California is home to a few high ranking military schools for both grade school to college preparatory academies and one college level maritime institution. Most of the schools offer a full-time year-round boarding option as well as a day option for attending. Programs were ranked according to a matrix using the cost, graduation rate, rate of college or career entrance upon graduating, and faculty to student ratio, and cadet/parent satisfaction.
Here are the best 6 Military Schools in California
Grade School and College Preparatory Military Schools in California
1. Army and Navy Academy Points: 15
The Army and Navy Academy was founded in 1910 and is an all boys boarding school offering grades 7 through 12. It is a West Point style JROTC school that prepares boys to become the best version of themselves as they rise up to meet their goals in various areas of life. They engage in rigorous academics as well as a variety of athletic programs. It is one of the most respected military boarding programs in the nation, students from Asia, South America, and Europe are also admitted. With it being located right near the beach, every day provides a new adventure for cadets attending. Cadets receive excellent academic preparation, leadership training, and necessary structure for their success now and in the future.
At A Glance
- Location: Carlsbad, California
- Cost For Yearly Boarding: $41,500
- Cost for Yearly School: $23,750
- Ages: 7 grade through 12 grade
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1
- Graduation Rate: N/A
2. St. Catherine’s Academy Points: 14
St. Catherine’s Academy is an all-boys military school that is affiliated with and accredited by the following: Western Association of Schools and Colleges National Catholic Educational Association Catholic Boarding Schools Associations Association of Military Colleges and Schools International Boys’ Schools Coalition. St. Catherine’s offers excellent academics as well as leadership, discipline, and respect. Cadet’s have opportunities to participate in athletics as well as music programs. The music program will offer private and group instruction once a week with piano, guitar, and band. Cadets participate in daily activities including flag salute, drill instruction, honor guard, color guard, drill team, and more.
At A Glance
- Location: Anaheim, California
- Cost: $41,010 Yearly Boarding
- Ages: K through 8th Grade
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1
- Graduation Rate: N/A
3. Oakland Military Institute College Preparatory Academy Points: 13
Oakland Military Institute College Preparatory Academy is one of the youngest military schools in the nation, established in 2001. OMI was chartered by the then mayor and students were admitted by a lottery system due to the high number of interested applicants. Since it is chartered by the local government, there is no charge for attendance and admissions is non-sectarian. OMI is a rigorous preparatory academy that promotes excellence in four pillars; academics, leadership, citizenship, and athletics. Cadets have opportunities for leadership and promotion. Though there is a strong emphasis on academic excellence, cadets are still provided other opportunities in areas of athletics and more to excel during their time at OMI.
At A Glance
- Location: Oakland, California
- Cost: No Cost
- Ages: Grades 6 through 12
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 16 to 1
- Graduation Rate: 98%
4. California Military Institute Points: 7
The California Military Institute is a coeducational school offering grades 5 through 12. Students of California Military Institute become well-rounded individuals with not only rigorous academics, but also a strong commitment to community and service. Cadets are expected to wear uniforms, pay close attention to their training and leadership skills as well as their character both on campus and off. Faculty employed by California Military Institute are passionate about teaching and the material they cover as well as caring about student’s success. Cadets also receive training in military science as part of their education as they follow the schools core values and cadet honor code. Cadets will also participate in retreats, camps, and other special training opportunities.
At A Glance
- Location: Perris, California
- Cost: N/A
- Ages: 5th grade to 12th grade
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 25 to 1
- Graduation Rate: N/A
College Level Military Schools in California
1. California Maritime Academy
California Maritime Academy is one of seven degree-granting maritime academies in the nation and the only one on the West Coast. An institution for undergraduate, degree-seeking students, Cal Maritime welcomes both men and women from across the nation as well as international students. One of the unique aspects of earning a degree here is the on board training students receive on the 500 foot Training Ship Golden Bear. It is essentially a floating classroom and laboratory where students apply the concepts and theory they have learned and put it into practice in real world experiences. Class sizes are small allowing for students to be mentored by faculty all along the way. Graduates have been employed in various maritime careers in ports and on the sea.
At A Glance
- Location: Vallejo, California
- Cost: Resident: $7,116 Non-Resident: $18,996
- Ages: Undergraduate
- Programs: BS
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 13 to 1
- Graduation Rate: 62.7%
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