Military College Preparatory Schools More Important Than Ever Before
4/11/2013
In a rapidly changing world and in the unpredictable economy that we exist in today, a need exists for military college preparatory schools like never before. Family issues and the failure of our schools to demand obedience and require academic achievement for graduation have created unwanted and unintended change in our society. Necessity or a materialistic mindset often drives parents to the workplace leaving children at home occupying significant portions of their days with computer games, cell phones (texting, more games, and inappropriate communications), and the internet (with its positives come pornography, chat rooms, personal/social networking, and contact with perpetrators of ill will). This is not to mention television where the news and sports have become the only redeeming aspects of programming (some would argue that there is much to be desired in news and sports programming). Thus, increasing portions of our youth include those lacking in self-esteem, physically unfit, under-achieving, possessing little respect for authority, and absent any real ambition or focus in their lives.
Some might say that our country is listing in a direction that is inconsistent with the intent of the founding fathers and national longevity. Our contemporary society is promoting low self-esteem, alternative role models, and an education system with grade inflation and students graduating who cannot read and write. This fails to mention security issues necessitating armed policemen on the grounds of our public schools, and these policemen are armed for a reason!
Where, other than the military college preparatory school, can youth acquire self-esteem, self-discipline, focus, independence, and organizational and time management skills? The day-filling structure of the military educational process leaves little time for non-productive activities but builds on the associated camaraderie and brotherhood inherent in the Corps of Cadets. In some cases, it is the first time a new cadet knows what it feels like to want something and not get it - at least without earning it. While developing intellectually in the classroom and during proctored study periods, the cadet learns accountability and seeks rank/leadership opportunities within the Corps of Cadets that develop yet another dimension of the whole person. In other words, the military model of education does much more than develop cadets intellectually - the process trains the heart, soul, and spirit.
Youth, unaccustomed to the structure, insistence on appropriate classroom behavior (attentive obedience), proctored study periods, and character and social education, learn and develop in a way that causes parents to marvel at the change.
Times have changed from the days when military schools were the destination for wayward boys referred by the local judge. Today’s middle and secondary school military academies are frequented by young men and women with service academy (West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Coast Guard Academy) aspirations, and those who simply need better academic preparation for admission to the college of choice. Others are underachievers who need the 24/7 supervision and structure necessary to qualify for colleges consistent with their ability and preparation. But, like many adolescents, their immaturity and absence of home-generated self-discipline often challenge the most experienced teachers and administrators.
So yes, the military college preparatory school is more important today than ever before. After careful examination, I predict that more and more parents will discover and choose the security, supervision, character and social development, leadership training, and academic demands and expectations inherent in the military model of middle and secondary school education.