Top Military Schools in New Jersey 2024 | All You Need To Know

You can never go wrong with enrolling your ward in any military high school and college in New Jersey. New Jersey has public, private, all-girls, all-boys, and coed military schools. 

This guide explains the best military schools in New Jersey based on reputation, academics, college placement, and other factors. 

So, if you’re here searching for the best military academies in New Jersey and their admission requirements, tuition cost, and academic style, this guide will help you.

Let’s dive in!!!

How Many Military Schools Are In New Jersey?

New Jersey has 8 military schools: 3 high schools and 5 colleges.

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Best Military Schools To Apply To In New Jersey 

Military high schools in New Jersey are a good option to ensure your student is college-ready. The military colleges, on the other hand, ready cadets for the force. Without further ado, let’s discuss in detail all you need to know about military high schools and colleges in New Jersey;

#1. Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST)

• Grades: 9 – 12
• Founded: 1981
• School Type: Public 
• Number of Students: 278
• Student / Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1
• Location: 305 MAST Way, Highlands, NJ 07732

One of the military schools in New Jersey for both boys and girls is the Marine Academy of Science and Technology. In a high school, emphasis is placed on preparing students for college in leadership, character, and academics. 

The Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) curriculum, as the name signifies, is mostly marine sciences and technology. As such, enrolling in MSAT will mean being part of the Naval JROTC program for four years.

During the four years, cadets take on core subjects such as science, English, math, and social studies. Remember that the Marine Academy of Science and Technology is a part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District. Also, the school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.

To apply, prospective students must apply in their eighth-grade year and meet the proficiency and residency requirements.

ENROLL AT THE MARINE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

#2. Purnell School

• Grades: 9 – 12
• Founded: 1963
• School Type: Private 
• Number of Students: 57
• Student / Teacher Ratio: 4 to 1
• Location: 51 Pottersville Rd., Pottersville, NJ 07979

Purnell School is an all-girls military high school in New Jersey that focuses on student-centered individualized education. Although a high school open to ages 9-12, Purnell School has an additional optional post-graduate year to better prepare for college. 

The foundational emphasis for the Purnell School includes consideration of others, truthfulness, and common sense. It may interest you that at Purnell School, students live on campus either on the 5-Day or 7-Day program.

Admission into the Purnell School is slightly selective and competitive. To apply, pick up an admission form, fill it and complete student and parent statements. After it is reviewed, eligible students are called for an interview.

ENROLL AT PURNELL SCHOOL

#3. Blair Academy

• Grades: 9 – 12
• Founded: 1848
• School Type: Private 
• Number of Students: 462
• Student / Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1
• Location: 2 Park Street, P.O. Box 600, Blairstown, NJ 07825

Another of the best military high schools in New Jersey is Blair Academy. Blair Academy is a good option for students who want to become lifelong learners, as that is the mission of the Academy. 

Even as a military school, Blair Academy offers 180 courses and over 50 honors and advanced placement classes. Its curriculum is designed to make carts life-long learners even beyond high school.

Although Blair Academy is a boarding school, twenty percent of its students are local day students. Blair Academy is not tuition-free; however, various financial aid is available. To graduate from Blair Academy, students need an average SAT score of 1340 and an average ACT score of 30.

To enroll at Blair Academy, you must first initiate an inquiry with admissions, tour the campus, and then participate in an interview.

ENROLL AT BLAIR ACADEMY 

#4. Newark Leadership Academy

• Grades: 16-20
• Founded: 1774
• School Type: Public 
• Number of Students: varies
• Student / Teacher Ratio: 2 to 1
• Location: 301 W Kinney St, Newark, NJ 07103

Newark Leadership Academy is one of the military-friendly schools in New Jersey. This military academy is an alternative vocational high school that helps students who lack the credits to complete high school successfully.

What this means is that Newark Leadership Academy is one of the military colleges or schools for troubled youth in New Jersey. The school is all open to at-risk teenagers and school dropouts.

Newark Leadership Academy is individualized based on students’ needs. The academy encourages community service among its students. Also, they receive vocational training while enrolled in the Newark Leadership Academy to have marketable workforce skills. 

As a Leadership Academy, emphasis is also placed on improving the students’ leadership skills.

ENROLL AT NEWARK LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 

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#5. New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy

• Founded: 1993
• Grades: 16 to 18 
• School Type: Public 
• Number of Students: varies
• Student / Teacher Ratio: varies
• Location: 5910 16th St W, Fort Dix, NJ 08640

New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy is next on our list of military schools and colleges in New Jersey. New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy is one of the military schools for troubled youth who are disconnected from the traditional learning process and teenagers who lack motivation.

The New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy is a 22-week program where students must stay on-site for the training. While in training, students can earn their high school credits to take the High School Diploma test for New Jersey. Keep in mind that tuition at New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy is free. 

Students are fashioned in discipline, academics, physical fitness, character, and leadership after graduation. To apply to New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy, prospective students must be legal residents between the ages of 16 and 18.

ENROLL AT NEW JERSEY CHALLENGE ACADEMY 

#6. Princeton University AROTC

• Grades: College 
• School Type: Public 
• Number of Students: 7,500
• Student / Teacher Ratio: 4 to 1
• Location: Princeton, New Jersey 

Princeton University is one of the best military colleges in New Jersey. This University is home to the Tiger Battalion, an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps unit.

While students take traditional courses at the college, the Princeton University curriculum also expects all cadets to maintain high physical fitness standards. 

Leadership is also a core aspect of military training at the University. Leadership laboratories help students cultivate their leadership skills while learning about military tactics.

ENROLL AT PRINCETON UNIVERSITY AROTC PROGRAM 

#7. Rutgers University AFROTC

• Grades: College 
• School Type: Public 
• Number of Students: 40,000
• Student / Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1
• Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey

Rutgers University offers one of the best Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps programs (AFROTC). Classes focus on aerospace, engineering and history among other subjects.

Students in the Air Force ROTC program at Rutgers University strive for academic and military success. Instructors at the university also mentor students during their college careers. 

As a rule of thumb, the ROTC program requires physical fitness. All cadets must maintain physical fitness. 

ENROLL ON RUTGERS UNIVERSITY AFROTC PROGRAM 

#8. Seton Hall University AROTC

• Grades: College
• School Type: Public 
• Number of Students: 6,000
• Student / Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1
• Location: Northern New Jersey

Seton Hall University is one of our list of best military colleges in New Jersey with international recognition. 

The university offers an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program that trains military sciences students. Also, students still engage in the traditional courses which brought them to college.

Students at Seton Hall take their academic courses very seriously. In addition to traditional academics, students also train in the field. 

ENROLL ON SETON HALL UNIVERSITY AROTC PROGRAM 

Are There Military High Schools In New Jersey?

Yes, New Jersey has 3 military high schools: Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), Purnell School, and Blair Academy, open to ages 9-12.  M

If you’re searching for a state with more military high schools and academies in the USA, consider Georgia, Oklahoma, and Michigan.

What’s The Cost Of Attending Military Schools In New Jersey? 

New Jersey Military Academies has no general tuition cost estimate as each school has varying tuition rates caused by many factors. 

To be sure that the tuition status of each is the same, visit the school’s website for clarity and updated information. Also, remember that some military schools in New Jersey offer financial aid schemes, scholarships, and payment options for their eligible cadets.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Military Colleges In New Jersey 

Are There Free Military Schools In New Jersey?

New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy is the only free military school in New Jersey. All other colleges and military academies in New Jersey require tuition or payment. However, to help with the payment, some of the academies offer scholarships and easy payment options for eligible cadets.  

Do military schools in New Jersey accept troubled youth?

Most military schools in New Jersey are not sanctuaries for teens with substance abuse or attitude problems. 

Although most schools are open to training that gives discipline and emphasizes physical fitness through athletics programs, they do not accept seriously troubled teenagers.

An exception to this is New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy. New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy accepts troubled teens.

What age range do military schools in New Jersey typically serve?

Military high schools in New Jersey typically serve students in grades 9-12, while military colleges serve students between 16-20 with some schools also offering post-graduate programs.

Are military schools in New Jersey only for students who plan to join the military?

No, military schools in New Jersey are open to all students interested in a structured and disciplined learning environment. While some students may be interested in pursuing a military career, others may be interested in other careers that require strong leadership skills, such as business or politics.

Do military colleges in New Jersey have a religious affiliation?

Some military colleges in New Jersey may have a religious affiliation, while others are secular. It is important to research individual schools to determine their religious affiliation and ensure that it aligns with your personal beliefs and values.

What is the application process for military schools in New Jersey?

The application process for military academies in New Jersey typically involves submitting.

• Transcripts
• Test scores
• Application
• Personal statement.
• Letters of recommendation

Remember that some schools may also require an interview or an admissions test. Researching individual schools to determine their specific application requirements and deadlines is important.

Conclusion 

Whether you wish to enroll your kid in a military school to help him prepare for life’s challenges or to better their future in college, New Jersey can be a great place to search for such schools.

New Jersey military academies teach young people how to deal with life with utter discipline and without losing character. Attending military schools will teach most kids how to interact effectively and respect one another as equal human beings.

To make a choice, carefully go through the school’s website and verify their school requirements and apply. As you examine the schools above, choose the school whose program best suits your preference. 

We hope you find it 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://militaryacademies.org/
• https://militaryacademies.org/
• https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/