Introduction to Camden Military Academy
Camden Military Academy (CMA) is a prestigious military boarding school located in Camden, South Carolina. Established in 1892, CMA has a long tradition of providing young men with a structured and disciplined environment that emphasizes academic achievement, personal responsibility, and leadership development. The Academy is dedicated to preparing its cadets for success in college and beyond, offering a comprehensive education that combines rigorous academics with military training.
Tuition and Payment Plans
The tuition for Camden Military Academy is designed to be flexible, with various payment plans available to accommodate the financial needs of different families. The tuition for the 2024 school year is as follows:
- Standard Tuition: $28,995 per year
- International Tuition: $38,995 per year
Payment Plans:
Camden Military Academy offers several payment plans to provide families with flexibility in managing tuition costs:
- Full Payment Plan:
- Application Fee: $100.00
- Uniform Fee: $2,495.00
- Tuition: $28,995.00
- Total: $31,590.00
- Academy Payment Plan:
- Application Fee: $100.00
- Uniform Fee: $2,495.00
- Tuition Down Payment: $13,505.00
- First Payment: $7,895.00
- Second Payment: $7,895.00
- Total: $31,890.00
- Monthly Payment Plan:
- Application Fee: $100.00
- Uniform Fee: $2,495.00
- Down Payment: $13,925.00
- Monthly Payments: $1,780.00 (for 10 months)
- Total: $32,540.00
- Camden Payment Plan:
- Application Fee: $100.00
- Uniform Fee: $2,495.00
- Down Payment: $10,505.00
- Monthly Payments: $2,025.00 (for 10 months)
- Total: $33,350.00
Additional Fees:
- Senior Tuition: An additional $500.00 for seniors, added to the total tuition.
- Handling Fee: A $25 monthly handling fee for laundry and dry cleaning exceeding $100 per month.
- Late Payment Fee: A $10 late fee is assessed for any payments not received by the due date.
International Students: Full tuition payment is required upon entrance for international students. Detailed costs for international students can be found on the Academy’s website.
What Tuition Covers
The tuition at Camden Military Academy covers the cost of instruction, room, and board. For boarding students, this includes accommodations, meals, and other essential services. However, certain additional costs are not included in the tuition, such as:
- Spending Money: Cadets may require personal spending money for discretionary expenses.
- Special Medical Care: Costs for medical care beyond the services provided by the school’s infirmary.
- Driver’s Education: Not included in the standard tuition.
- Flying Lessons: Optional and not covered by tuition.
- Willful Destruction of Property: Any charges related to damage caused by the cadet will be billed to the parents.
Financial Obligation and Payment Policies
Camden Military Academy operates on an annual budget that is largely tuition-driven. Therefore, cadets are accepted for the entire school year, and a binding contract is in place upon enrollment. If a cadet is dismissed or withdrawn, the remaining tuition balance becomes immediately due. A credit of $1,000 per month will be applied for the portion of the school year the cadet is not in attendance.
Payment Policies:
- Timely Payments: Payments must be made on time to avoid late fees and potential separation of the cadet from the Academy. Grades and transcripts will be withheld until all financial obligations are settled.
- 529 Plan: Families can use a 529 Plan to fund private school tuition, up to $10,000 per student per year. This plan offers tax benefits, including tax-deductible contributions and tax-free gains when used for qualifying educational expenses.
Academic Excellence at Camden Military Academy
Camden Military Academy is committed to providing a rigorous academic program that prepares cadets for college and future careers. The curriculum is designed to challenge students while providing the support they need to succeed.
Core Curriculum: The Academy offers a comprehensive core curriculum that includes English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Languages. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a strong academic foundation.
Advanced Courses: CMA offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for cadets who wish to challenge themselves academically and earn college credit while still in high school. These courses are demanding and are designed to prepare students for the rigors of college academics.
Academic Support: Small class sizes at CMA ensure that cadets receive personalized attention from experienced faculty. The Academy also offers tutoring and academic counseling to help cadets achieve their full potential.
Military Training and Leadership Development
Military training is a core component of the Camden Military Academy experience. The Academy’s structured environment fosters discipline, leadership, and responsibility, preparing cadets for both military and civilian leadership roles.
JROTC Program: All cadets participate in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program, which is designed to develop leadership skills, physical fitness, and military knowledge. The program emphasizes the values of teamwork, respect, and service to others.
Leadership Opportunities: Cadets are given numerous opportunities to take on leadership roles within the Academy, such as serving as officers within the cadet corps. These roles allow cadets to apply the leadership principles they learn in JROTC and develop the confidence needed to lead others.
Physical Fitness: Physical fitness is a key component of the military training at CMA. Cadets participate in regular physical training sessions that promote health, endurance, and resilience. The Academy also offers a variety of sports programs, including football, basketball, and wrestling, which provide additional opportunities for physical development.
Character Development and Core Values
Camden Military Academy places a strong emphasis on character development, teaching cadets the importance of integrity, honor, and respect. The Academy’s core values are woven into every aspect of cadet life, from academics to military training.
Character Education: Character education is an integral part of the CMA experience. Cadets are taught to uphold the highest standards of conduct, both in and out of the classroom. The Academy’s goal is to develop well-rounded young men who are prepared to make positive contributions to society.
Service to Others: Community service is an important aspect of life at CMA. Cadets are encouraged to participate in service projects that help them develop a sense of social responsibility and empathy for others.
Extracurricular Activities and Student Life
Camden Military Academy offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that allow cadets to explore their interests and develop new skills. These activities are designed to complement the academic and military training programs, providing cadets with a well-rounded educational experience.
Clubs and Organizations: Cadets can join a variety of clubs and organizations that cater to their interests, such as robotics, debate, music, and drama. These clubs provide opportunities for cadets to develop leadership skills, work as part of a team, and pursue their passions.
Athletics: Athletics are an important part of student life at CMA. The Academy offers a range of sports programs, allowing cadets to stay active and competitive. Participation in sports helps cadets build physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit.
Social Events: CMA hosts a variety of social events throughout the year, including dances, formal dinners, and cultural outings. These events help cadets build social skills and create a sense of community within the Academy.
Campus and Facilities
Camden Military Academy is situated on a beautiful campus in Camden, South Carolina. The campus features modern facilities that support both academic and military training, including state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields.
Living Accommodations: Boarding cadets live in well-appointed dormitories that provide a safe and comfortable environment. The Academy’s residential program is designed to foster independence while ensuring that cadets have the support they need to succeed.
Dining Services: The Academy offers a comprehensive meal plan that provides cadets with nutritious and balanced meals. Dining services are included in the tuition for all boarding students.
Safety and Security: The safety and well-being of cadets are top priorities at Camden Military Academy. The campus is equipped with security measures, and staff are trained to provide a secure environment for all cadets.
Website: Camden Military Academy
Conclusion
Camden Military Academy offers a unique educational experience that combines rigorous academics with military discipline and character development. With its commitment to academic excellence, leadership training, and community service, CMA prepares young men to succeed in college and in life. Families interested in learning more about the Academy and its programs are encouraged to visit the Camden Military Academy website or contact the admissions office to explore enrollment options. The values and skills instilled at CMA create a strong foundation for cadets, helping them to become ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community.