illinois, which are free, still have financial aid schemes and scholarships.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Military Colleges In Illinois
Are There Free Military Schools In Illinois?
Yes, all military schools in Illinois under the Chicago Public Schools are tuition-free.
What is the student-teacher ratio at military schools in Illinois?
The average student-to-teacher ratio in military academies in Illinois is 14:1, with an exception being Illinois State University, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1.
Is the JROTC program compulsory for cadets in military high schools in Illinois?
The JROTC program is no longer required of all students. They now have the option of completing a different four-year leadership course. For instance, at Marmion Academy, either JROTC or LEAD is required for graduation.
Why should I enrol in a JROTC program in military academies in Illinois?
Junior ROTC programs teach leadership skills and military history. JROTC programs seek to prepare youth for success in life. Also, by teaching the importance of education and citizenship, JROTC programs instill the values of self-discipline and respect.
Do cadets participate in extracurricular activities in military colleges in Illinois?
Extracurricular activities are an aspect of military schools as it helps cadets build physical stamina and think outside the box.
Most military colleges and academies in Illinois have sports teams, clubs, and other extracurricular activities for students to participate in. Some go on to have national and international travel opportunities outside the school environment.
What are the admission requirements for military schools in Illinois?
Here are the admission requirements for military schools in Illinois:
- A minimum GPA
- Passing physical fitness tests
- Meeting age and citizenship requirements.
- Filling out the Chicago Public Schools application form if you’re applying to a CPS military school.
Some schools may also require an interview and letters of recommendation.
Conclusion
Choosing to attend any of the military schools in Illinois we have listed above is a good choice that comes with free tuition.
To get started, find out if the school is under the management of Chicago Public Schools, pick a form and fill. Then visit the website of the school of your choice and apply. Apply to as many as possible to stand a chance. As you examine the schools above, choose the school whose program best suits your preference.
We hope you find a perfect pick for your child. If not, visit our website to explore other states in the USA and the available military schools.
References
- https://militaryschoolusa.com/illinois/
- https://www.operationmilitarykids.org
- http://militaryacademies.org/
