Military schools in Indiana are vastly underrated in terms of academics and reputation.
Culver Academies, for example, consistently ranks as one of the top military prep schools in the nation as it was founded in the late 19th century.
Anderson Preparatory Academy is another premier military school in Indiana.
Meanwhile, Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy serves as a reform school for at-risk youth.
Learn more about the best military schools in Indiana based on academics, college placement, extracurricular activities, and more.
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Table of Contents
#1. Culver Academies
- Location: 1300 Academy Rd, Culver, IN 46511
- Founded: 1894
- Grades: 9-12
- # of Students: 832
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Official Website: https://www.culver.org/
Culver Academies is a campus that is comprised of 3 different schools.
Culver Military Academy (CMA) is the most prominent and relevant, as it serves as the military school for boys.
On the other hand, Culver Girls Academy (CGA) accommodates female students while Culver Summer Schools and Camps (CSSC) is an extension of the other 2 institutions.
The original military school for boys in Indiana opened its doors in 1894.
Today, it is one of the oldest military prep schools in the United States as well as one of the most desirable to attend.
Culver Academies promotes its military schools in Indiana as providing life-changing experiences.
The military school fosters these opportunities by developing leadership and character, improving responsibility, and collaboration, instilling timeless values, and offering global citizenship.
Culver Academies exists on the principles of always telling the truth and doing what is right.
Additionally, cadets are always encouraged to consider the needs of others before their own to build character and leadership skills.
Campus
Culver Military Academy, which is now coed, features admission for high school students between the grade levels 9-12.
Moreover, Culver Girls Academy is also a boarding school that is exclusive to female cadets.
Culver Summer Schools and Camps presents a 6-week experience for boys and girls (ages 7-17) during a break from their primary studies elsewhere over the summer months.
The campus at Culver Academies is situated on the north shore of Lake Maxinkuckee, the second-largest body of water in Indiana.
The 3 military schools are spread out on 1,800 acres along the countryside of Culver, Indiana.
A diverse student population as well as the peaceful, quiet scenery adds to the value of Culver Academies.
The town of Culver is within walking distance from the campus and reflects the personality and vibe of the military school in many regards.
It’s also a popular tourist destination in the summer as people flock to Lake Maxinkuckee for recreational opportunities.
As a result, cadets like spending their free time at Lake Maxinkuckee including fishing, boating, and hiking.
Culver Academies is also within reasonable driving distance to Indianapolis, South Bend, and Chicago.
Academics
The academics at Culver Academies stand out for multiple reasons.
First, the military school in Indiana utilizes integrated learning techniques to create a unique curriculum.
Secondly, students at Culver Academies are encouraged to lead, teach, and drive discussions in the classroom where faculty take more of a backseat role after introducing cadets to the subject.
The small, personal class sizes (6:1 student-to-faculty ratio) also bodes well for Culver Academies, as students get more attention and feedback compared to most public schools.
Culver Military Academy prepares its cadets for post-secondary education, military life, or civilian careers by focusing on leadership and responsible citizenship training.
The military academy believes in and endorses maintaining wellness through a mind, body, and spirit holistic approach.
Culver Academies only accepts male and female high school students for its boarding school program.
Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for admission or struggle to afford the tuition may want to consider the Culver Summer Schools and Camps.
While Culver Academies now accepts female cadets, it’s still predominantly male based on the student body demographics.
However, the diverse student population and the percentage living on campus (100%) allow plenty of time to make new friends.
Tuition
Culver Academies is primarily a boarding school for male and female high school students.
It offers advanced learning opportunities in a military-structured learning environment to help foster personal growth.
Before graduation, Culver Military Academy graduates value responsibility, honor, and service.
The average boarding school student will pay $61,000 per year to attend one of the Culver Academies.
Culver Academies does charge uniform fees per the norm for a military prep school.
Cadets may also purchase optional instruction like equitation or private music lessons at an additional cost.
There are many types of financial assistance available to cadets and families since Culver Academies is far from the cheapest prep school to attend.
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#2. Anderson Preparatory Academy
- Location: 101 W 29th St, Anderson, IN 46016
- Founded: 2008
- Grades: K-12
- # of Students: 781
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Official Website: https://www.goapa.org/
Anderson Preparatory Academy (APA) is among the best military schools in Indiana despite being in existence for just over a decade.
The public charter school is in Anderson, Indiana, and is supported by nearby Ball State University.
Anderson Preparatory Academy welcomes male and female applicants between the grade levels K-12.
It is unusual to find a military school anywhere in the country that supports education as early as kindergarten or elementary.
For this reason, students can get access to a tremendous education offered at an outstanding value.
Anderson Preparatory Academy is larger than your ordinary military prep school yet still maintains relatively small class sizes with a student to faculty ratio of 14:1.
All in all, Anderson Preparatory Academy has a total enrollment of nearly 800 students.
The military school prioritizes a college preparatory curriculum in liberal arts and sciences.
Academics, leadership, and citizenship remain at the heart of Anderson Prep Academy.
It is founded on many of the same principles as Culver Academies yet offers advanced learning opportunities at a fraction of the cost of attending CMA.
Average Tuition / Boarding
Anderson Preparatory Academy is open to boys and girls in a wide range of grade levels.
The military-style academy focuses most of its training and leadership development in the middle school and high school programs.
However, students can get a head start and excel academically at Anderson Prep Academy as early as kindergarten.
Even better, since Anderson Preparatory is a public charter school, it’s tuition-free.
Furthermore, the military school in Indiana is open to any student who resides in the state (you don’t have to live in Anderson, IN).
Anderson Preparatory Academy utilizes various instruction methods and blended rotation in its studies.
The institution seeks to cultivate scholars, introduce core values, and empower leaders.
The safe, structured, and disciplined environment at Anderson Prep Academy is the ideal learning environment for a child and substantially more affordable than CMA.
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#4. Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy
- Location: 10892 N, IN-140, Knightstown, IN 46148
- Founded: 2007
- Grades: 10-12
- # of Students: 200
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Official Website: https://www.in.gov/indiana-national-guard/adjutant-generals-office/hyca/
Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy is an extension of the nationwide military school program.
The military school in Indiana was established in 2007 to support the needs of the local community.
The academy features military-based training for at-risk youth who have yet to graduate and are between the ages of 16-18.
Indiana Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy can make a substantial difference and completely change the direction of life for the better.
Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy trains and mentors youth to develop relevant job skills as well as earn a high school diploma.
It does require a 17.5-month commitment, however, there is no cost to attend.
HYCA is part of the National Youth Challenge Program which was created in 1993 by the U.S. National Guard.
It assists young men and women in transforming their lives whether they are high school dropouts or struggling with behavioral issues.
Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy can assist the unemployed so long as they are committed to a drug-free and crime-free lifestyle.
In addition to the military boarding school, HYCA also provides mentoring and post-secondary educational counseling.
Average Tuition / Boarding
Indiana Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy was founded in 2007 to provide a local extension of the National Guard teen at-risk program.
The military school in Indiana is located in Knightstown and requires a 17.5-month commitment.
However, there is zero obligation for military service following your completion at Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy.
The extensive screening process designates applicable candidates and the 2-week acclimation phase introduces cadets to the military-structured environment.
The residential phase is at least 5 months followed by a year-long post-residential mentorship phase where graduates seek to land a full-time job or apply for college.
Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy is available to eligible 16-18 boys and girls who voluntarily agree to attend HYCA.
The youth program primarily enrolls high school dropouts, expelled students, or at-risk youth struggling with behavioral problems.
The academy does not allow individuals with felony convictions or pending court cases.
Furthermore, cadets must pledge to abstain from alcohol and drugs.
You can learn more about the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy by contacting them for more information.
Related Article – 15 Best Military Schools for Girls in the US
See Also:
Military Schools for Boys: Top 10 Academies & Boarding Schools in the US
Joining The Military After College: How To Do It The “Right” Way
Military Schools in California
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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