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In the sunshine-drenched state of Florida, a unique breed of educational institutions thrives, where academic excellence meets discipline and young minds are sculpted into leaders of tomorrow. These military high schools in Florida stand as beacons of character-building and academic prowess, each with its distinct identity and mission.
From the prestigious Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg to the therapeutic environment of Gateway Military Academy in Bonifay and the tuition-free offerings of Sarasota Military Academy in Sarasota, this comprehensive list delves into the diverse landscape of military education in the Sunshine State.
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Join us as we embark on a journey through the corridors of these institutions, where the pursuit of knowledge is intertwined with the principles of honor, leadership, and unwavering determination, showcasing the rich tapestry of military high schools in Florida.
The List of Military High Schools in Florida
There are three notable military high schools in Florida:
- Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg
- Gateway Military Academy in Bonifay
- Sarasota Military Academy in Sarasota
Let’s explain further…
The Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg
- Type: Private
- Grades: 7-12
- Notable Features: Founded in 1933, offering a challenging academic curriculum, and extracurricular activities including athletics, JROTC, and clubs.
Admiral Farragut Academy is a private, college-preparatory, coeducational boarding and day school in St. Petersburg, Florida. It serves students in grades K-12 and is one of the best military schools in Florida.
The school was founded in 1933 and is named after Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, a Civil War hero. Admiral Farragut Academy is known for its strong academic program, its commitment to character development, and its rigorous military training.
The school’s academic program is designed to prepare students for college success. Students in Admiral Farragut Academy take a variety of college preparatory courses, including math, science, English, and social studies. The school also offers a variety of electives, such as foreign languages, technology, and the arts.
Admiral Farragut Academy is also known for its commitment to character development. The school’s motto is “Character is Destiny,” and the school’s curriculum and programs are designed to help students develop strong character traits such as honor, integrity, and respect.
The school’s military training program is designed to teach students discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills. Students in the military training program participate in a variety of activities, including drill and ceremony, physical fitness training, and leadership training.
Admiral Farragut Academy is a highly selective school. Applicants must submit a transcript, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation. The school also requires applicants to participate in a personal interview.
The school’s tuition is expensive, but Admiral Farragut Academy offers a variety of financial aid options. The school also offers a number of merit scholarships.
The tuition for Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida is as follows:
- Day Students: $26,100 per year
- Boarding Students: $46,000 per year for 5-day boarding, $54,800 per year for 7-day boarding, and $59,900 per year for international boarding
Admiral Farragut Academy offers a variety of financial aid options, including merit scholarships, need-based scholarships, and grants. The school also offers a tuition payment plan.
If you are interested in learning more about the financial aid options available at Admiral Farragut Academy, you should contact the school’s office of financial assistance.
Contact Admissions: 727-384-5504 | admissions@farragut.org
Admiral Farragut Academy is a great option for students who are looking for a challenging academic environment, a structured and supportive environment, and opportunities for leadership development. The school is also a good fit for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the military.
The Gateway Military Academy in Bonifay
- Type: Private (Therapeutic Boarding School)
- Grades: 6-12
- Notable Features: Specializes in helping boys with emotional and behavioral problems, provides a structured and supportive environment, and offers therapeutic services.
Located in Bonifay, Florida, Gateway Military Academy is a private, all-boys, Christian military school catering to students in grades 6-12. This institution specializes in assisting young boys dealing with emotional and behavioral challenges. It offers a structured and supportive environment and a range of therapeutic services, equipping students to thrive academically and lead successful, productive lives.
The academy’s military training program aims to instill discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills in its students. Participants engage in various activities, including drill and ceremony, physical fitness training, and leadership development.
Gateway Military Academy maintains rigorous admission standards. Prospective students must provide transcripts, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, applicants undergo a clinical assessment and a personal interview to ensure their commitment to personal growth.
While the school’s tuition may be relatively high, Gateway Military Academy prioritizes accessibility. It extends multiple financial aid options and offers various merit scholarships to deserving students.
For families considering this educational opportunity, it’s important to note that the annual tuition for Gateway Military Academy in Bonifay, Florida, is $48,000.
Gateway Military Academy is an excellent choice for boys grappling with emotional and behavioral issues. The institution’s structured and supportive environment serves as a turning point, guiding these young individuals toward personal transformation and equipping them with the necessary skills to lead successful and productive lives.
Sarasota Military Academy in Sarasota
- Type: Public Charter
- Grades: 7-12
- Notable Features: Tuition-free, rigorous academic program, diverse extracurricular activities, open to students in Sarasota County School District and neighboring school districts.
Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) is a public charter school in Sarasota, Florida, for grades 7-12 students. It is a tuition-free school that offers a rigorous academic program and various extracurricular activities, including athletics, JROTC, and clubs. SMA is known for its strong educational program and its commitment to character development.
Academics
Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) offers a challenging academic program designed to prepare students for college or a career in the military. Students in SMA typically take various college preparatory courses, including math, science, English, and social studies. SMA also offers a variety of electives, such as foreign languages, technology, and the arts.
SMA is accredited by the Florida Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school’s graduation rate is above the state average, and its students typically perform well on standardized tests.
Extracurricular activities
Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, JROTC, and clubs. SMA’s athletic teams compete in the Florida High School Athletic Association. SMA’s JROTC unit is one of the most prestigious in the country. SMA also offers a variety of clubs and organizations, such as a student council, a National Honor Society chapter, and a chess club.
Character development
Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) is committed to character development. The school’s motto is “Character is Destiny,” and the school’s curriculum and programs are designed to help students develop strong character traits such as honor, integrity, and respect.
SMA students must wear uniforms and follow a strict code of conduct. SMA students are also required to take leadership courses each year they attend the school.
Admissions
SMA is open to all students in the Sarasota County School District and students from neighboring school districts. Admission to SMA is based on a lottery system.
To apply to Sarasota Military School, students must submit a completed application, a transcript, standardized test scores, and two letters of recommendation. Students must also participate in a personal interview.
Financial aid
Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) is a tuition-free school. Still, several financial aid options are available to help students with the cost of books, supplies, and other expenses. SMA offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and loans.
Is Sarasota Military Academy right for my child?
SMA is a good fit for students looking for a challenging academic environment, a structured and supportive environment, and opportunities for character development. SMA is also a good fit for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the military.
However, SMA is not for everyone. SMA is a very structured school, and students are required to follow a strict code of conduct. SMA is also very competitive, and students are expected to excel academically.
If you are considering sending your child to SMA, it is essential to research and talk to your child about their expectations. You should also visit the school in person and talk to the faculty and staff to get a sense of the school’s culture and environment.
Conclusion
In closing, our journey through the world of military high schools in Florida has revealed a rich tapestry of educational institutions, each with its unique character and mission. From the time-honored Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg to the transformative Gateway Military Academy in Bonifay and the accessible Sarasota Military Academy in Sarasota, these schools offer diverse pathways to excellence.
They aren’t merely places of learning; they are crucibles where discipline and character are forged, where academic prowess meets unwavering determination. In these schools, young individuals find the tools to navigate the complex waters of adolescence and emerge as leaders of tomorrow.
As we’ve explored these institutions, we’ve seen how they cater to a spectrum of needs and goals, from rigorous academics to therapeutic support. The common thread is a commitment to nurturing young minds and guiding them toward success and productivity.
The military high schools in Florida stand as exemplars of resilience and discipline, illuminating the path to personal growth and achievement. They are not just schools but beacons of hope, where futures are shaped and lives are transformed. In Florida, the sun shines on these institutions, and it also shines on the bright futures they help create.
