Among Florida K–12 schools are four military schools that are accredited by recognized agencies. Two are private/independent, and the other two are public/charter schools. Read on to learn more about military schools in Florida.
An Overview of Military Schools in Florida.
The four K-12 military schools in Florida that are currenty operating with accreditation from recognized agencies are a testament to the alterations that have been taking place in the history of the military school in the United States in the last number of years. For a long time, military school has been mainly an private, all-boys boarding school experience. This is no longer the case, however: public charter military schools are developing and providing an alternative educational approach and environment for public school students.
These four Florida schools all have some similarities: they can be categorized as college preparatory schools, fostering an environment of excellence in academics as well as leadership and character. But this group of schools also has some distinguishing characteristics. An overview of the schools will help identify the differences.
• Admiral Farragut Academy is a coeducational school in St. Petersburg, Florida, serving grades PreK through grade 5 in the Elementary School, grades 6 through 8 in the Middle School, and grades 9 through 12 in the High School. They accept day and boarding students, and boarders have a choice of 5-day or 7-day boarding. It is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It was founded in 1933. Students come from 14 countries and have the opportunity to enroll in 8 AP classes, 29 dual enrollment classes offered jointly with St. Petersburg College, and online courses.
• Florida Air Academy is a coeducational school in Melbourne, Florida, serving grades 7 through 12, offering day and boarding opportunities, and enrolling twenty percent international students. Florida Air Academy is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), as well as being a member of the Association of Military Schools and Colleges (AMSCUS) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). It was founded in 1961. Graduation requirements include at least 100 hours of community service, standardized testing for college admission, and acceptance into a college or university.
• Francis Marion Military Academy Charter School is a coeducational public charter school in Ocala, Florida, serving high school students in grades 9 through 12. It was founded in 2008. Activities include Orienteering, Sailing, Crew, Color Guard, Drill Team, Rifle Team, and National Honor Society.
• Sarasota Military Academy Charter School SMA is a public grade 9 through 12 high school, approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation (SACS). The school was founded in 2002 and has been a Five Star High School in six consecutive years, with a 92% college acceptance rate.
